Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt
Gildan 18500 is one of the most common blank hoodies used for decorated apparel, including print on demand. On Everything Volleyball, when a product says “Gildan 18500,” it means the design is printed on this exact hoodie model, so the feel, warmth, and fit come from the blank, not just the artwork.
It is a go to choice for volleyball families because it is warm enough for cold gyms, easy to care for, and consistent across sizes and colors.
Quick specs at a glance
Gildan lists the 18500 as an 8.0 oz fleece hoodie with a classic fit, a pouch pocket, and a double lined hood. The standard fabric blend for solids is 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester.
Gildan also highlights that Heavy Blend uses air combed MVS yarn that helps reduce pilling and creates a smoother surface for decoration.
Fabric and color blend notes
Most of the time, you can assume the 50 50 blend for solids. Some heather colorways can be different, and common listings note that a few heather shades are 60 percent polyester and 40 percent cotton. That is normal for this model, and it is one reason the “feel” can vary slightly by color.
What it feels like in real life
The 18500 is a warm, classic hoodie with a cozy fleece interior. It is not meant to feel like a luxury fashion hoodie, but it is comfortable and dependable, which is exactly why it is used so often. If you want a hoodie that you can throw on for a long tournament day and not worry about, this is a solid choice.
For volleyball moms, it is the kind of hoodie that earns a permanent spot in the car or the tournament bag because it works in almost every gym situation.
Fit and sizing notes
Gildan describes the fit as classic, which generally means standard unisex sizing with a relaxed, roomy feel. If you like a normal comfortable hoodie fit, your usual unisex size is a safe choice. If you want a more fitted look, sizing down can help. If you want an oversized tournament hoodie vibe, sizing up is the move.
Why we use Gildan 18500
We use the 18500 when the goal is a reliable hoodie that is warm, widely available, and consistent for buyers. It is also built for decoration, and Gildan positions it as having a surface that helps designs pop, which matters for printed graphics.
Care tips
For the best long term results, wash inside out in cold water and dry on low heat. If you want to extend the life of the print and keep the fabric feeling newer, air drying helps.
Official specs
If you want to confirm details directly from the manufacturer, use the official Gildan 18500 page.