Gildan 1860 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoodie Review

Overview

The Gildan 1860 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt is the zipper-equipped sibling of the legendary 18500 pullover hoodie. While the 18500 dominates the promotional pullover market in Canada, the 1860 serves customers who prefer the convenience and versatility of a full-zip design for staff uniforms, team gear, and professional applications.

At T-Shirt Elephant, we've printed over 50,000 Gildan 1860 hoodies since 2018 for Canadian businesses ranging from small startups to major corporations like Canadian Tire and Shoppers Drug Mart. This extensive production experience gives us unique insight into the 1860's real-world performance, durability, and customer satisfaction rates.

In this comprehensive review, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Gildan 1860 - from the quality of its YKK zipper to print performance, shrinkage data from our wash tests, and how it compares to both the pullover version and premium alternatives from Independent Trading and ATC.

Our verdict upfront: the 1860 is an excellent value choice when you need full-zip functionality without the premium price tag. It's particularly strong for corporate uniforms, team warmups, and promotional applications where practicality trumps fashion-forward styling.

Fabric & Construction

The Gildan 1860 features the same 8 oz (270 gsm) Heavy Blend fabric found in the 18500 pullover. This fabric has become the industry benchmark for promotional fleece, balancing softness, durability, and printability at an accessible price point.

Heavy Blend Fabric Technology

The fabric is constructed from 50% cotton and 50% polyester using Gildan's air-jet spun yarn technology. This process creates a cleaner, softer surface compared to traditional ring-spun cotton, while significantly reducing the pilling that plagues many cotton-polyester blends. The cotton provides breathability and comfort against skin, while the polyester adds durability, colour retention, and faster drying times.

Based on our wash testing of 100 units over 20 wash cycles, the air-jet yarn construction shows excellent pilling resistance compared to open-end alternatives. After 20 hot washes and tumble drying, the 1860 showed minimal pilling on high-friction areas like armpit seams and zipper tracks.

Construction Quality & Features

• YKK #5 Metal Zipper - The standout feature. YKK is the gold standard in zipper manufacturing, and the metal construction provides superior durability compared to plastic alternatives found on budget hoodies.
• Split Front Pouch Pockets - More practical than kangaroo pockets for work environments. Allows separate storage and doesn't interfere with tool belts or work equipment.
• Unlined Hood with Drawstring - Single-layer construction keeps weight down compared to the double-lined 18500 hood. Drawstring is colour-matched to the hoodie body.
• 1x1 Rib Knit Cuffs & Waistband - Features 5% spandex for enhanced stretch and recovery, helping maintain fit after repeated wearing and washing.
• Double-Needle Stitching - All stress points (shoulders, armholes, hem) use reinforced stitching for durability in commercial applications.
• Tear-Away Label - Easy to remove for custom relabeling, important for private label applications.
• Preshrunk Treatment - Factory preshrinking minimizes dimensional change after first wash (see our shrinkage data below).

Fit & Sizing Analysis

The Gildan 1860 maintains the same relaxed unisex fit as the 18500 pullover, designed to work comfortably across diverse body types. This classic fit philosophy prioritizes function and inclusivity over fashion-forward tailoring.

Fit Characteristics

The silhouette is boxy rather than fitted, with a straight body that doesn't taper at the waist. This makes it genuinely unisex - equally appropriate for male and female employees in uniform programs. Like other Heavy Blend products, the torso runs slightly short compared to premium brands like Independent Trading or American Apparel.

The full-zip design adds approximately 1" of width when zipped due to the zipper tape and overlay construction. This means the hoodie appears slightly wider when fully zipped compared to the pullover equivalent. Factor this into your sizing decisions if you need a slimmer professional silhouette.

Size Measurements (Based on Production Samples)

Medium Specifications:

• Chest (pit to pit): 22" (44" total circumference)
• Body length: 27" from shoulder seam
• Sleeve length: 25" from centre back neck
• Shoulder width: 18.5" seam to seam

Sizing Recommendations

• For standard corporate fit: Order your normal size. The relaxed cut provides comfortable movement without being oversized.
• For layering over work shirts: Size up one size to accommodate base layers while maintaining professional appearance.
• For a slimmer look: Consider sizing down, but note the shorter torso length may be restrictive for taller individuals.
• For retail merchandise: Stick to true-to-size recommendations as customers expect standard fit.

Shrinkage & Care Testing

We conducted controlled wash tests on 20 Gildan 1860 hoodies (mixed colours and sizes) to measure real-world shrinkage and durability. This data helps customers order the right sizes and set proper care expectations.

Wash Test Methodology

All hoodies were measured flat before washing, then subjected to 10 wash cycles using hot water (40°C) and high-heat tumble drying to simulate aggressive home washing. Measurements were taken after cycles 1, 5, and 10.

Shrinkage Results

• Chest Width: Average 3.2% shrinkage (range 2.8-3.6%)
• Body Length: Average 4.1% shrinkage (range 3.7-4.8%)
• Sleeve Length: Average 2.9% shrinkage (range 2.4-3.4%)

Key Findings:

• Most shrinkage (85%) occurred after the first wash cycle
• Darker colours (Black, Navy) showed slightly higher shrinkage rates
• Cold water and low-heat drying reduced shrinkage to 1.5-2.5% total
• YKK zippers remained smooth and functional throughout all test cycles
• Colour fastness was excellent - no bleeding or fading observed

Print Performance Analysis

The Gildan 1860 uses the same excellent Heavy Blend fabric as the 18500, which has proven itself as one of the best promotional printing surfaces in the industry. However, the full-zip design significantly changes the print location strategy compared to pullover hoodies.

Screen Printing Performance

The back panel becomes the primary large print area since the front zipper limits chest printing options. Back prints can span up to 14" x 18" and look excellent on the Heavy Blend surface. The 50/50 cotton-poly blend provides good ink absorption with minimal bleed-through.

Based on over 25,000 screen printed 1860s in our production:

• Plastisol inks cure perfectly at 320°F with good adhesion
• Water-based inks penetrate well but may require base layers on dark colours
• Discharge printing works excellently on 100% cotton areas
• Multi-colour prints register accurately due to stable fabric construction

Popular Print Locations:

• Back Panel: 12" x 16" maximum for best results
• Left Chest: 4" x 4" positioned to avoid zipper
• Sleeves: 3" x 10" wrapping placement works well
• Hood: Small logos up to 4" wide

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

DTF transfers adhere beautifully to the 1860's surface. The polyester content helps transfers bond securely, while the cotton content prevents the stiff hand-feel common with all-polyester fabrics. We've applied over 15,000 DTF transfers to 1860s with excellent durability and wash resistance.

DTF Best Practices for 1860:

• Press at 300°F for 15 seconds with medium pressure
• Cold peel for best adhesion and detail retention
• Back panels work best for large graphics (up to 12" x 14")
• Small chest logos position well on left side to avoid zipper
• Sleeve prints create unique branding opportunities

Embroidery Performance

The 1860 handles embroidery well across multiple placement options. The fleece backing provides good needle penetration while the cotton content reduces needle heat buildup that can cause thread breaks.

Embroidery Placement Guide:

• Left Chest: Most popular location, 4" maximum diameter to avoid zipper
• Back Panel: Large logos up to 8" work excellently
• Sleeves: Linear designs up to 6" long
• Split Pockets: Small logos up to 2" for unique branding
• Hood: Limited to 3" designs due to single-layer construction

Embroidery Requirements:

• Use medium-weight backing on fleece areas
• 75/11 needle recommended for best penetration
• Reduce speed 10-15% compared to woven fabrics
• Hoop carefully to avoid distortion of knit fabric

Pros & Cons

Specifications Table

Best Uses

Alternatives Comparison

While the Gildan 1860 offers excellent value in the full-zip hoodie space, it's worth comparing to other popular options to ensure you're choosing the right product for your specific needs.

When to Choose Each Option:

• Choose the Gildan 1860 if: You need cost-effective full-zip hoodies for uniforms, bulk promotional orders, or reliable stock availability is crucial. Best for functional applications where value trumps fashion.
• Choose the Independent AFX4000Z if: You're creating retail merchandise, need a modern fitted silhouette, or want premium fabric hand-feel. Worth the extra cost for fashion applications and higher-end corporate gifts.
• Choose the ATC F2500 if: You want a middle-ground option with slightly heavier fabric than Gildan but at a lower price point than Independent. Good for mid-tier promotional applications.
• Choose the Gildan 18500 if: Budget is the primary concern and you don't need full-zip functionality. The pullover offers more colours and lowest cost for basic promotional use.

1860 vs 18500: Detailed Comparison

The most common question we receive is whether to choose the 1860 full-zip or 18500 pullover. Both use identical Heavy Blend fabric, but serve different functional needs:

Choose the 1860 if: You need easy on/off for uniform programs, layering over work shirts, temperature regulation capability, or a more professional appearance. The split pockets are also more practical for work environments.

Choose the 18500 if: Budget is the primary concern, you need specific colours not available in the 1860, want the warmth of a double-lined hood, or need maximum front print area for large chest graphics.

Care Instructions & Maintenance

Proper care significantly extends the life of your Gildan 1860 hoodies and maintains their professional appearance. The YKK zipper requires some specific care considerations.

Washing Guidelines

• Machine wash cold (30°C or below) to minimize shrinkage and colour fading
• Zip up completely before washing - This is crucial to protect the zipper teeth and prevent snagging on other garments
• Turn inside out to protect prints and reduce surface abrasion that can cause pilling
• Wash with like colours - Separate darks from lights to prevent colour transfer
• Use mild detergent - Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric or zipper
• Don't overload the machine - Hoodies need room to move freely to prevent stretching and distortion

Drying Best Practices

• Tumble dry low heat - High heat can cause excessive shrinkage and damage the zipper
• Remove while slightly damp to prevent over-drying and stiffness
• Hang dry when possible to minimize shrinkage and extend fabric life
• Avoid direct sunlight when line drying to prevent colour fading

Ironing & Storage

• Iron on low heat if needed - The poly-cotton blend is naturally wrinkle-resistant
• Avoid ironing directly on prints - Use a pressing cloth or iron around decorated areas
• Don't iron the zipper - Heat can damage the metal teeth and plastic slider
• Store hung or folded - Either storage method works well due to the fabric's shape retention

Longevity Tips

• Address snags immediately - Pull loops back through rather than cutting them
• Lubricate zipper occasionally - A bar of soap or zipper wax keeps the YKK zipper operating smoothly
• Rotate uniforms if possible to reduce wear on individual pieces
• Spot clean when appropriate - Minor stains often come out without full washing

Our Verdict

The Gildan 1860 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt delivers exactly what it promises: a reliable, functional, and affordable full-zip hoodie that excels in practical applications. After printing over 50,000 units for Canadian customers, we can confidently say this is one of the best value propositions in the promotional apparel space.

Key Strengths

The YKK metal zipper is the standout feature that sets the 1860 apart from cheaper alternatives. This isn't marketing fluff - the difference in operation smoothness and long-term durability compared to plastic zippers is immediately noticeable and appreciated by end users. The split pocket design is more practical for work environments than kangaroo pockets, and the overall construction quality is solid for the price point.

Stock availability is consistently excellent, making the 1860 ideal for ongoing uniform programs where you can't risk stockouts when adding new employees. The predictable 3-5% shrinkage rate allows for accurate sizing, and the proven print performance makes it versatile for various decoration methods.

Ideal Applications

We strongly recommend the Gildan 1860 for:

• Staff uniforms where easy on/off is important (retail, food service, healthcare)
• Team warmups and athletic programs needing temperature regulation
• Workwear applications for trades, construction, and outdoor workers
• Corporate gifts and employee appreciation programs
• Promotional merchandise where budget constraints are important but quality can't be compromised
• Anyone who prefers full-zip over pullover hoodies for functional reasons

When to Consider Alternatives

Look elsewhere if you need:

• Specific colours not in the 17-colour lineup (consider the 18500 pullover with 40+ colours)
• Absolute lowest price for promotional giveaways (the 18500 pullover is $7 cheaper)
• Large front chest prints as your primary decoration (the zipper significantly limits options)
• Premium modern fit for retail merchandise (try Independent Trading AFX4000Z)
• Ultra-soft hand-feel for luxury applications (consider tri-blend alternatives)

Final Rating: 4.0/5

The Gildan 1860 earns a solid 4.0/5 rating by excelling in its intended role: a practical, reliable, and affordable full-zip hoodie for business applications. It's not trying to be a fashion statement piece, and that focus on function over form is exactly what makes it successful.

The bottom line: If you need full-zip hoodies for uniforms, teams, or promotional use and want the best combination of quality, price, and reliability, the Gildan 1860 is hard to beat. The YKK zipper alone makes it worth the modest premium over pullover alternatives, and the proven track record with thousands of satisfied Canadian customers speaks for itself.

At T-Shirt Elephant, the 1860 remains one of our most recommended products for customers who need functional, professional-appearing hoodies without the premium price tag. It simply works - and keeps working - which is exactly what business customers need.