Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt Review

Overview

The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt is the workhorse of the custom apparel industry. If you've ever received a hoodie at a school event, charity run, corporate team-building session, or promotional giveaway, there's a good chance it was an 18500. It's earned this status through a winning combination of affordable pricing, reliable availability, and "good enough" quality.

In this comprehensive review, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Gildan 18500 - from fabric composition and fit to print performance and how it stacks up against the competition.

Fabric & Construction Deep Dive

The Gildan 18500 features an 8 oz (270 gsm) Heavy Blend fabric constructed from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Gildan uses air-jet spun yarn technology, which creates a cleaner, softer surface with reduced pilling compared to traditional ring-spun yarns. The fabric has a brushed fleece interior that provides comfortable warmth without excessive bulk.

Fabric Construction Details

• 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend - Balances cotton's softness with polyester's durability and shape retention
• Air-Jet Spun Yarn - Reduces pilling and creates a smoother printing surface
• Preshrunk Fabric - Minimises shrinkage to 3-5% after washing
• Double-Needle Stitching - Reinforced seams at collar, shoulders, armholes, and cuffs
• 1x1 Rib Knit Cuffs & Waistband - Features spandex for enhanced stretch and recovery
• Tear-Away Label - Easy to remove for custom relabeling
• Brushed Interior - Provides warmth and comfort against skin
• Double-Lined Hood - Enhanced structure and wind protection

Hood Design & Features

The double-lined hood is one of the standout features of the Gildan 18500. Unlike single-layer hoods that can feel flimsy, the double construction provides better shape retention and wind resistance. The hood features matching drawcords with nickel eyelets, giving it a clean, professional appearance suitable for corporate settings.

Hood Specifications

• Double-layer construction for durability
• Matching drawcord (not contrasting)
• Nickel eyelets resist tarnishing
• Full coverage design for maximum warmth
• Compatible with embroidery decoration

Fit & Sizing Analysis

The Gildan 18500 has a classic, relaxed unisex fit designed to accommodate a wide range of body types. The silhouette is boxy rather than fitted, making it work as a true unisex garment but sacrificing some style points in the process.

One common complaint is that the torso runs slightly short compared to competitors like Champion and Independent Trading. If you prefer a longer fit or frequently tumble dry your hoodies, consider sizing up.

Detailed Sizing Recommendations

• For standard fit: Order your normal size - fits true to chest measurements
• For layering or longer length: Size up one - adds 2" to chest and 1" to length
• For women preferring fitted look: Size down one, but length may be very short
• For tall individuals: Always size up or consider tall-specific alternatives
• For embroidery-heavy designs: Size up to prevent puckering

Fit Comparison by Body Type

Athletic/Muscular Build

The boxy cut works reasonably well for athletic builds, though the shorter length may reveal midriff during arm stretching. The sleeve width accommodates developed shoulders and arms.

Slim/Lean Build

May appear oversized and unflattering. Consider the Gildan SF500 Softstyle for a more fitted alternative.

Plus Size

Works well in extended sizes (3XL-5XL) with good coverage and comfort. The relaxed fit is forgiving and comfortable.

Print Performance Analysis

The Gildan 18500 excels as a printing blank, which is a major reason for its industry dominance. The 50/50 blend and air-jet spun yarn create an ideal surface for various decoration methods.

Screen Printing Performance

The 18500 is outstanding for screen printing. The smooth, stable fabric surface allows for excellent ink adhesion and vibrant colour reproduction. The polyester content helps ink cure evenly, while the cotton provides good absorption. Prints come out crisp and hold up well through repeated washes.

Screen Printing Advantages

• Excellent ink adhesion on air-jet surface
• Minimal fabric stretch during printing
• Even ink penetration across surface
• Good coverage on both light and dark colours
• Minimal show-through on light fabrics
• Handles multiple colours and layers well

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

Direct-to-Film transfers adhere beautifully to the 18500's surface. The poly-cotton blend allows transfers to bond securely while maintaining flexibility. This makes it an excellent choice for full-colour photographic designs and complex graphics.

DTF Performance Benefits

• Strong initial adhesion
• Excellent wash durability (50+ washes)
• Vibrant colour reproduction
• Detailed graphics render clearly
• No cracking with proper application
• Cost-effective for small runs

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

While not the ideal surface for HTV compared to 100% cotton, the 18500 works adequately with proper technique. Use slightly higher pressure and longer dwell times for best adhesion.

Embroidery Considerations

The 18500 handles embroidery reasonably well, though the fleece interior can make stabilisation tricky for very detailed designs. For standard logo placements on the chest or back, it performs admirably. Heavy embroidery may require additional backing to prevent distortion.

Embroidery Best Practices

• Use cut-away stabiliser for dimensional stability
• Reduce stitch density by 10-15% compared to woven fabrics
• Test needle sizes - typically 75/11 works well
• Consider backing removal for comfort in high-stitch areas
• Hoop carefully to avoid stretching the knit

Seasonal Performance & Warmth

Despite being marketed as "Heavy Blend," the 8 oz weight places the Gildan 18500 firmly in midweight territory. It's perfect for Canadian spring and fall weather, but may not provide sufficient warmth for harsh winter conditions.

Temperature Suitability

• Spring (5-15°C): Excellent as outer layer
• Summer (20°C+): May be too warm, better for air-conditioned spaces
• Fall (0-15°C): Ideal as outer layer or mid-layer
• Winter (-10 to 5°C): Good as mid-layer under jacket
• Extreme Cold (-20°C+): Insufficient as primary insulation

Pros & Cons Analysis

Best Use Cases & Applications

Comprehensive Comparison Analysis

Here's how the Gildan 18500 stacks up against other popular blank hoodies available in Canada:

When to Choose Alternatives

Choose Champion S700 if:

• You need slightly more weight and warmth
• Length is important (runs longer than Gildan)
• Environmental considerations matter (recycled polyester)
• You prefer the Champion brand reputation

Choose Independent IND4000 if:

• Style and modern fit are priorities
• You're creating premium merchandise for resale
• Maximum warmth and weight are needed
• The higher price point is acceptable

Choose Jerzees 996 if:

• You want similar value to Gildan with slight differences
• Colour selection matches your needs better
• Your supplier has better availability

Care Instructions & Maintenance

To maximise the life of your Gildan 18500 hoodies and preserve any custom printing:

Washing Guidelines

1. Machine wash cold (30°C maximum) with like colours
2. Turn inside out to protect prints and reduce pilling
3. Use mild detergent - avoid fabric softeners on printed areas
4. Wash with similar weights to prevent abrasion
5. Do not overload the washing machine

Drying Guidelines

1. Tumble dry low or hang dry (high heat increases shrinkage)
2. Remove promptly when dry to prevent wrinkles
3. Shake out before hanging to maintain shape
4. Avoid direct sunlight when line drying to prevent fading

Special Care Notes

• Do not bleach - use oxygen bleach alternatives if needed
• Iron on low heat if needed - avoid ironing directly on prints
• Do not dry clean - chemicals can affect the fabric blend
• Store hanging to prevent fold creases in the hood
• Repair small pulls immediately to prevent runs