Gildan 18500 (G185) Heavy Blend Hoodie: Complete Style Guide for DTF Printing
The Gildan 18500 (G185) Heavy Blend is the best-selling blank hoodie in the industry. This guide covers the full size chart, all color options, DTF press settings for fleece, and wholesale pricing from SanMar, S&S Activewear, and JiffyShirts.
Gildan 18500 (G185) Heavy Blend Hoodie: Complete Style Guide
The Gildan 18500 is the best-selling blank hoodie in the world. Also known as the G185, this 8.0 oz Heavy Blend hooded sweatshirt outsells virtually every other fleece on the market. It has earned this position by delivering a reliable, easy-to-decorate hoodie at a price point that consistently undercuts the competition. If you are pressing DTF transfers onto hoodies, this is almost certainly the garment you will press the most.Gildan 18500 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style Number | 18500 (also called G185) |
| Product Line | Heavy Blend |
| Fabric Weight | 8.0 oz/yd² |
| Fabric Content | 50% cotton / 50% polyester |
| Yarn | Air-jet yarn for softer feel and reduced pilling |
| Fit | Relaxed, classic fit |
| Hood | Double-lined with color-matched drawcord |
| Front pouch pocket | |
| Cuffs/Waistband | 1x1 rib with spandex for enhanced stretch and recovery |
| Stitching | Double-needle stitched throughout |
| Tag | Tear-away tag |
Gildan 18500 Size Chart
| Size | Chest Width | Body Length | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 20" | 27" | 33.5" |
| M | 22" | 28" | 34.5" |
| L | 24" | 29" | 35.5" |
| XL | 26" | 30" | 36.5" |
| 2XL | 28" | 31" | 37.5" |
| 3XL | 30" | 32" | 38.5" |
| 4XL | 32" | 33" | 39.5" |
| 5XL | 34" | 34" | 40.5" |
Color Availability
The Gildan 18500 is available in 40+ colors.
Core Neutrals: White, Black, Sport Grey, Ash, Charcoal, Dark Heather, Sand, Natural Blues: Navy, Royal, Carolina Blue, Indigo Blue, Sapphire, Antique Sapphire Reds & Pinks: Red, Cardinal Red, Garnet, Maroon, Heliconia, Safety Pink Greens: Forest Green, Irish Green, Military Green, Safety Green Yellows & Oranges: Gold, Safety Orange Purples: Purple Trending colors for custom hoodies: Dark Heather, Sand, and Military Green are currently among the best-selling hoodie colors in the custom apparel market. Dark Heather provides a premium charcoal look, Sand delivers a neutral vintage feel, and Military Green appeals to the streetwear crowd.Check current availability at SanMar, S&S Activewear, or JiffyShirts.
DTF Printing on the Gildan 18500
Pressing DTF transfers onto fleece requires different settings than standard t-shirts. The thick 8.0 oz fabric holds more moisture, and the 50/50 polyester blend limits your maximum temperature.
Recommended DTF Press Settings:| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Pre-press | 3–5 seconds (to remove moisture and flatten fibers) |
| Temperature | 285–300°F |
| Time | 15–20 seconds |
| Pressure | Medium |
| Peel | Cold peel |
- Always pre-press to drive out trapped moisture — fleece holds more moisture than t-shirts, and moisture causes bubbling and poor adhesion
- The 50/50 blend means you must stay below 300°F to prevent scorching
- Fleece fibers can interfere with adhesion — pressing slightly longer (15–20 sec vs. 12–15 for tees) helps the DTF powder bond fully
- Use a pressing pillow inside the hoodie to avoid the front pouch pocket seam leaving an impression
- For front prints, consider placing the design above the pouch pocket line for a clean look
- For design sizing on hoodies, see our Shirt Placement Guide
For complete fleece press settings, see our DTF Transfer Temperature Guide.
Gildan 18500 vs. Gildan SF500
| Feature | 18500 Heavy Blend | SF500 Softstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.0 oz | 7.0 oz |
| Fabric | 50/50 Cotton/Poly | 80/20 Ring-Spun Cotton/Poly |
| Feel | Classic fleece | Softer, premium feel |
| Fit | Relaxed, classic | Modern, slightly slimmer |
| Hood | Double-lined | Jersey-lined with flat drawcord |
| Colors | 40+ | 15+ |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| DTF Temp | 285–300°F | 300–315°F |
Where to Buy Gildan 18500 Wholesale
SanMar — Full catalog with all colors. Requires reseller account. S&S Activewear — Competitive pricing. Fast shipping. Easy online ordering. JiffyShirts — No minimums. 1–2 day shipping. Free shipping at $59.Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gildan 18500 hoodies run small?
No. The 18500 runs true to size with a relaxed, generous fit. It is not a slim-fit hoodie. Size down if your customer prefers a snug fit.Is the Gildan 18500 good for DTF?
Yes, with adjusted settings. The 50/50 blend requires 285–300°F (lower than cotton tees), a pre-press to remove moisture, and slightly longer dwell time (15–20 seconds). Results are excellent when settings are correct.What is the difference between Gildan 18500 and 18000?
The Gildan 18000 is the crewneck sweatshirt version — same 8.0 oz Heavy Blend fabric, same construction, just without the hood and pouch pocket. Same DTF settings apply.What is the Gildan 18500 made of?
50% cotton and 50% polyester, using air-jet yarn for a softer feel and reduced pilling.Tags
About the Author
DTF Database Founder
Darrin DeTorres has over 10 years of experience in the print industry, specializing in screen printing, sublimation, embroidery, HTV, and DTF printing. He runs Notice Me Marketing and Media, a custom apparel production company that prints thousands of shirts per month.
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