Gildan sweatshirts are a popular pick for custom apparel, and it's easy to see why. They're comfortable, dependable, budget-friendly, and suited to everyday wear.
In this guide, we'll cover Gildan sweatshirt materials, colors, sizing, and customization options, then show you how to create and sell your own with Printify.
Key takeaways
- Gildan sweatshirts deliver reliable comfort and durability at an affordable price, making them ideal for custom apparel and everyday wear.
- Gildan apparel comes in different styles, from heavyweight fleece to softer midweight and moisture-wicking options.
- A wide color range and classic sizing make it easy to create collections for different styles and audiences.
- With Printify, you can design and sell Gildan sweatshirts worldwide with fast fulfillment and no minimums.
What is Gildan?
Gildan is a Canadian apparel manufacturer that’s best known for its blank apparel, supplying creators, businesses, and sellers worldwide with products designed for customization.
By handling much of its own manufacturing process, from fabric production to the finished garment, Gildan maintains consistent quality while keeping prices competitive.
On the sustainability side, Gildan currently holds an "It's a start" rating from Good On You. The company uses some lower-impact materials, including recycled fibers, and its products are free from animal-derived materials.
Since 2021, Gildan has also been a member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, a program that supports more responsible cotton farming through improved practices for water use, soil health, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Gildan sweatshirts: Overview
Gildan offers a wide selection of sweatshirts built for everyday comfort, dependable quality, and easy customization. Whether you're comparing Gildan sweatshirt materials or looking for the right style to sell, these popular crewneck options are a great place to start.
Gildan 18000 – Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt
The Gildan® 18000 is made with Gildan's Heavy Blend™ fabric, combining US cotton and polyester for a soft feel, durability, and reduced shrinkage. Its classic fit makes it a versatile choice for everyday wear, team apparel, branded merchandise, and custom printing.
Double-needle stitching at the shoulders, armholes, neck, waistband, and cuffs helps the sweatshirt withstand frequent wear and washing. Its smooth surface delivers crisp, consistent results with direct-to-garment (DTG), direct-to-film (DTF), and screen printing, making it a popular choice for print-on-demand sellers looking for reliable quality without a high upfront cost.
On Printify, the Unisex Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt starts at $17.87 and is available with DTG, DTF, and embroidery.
Gildan SF000 – Midweight Softstyle™ Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
If you're looking for a softer, lighter alternative, the Gildan® SF000 is a great choice. Made with a ring-spun cotton blend, this midweight fleece sweatshirt offers a smoother feel while providing enough warmth for year-round wear and layering.
Its modern fit and soft finish make it a popular option for lifestyle brands, retail collections, and premium custom apparel. Compared to the Heavy Blend™ line, it has a slightly lighter feel and a more refined look.
On Printify, the Unisex Midweight Softstyle™ Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt starts at $19.47 and is available with DTG printing.
Unisex DryBlend® Crewneck Sweatshirt
The Gildan® DryBlend® Crewneck Sweatshirt is designed for active lifestyles, using a cotton-poly blend that helps wick moisture away from the body. It's a great choice for gyms, school spirit wear, team apparel, workwear, and everyday comfort.
It has a clean printing surface with a polyester blend that improves moisture management and reduces shrinkage after washing.
On Printify, the Unisex DryBlend® Crewneck Sweatshirt starts at $23.63, making it an accessible option for custom activewear and branded apparel.
Gildan sweatshirt sizing guide
Most Gildan sweatshirt styles have a classic fit and come in sizes ranging from small to larger adult options, so they suit a variety of body types. Here's what to know about Gildan’s sizing and materials before you choose a style.Gildan men’s activewear tops
Gildan men's activewear tops
This Gildan sweatshirt size chart applies to men's sweatshirts and includes a one-inch size tolerance. Compare your measurements before ordering, and check the product page for the most accurate sizing for each style.
Size | Chest |
|---|---|
S | 34”-36” / 86-91 cm |
M | 38”-40” / 97-102 cm |
L | 42”-44” / 107-112 cm |
XL | 46”-48” / 117-122 cm |
2XL | 50”-52” / 127-132 cm |
Gildan women's activewear tops
Women's sweatshirts use a separate Gildan sweatshirt size chart, also with a one-inch size tolerance. Check the product page to confirm the sizing for your chosen style before placing an order.
Size | Waist | Length |
|---|---|---|
S | 32” / 81 cm | 25.25” / 64.1 cm |
M | 34” / 86 cm | 26.25” / 66.7 cm |
L | 37” / 94 cm | 27.25” / 69.2 cm |
XL | 39” / 99 cm | 28” / 71.1 cm |
2XL | 44” / 112 cm | 28.5” / 72.4 cm |
3XL | 47” / 119 cm | 29” / 73.7 cm |
Gildan sweatshirt materials
Gildan sweatshirts offer a comfortable, classic fit that follows traditional sizing. If you prefer a looser feel, consider sizing up, especially with cozy fleece-lined styles.
Do Gildan sweatshirts shrink?
Most sweatshirt styles combine cotton and polyester to balance softness, durability, and easy care. Since each sweatshirt uses a different fabric blend, it's always worth checking the product page before ordering.
The Heavy Blend™ collection combines US cotton and polyester for warmth, reduced shrinkage, and a smooth printing surface. Softstyle™ Fleece uses ring-spun cotton for a softer feel and a cleaner finish, while DryBlend® features moisture-wicking fabric that works well for sportswear, team apparel, and active lifestyles.
If you're creating custom sweatshirts, choose the fabric based on your audience and design. Softer materials pair well with lifestyle brands and retail collections, while durable cotton-poly blends are a dependable choice for everyday wear, workwear, and promotional apparel.
Material is only part of the story. Even sweatshirts made with the same fabric collection can differ in construction, fit, and everyday comfort. Watch our video below to compare the Gildan® Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt 18000 and Gildan® Heavy Blend™ Hooded Sweatshirt 18500 side by side.
How do Gildan sweatshirts fit?
Most Gildan sweatshirts have a comfortable, classic fit and run true to size. Adult styles are available in sizes ranging from XS to XL and beyond, while selected models also come in youth sizes.
If you prefer a looser fit or plan to layer underneath, consider ordering one size up, especially with fleece-lined styles.
Do Gildan sweatshirts shrink?
Like most cotton apparel, Gildan sweatshirts may shrink slightly when exposed to high heat. Most styles use pre-shrunk fabric or cotton-poly blends to help reduce shrinkage, so any size changes after the first wash are typically minimal.
To help your sweatshirt keep its original fit, wash it in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. For the best results, follow the care instructions on the product page before your first wash.
Gildan sweatshirt colors
Gildan sweatshirts come in a wide range of colors, from bold primaries to softer tones and pastels. The brand typically leans more toward strong, saturated colors, which makes sense for team apparel, merch, and high-contrast designs.
That said, there’s still a solid selection of lighter and heather tones for minimalist brands or softer aesthetics. On the official color charts, you’ll find everything from classic staples like black, white, blue, red, and green to lighter hues such as light purple, baby blue, and yellow haze.
Check out our Gildan color chart guide for a closer look at every shade.
Gildan hoodie vs sweatshirt: A quick comparison
Choosing between a Gildan hoodie and sweatshirt depends on how you plan to wear or sell it.
A Gildan crewneck sweatshirt offers a clean, versatile look that layers easily under jackets or over t-shirts. It suits everyday wear, team apparel, and custom designs, with some styles often costing less than hoodies.
A Gildan hoodie adds a hood and front pouch pocket for extra warmth and functionality. It fits casual outfits, streetwear collections, and cooler weather, while full-zip styles offer even more flexibility for layering.
If you're after a timeless wardrobe staple, choose a sweatshirt. For added coverage and everyday utility, a hoodie is the better option.
Still deciding? Check out our hoodie vs sweatshirt guide for a more detailed comparison.
Design custom Gildan sweatshirts and hoodies with Printify
If Gildan provides the blank clothing, Printify helps you turn it into custom sweatshirts you can sell worldwide.
Get access to Gildan’s extensive range of customizable styles, plus a global Print Provider network for fast shipping. There are no minimum order requirements, so you can test designs or expand your catalog at your own pace.
Getting started is simple:
- Sign up for a free Printify account using your email address.
- Choose from Gildan sweatshirts and hoodies in the Catalog.
- Customize your product in the Product Creator. Upload your own artwork or create a design with built-in graphics, stock images, or the AI Image Generator.
- Connect your online store to automate order fulfillment.
Once your store is live, Printify prints, packs, and ships each order directly to your customers. That leaves you more time to focus on growing your business.
Frequently asked questions
Make your next bestseller with Gildan and Printify
From classic crewnecks to performance-focused styles, Gildan offers sweatshirts for a wide range of brands, designs, and budgets. Pair them with Printify, and you can customize, sell, and ship your products without managing inventory or fulfillment.
Browse the Gildan page on Printify, pick your favorite style, and start creating.
