Overview
The Champion S700 Powerblend Pullover Hoodie combines over a century of Champion heritage with modern fabric technology. Built on the Powerblend platform - Champion's proprietary cotton-polyester blend designed to reduce shrinkage and pilling - the S700 delivers the quality construction and iconic branding that has made Champion a household name.
For custom apparel projects where brand perception matters, the Champion name does heavy lifting. People recognize the logo, trust the quality, and are more likely to actually wear a Champion hoodie compared to an unbranded blank. That built-in brand equity is the S700's greatest advantage for anyone creating merchandise, team apparel, or corporate gifts.
Fabric and Quality
The S700 uses a 9 oz 50/50 cotton-polyester Powerblend fabric. Unlike standard cotton-poly blends that tend to pill and shrink noticeably, Powerblend technology is specifically engineered to maintain the garment's appearance wash after wash. The cotton provides breathability and a comfortable hand-feel, while the polyester adds durability and shape retention.
Key Fabric Features
- Powerblend technology - Reduces shrinkage and pilling significantly compared to standard 50/50 blends
- Two-ply hood - Maintains shape and provides better structure than single-ply options
- Double-needle stitching - Reinforced seams at stress points for extended durability
- Dyed-to-match drawcord - Polished detail that elevates the overall aesthetic
- Heavy rib knit cuffs and waistband - Resist stretching and maintain a clean silhouette
- Front pouch pocket - Standard kangaroo pocket with reinforced edges
- Embroidered "C" logo - Iconic Champion branding on left sleeve cuff
Fit and Sizing
The Champion S700 has a classic athletic fit - not overly slim and not excessively baggy. It is designed to be comfortable for everyday wear while maintaining a clean, put-together appearance. The set-in sleeves provide a traditional shoulder line, and the ribbed cuffs and waistband help maintain the hoodie's shape over time.
Sizing runs true to standard North American measurements. Here are our recommendations:
- For a standard fit: Order your regular size - the S700 fits true to size
- For a relaxed/oversized look: Size up one for the popular streetwear aesthetic
- For women: The unisex cut works well but consider sizing down one for a more fitted silhouette
- Size range: Available from S to 3XL (note: no 4XL or 5XL options)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Iconic Champion brand recognition and "C" logo
- Powerblend technology reduces shrinkage and pilling
- Solid 9 oz weight with quality construction
- Two-ply hood for better structure
- Double-needle stitching at stress points
- Dyed-to-match drawcord adds polish
- People actually want to wear this hoodie
- Excellent for screen printing, DTF, and embroidery
Cons
- Higher price point than budget alternatives ($35.95 vs $18)
- Limited colour selection (roughly 15 options)
- Only available up to 3XL (no extended sizes)
- Champion logo may conflict with some custom branding
- Not as soft as ring-spun cotton options
- Extended sizes may have stock gaps seasonally
Print Performance
The Champion S700 performs very well across all major decoration methods. The Powerblend fabric provides a smooth, consistent printing surface that holds decoration nicely.
Screen Printing
The 50/50 cotton-poly blend is excellent for screen printing. The cotton fibres absorb ink well for vibrant colour reproduction, while the polyester content helps prints resist cracking. The 9 oz fabric weight prevents ink bleed-through even with heavy coverage designs. One consideration: the Champion "C" logo on the left sleeve sits at the cuff area and typically does not interfere with standard print placements on the chest, back, or upper sleeve.
DTF Printing
DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers adhere strongly to the Powerblend surface. The fabric's smooth texture provides excellent transfer adhesion, and the blend composition ensures good flexibility in the finished print. DTF is particularly well-suited for detailed, multi-colour designs on the S700.
Embroidery
The 9 oz Powerblend fabric handles embroidery very well. The medium-heavy weight provides enough body to support embroidered designs without puckering, and the blend composition resists needle holes from becoming visible. Left chest logos, sleeve designs, and back embroidery all work excellently on this hoodie.
Best Uses
Champion S700 vs Alternatives
How does the Champion S700 stack up against other popular hoodie blanks? Here is a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Champion S700 | Gildan 18500 | Independent SS4500 | Bella+Canvas 3719 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9 oz | 8 oz | 8.5 oz | 7 oz |
| Material | 50/50 Powerblend | 50/50 Cotton-Poly | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 52/48 Cotton-Poly |
| Fit | Classic Athletic | Classic/Boxy | Modern/Retail | Fashion/Slim |
| Colours | 15+ | 40+ | 30+ | 20+ |
| Sizes | S - 3XL | S - 5XL | XS - 3XL | XS - 2XL |
| Price (CAD) | $35.95 | ~$18 | ~$28 | ~$30 |
| Brand Logo | "C" on sleeve | None (blank) | None (blank) | None (blank) |
| Best For | Brand cachet | Budget/volume | Retail quality | Fashion/modern |
Care Instructions
To get the most out of your Champion S700 hoodies and maintain Powerblend performance:
- Machine wash cold with like colours
- Tumble dry low - Powerblend is designed for machine drying
- Do not bleach
- Iron on low heat if needed (avoid ironing directly on prints or embroidery)
- Turn inside out when washing to protect custom decoration
- Avoid fabric softeners - they can affect print adhesion over time
Our Verdict
The Champion S700 Powerblend Pullover Hoodie occupies a unique position in the custom apparel market. It is not the cheapest option, nor does it have the widest colour selection. What it offers instead is something no generic blank can match: instant brand recognition and perceived quality.
When someone receives a Champion hoodie with your logo on it, they see it differently than an unbranded blank. They associate it with quality, with athletic heritage, with a brand they already know and trust. That perception translates into people actually wearing your custom hoodies rather than leaving them in a drawer.
We recommend the Champion S700 for:
- College and university bookstores, orientation, and alumni merchandise
- Corporate gifts where perceived value matters
- Retail merchandise lines that benefit from Champion brand association
- Sports teams wanting authentic athletic wear
- Streetwear brands leveraging the Champion aesthetic
Consider alternatives if:
- Budget is your primary concern (try Gildan 18500 at roughly half the price)
- You need 40+ colour options (Gildan 18500 wins on colour range)
- You want a softer, more modern retail feel (try Independent SS4500 or Bella+Canvas 3719)
- The Champion logo conflicts with your branding requirements
- You need sizes beyond 3XL (Gildan 18500 goes to 5XL)
