Fleece vs performance vs sweater knit: which quarter zip to order
Quarter zips come in three fabric families, and the right one depends on where it will be worn, how it will be washed and what you want to spend. Battle Born Clothing embroiders all three; here is how we steer buyers.
Quick comparison
| Fabric | Feel | Warmth | Typical blank cost | Embroidery | Example styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester fleece | Soft, smooth face | High | $ to $$ (F218 $21.57) | Easiest; flat and clean | Port Authority F218 |
| Cotton-blend fleece | Sweatshirt hand | High | $ (PC78Q, 18810 quoted) | Easy; cutaway backing | PC78Q, Gildan 18810, SS4600QZ |
| Performance knit | Light, stretchy | Low to medium | $$ (quoted) | Needs light backing, lower density | EXP20PQ, A401, UA 1376844 |
| Sweater fleece | Knit sweater look | Medium-high | $$$ (quoted) | Needs denser underlay | Carhartt CT106378 |
Polyester fleece: the default company quarter zip
Microfleece or value fleece like the Port Authority F218 is warm, light, dries fast and takes embroidery better than anything else on this list. The smooth face means a left-chest logo sits flat with no texture showing through. It is what we recommend when a buyer says they want a quarter zip and nothing else. All-in price with a logo is $27.57 at 24 pieces and $25.57 at 144.
Cotton-blend fleece: the sweatshirt option
A 50/50 or 80/20 cotton-poly fleece (Port & Company PC78Q, Gildan 18810, Independent SS4600QZ) feels like a hoodie with a zipper collar. It is warmer and softer than polyester fleece, costs less in the budget styles, and reads casual. Downsides: it holds moisture, it can shrink slightly, and it is heavier to ship. Embroidery is straightforward with a cutaway stabilizer. Pick it for breweries, trades, school staff and anyone who dislikes the slick feel of polyester.
Performance knit: for people who move
Thin polyester or poly-spandex knits (Independent EXP20PQ, adidas A401, Under Armour 1376844) are built for golf, coaching and warm offices. They are light, stretch, and wick. They are not warm. Embroidery needs care: we digitize at lower density, use a light backing, and keep logos under about 4 inches so the knit does not pucker or cup. They cost more than fleece and are quoted per job. DTF transfers are a poor fit on these thin knits.
Sweater fleece: the manager pick
Sweater fleece (Carhartt CT106378 and similar) has a knit sweater face bonded to a fleece back. It looks dressier than any other option and is what owners and managers choose for themselves. It costs the most and is quoted per job. The textured face needs a denser underlay so the logo does not sink; we handle that in digitizing. DTF does not bond well to the knit face, so plan on embroidery only.
Matching cuts across a team
Several families offer a women's cut: Independent EXP15WPQ matches EXP20PQ, and the IND280MOCK or TriDri TD660 mock neck pairs with a unisex fleece. Order both under one logo and one digitizing fee. More in ordering for a 60-person company.
Our recommendation by use
- Holiday gift for a whole company: polyester fleece (F218).
- Budget staff or volunteer order: cotton-blend fleece (PC78Q).
- Golf, coaching, outside sales: performance (EXP20PQ and EXP15WPQ).
- Leadership or client gift: sweater fleece (CT106378, quoted).
- Jobsite-adjacent office: Carhartt CT105294 (quoted).
Ask us which fabric fits your order
Questions
Which fabric lasts longest?
Polyester fleece and sweater fleece both hold up for years of weekly washing. Cotton blends soften and can pill. Performance knits last well if washed cold and hung to dry.
Can I mix fabrics in one order?
Yes. Each style is priced at its own tier. One logo, one digitizing fee.