If you’re in the custom apparel business — whether you run a screen printing shop, manage a promotional products company, or sell branded merch online — you already know that hoodies are one of the highest-margin items you can offer. And when it comes to Gildan 18500 wholesale buying, no other hoodie delivers the same combination of rock-bottom pricing, reliable quality, and massive color selection.
The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt has been a staple in the blank apparel industry for years. It’s the hoodie you see at fundraisers, school spirit events, corporate giveaways, and streetwear startups alike. In this comprehensive wholesale buying guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from fabric specs and sizing to pricing tiers, color options, decoration methods, and how it stacks up against competitors like the Champion S700 and Independent Trading Co SS4500.
Whether you’re placing your first bulk order or your five hundredth, this guide will help you make a smarter Gildan 18500 wholesale purchase in 2026.
What Makes the Gildan 18500 a Wholesale Best-Seller?
The Gildan 18500 isn’t the softest hoodie on the market. It’s not the most fashion-forward. But it might be the smartest wholesale buy you can make — and here’s why.
At its core, the 18500 is built for volume and value. It’s an 8.0 oz/yd² (271 g/m²) fleece hoodie made from a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend using US-grown cotton. That blend matters: the cotton gives it a natural, comfortable hand feel, while the polyester adds durability, shape retention, and resistance to shrinkage.
Gildan’s MVS Air spinning technology is the real differentiator here. This process creates a smoother fabric surface with significantly less pilling — a common complaint with cheaper fleece hoodies. The result is a garment that holds up wash after wash and provides a clean canvas for printing.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Fabric Weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271 g/m²)
- Material: 50% US Cotton / 50% Polyester (some heather sport colors: 60% Polyester / 40% Cotton)
- Technology: MVS Air spinning for reduced pilling and smoother surface
- Hood: Double-lined with color-matched drawcord
- Pocket: Front pouch pocket
- Cuffs & Waistband: 1×1 athletic rib-knit with spandex for stretch and recovery
- Stitching: Double-needle throughout
- Label: Tear-away for easy rebranding
- Fit: Classic/relaxed unisex fit
- Preshrunk: Yes (expect 2-3% length shrinkage)
- Sizes Available: S – 5XL
If you’re already buying blank apparel for your business, you might also want to check out our Gildan 18000 Wholesale Crewneck Sweatshirt Guide — the 18500’s crewneck counterpart that uses the same Heavy Blend fabric.
Gildan 18500 Sizing Guide
Getting sizing right is critical when you’re buying wholesale. Returns and exchanges eat into your margins fast. Here’s the complete Gildan 18500 size chart to help you order with confidence:
Adult Sizing (Inches)
| Size | Chest Width (flat) | Body Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 20″ | 27″ |
| M | 22″ | 28″ |
| L | 24″ | 29″ |
| XL | 26″ | 30″ |
| 2XL | 28″ | 31″ |
| 3XL | 30″ | 32″ |
| 4XL | 32″ | 33″ |
| 5XL | 34″ | 34″ |
Sizing Tips for Wholesale Buyers:
- The 18500 runs true to size with a classic, relaxed fit — it’s not slim-cut.
- For customers who want an oversized/streetwear look, recommend sizing up one size.
- Stock heavier on M, L, and XL — these are your best sellers across most demographics.
- A good starting ratio for general retail: 1 S : 2 M : 3 L : 3 XL : 2 2XL : 1 3XL.
- Note: Sizes 3XL-5XL carry a per-unit upcharge (typically $2-4 more).
Gildan 18500 Wholesale Pricing Breakdown
One of the biggest reasons the Gildan 18500 dominates the wholesale market is price. When you’re decorating and reselling hoodies, every dollar per unit matters — and the 18500 gives you room to breathe.
Here’s what you can expect for Gildan 18500 wholesale pricing in 2026 (prices vary by supplier, color, and order volume):
Estimated Wholesale Price Ranges
| Order Size | Price Per Unit (S-XL) | Price Per Unit (2XL-3XL) | Price Per Unit (4XL-5XL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-11 units | $13.50 – $15.00 | $16.00 – $18.00 | $19.00 – $22.00 |
| 12-35 units | $11.50 – $13.00 | $14.00 – $16.00 | $17.00 – $20.00 |
| 36-71 units | $10.50 – $12.00 | $13.00 – $15.00 | $16.00 – $19.00 |
| 72-143 units | $9.85 – $11.00 | $12.00 – $14.00 | $15.00 – $18.00 |
| 144+ units (case pricing) | $8.50 – $10.50 | $11.00 – $13.00 | $14.00 – $17.00 |
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Price:
- Buy by the case. Gildan 18500 typically ships 18 units per case (S-XL) or 12 per case (2XL+). Case pricing unlocks the deepest discounts.
- Stick to core colors. Black, White, Navy, Sport Grey, and Dark Heather are always in stock and often priced lower than specialty colors.
- Combine with other Gildan styles. Many distributors let you mix Gildan styles within the same order to hit quantity breaks. Pair your 18500 order with Gildan 64000 tees or Gildan 18000 crewnecks to maximize your discount.
- Watch for seasonal deals. Late spring and summer are off-season for hoodies — distributors often run clearance pricing.
Color Options: 48+ Colors for Every Project
The Gildan 18500 is available in over 48 colors — one of the widest selections in the wholesale hoodie market. This massive palette makes it easy to match school colors, brand guidelines, or seasonal trends without switching to a different style.
Most Popular Colors for Wholesale
- Neutrals: Black, White, Sport Grey, Dark Heather, Ash, Charcoal
- Blues: Navy, Royal, Carolina Blue, Indigo Blue, Light Blue
- Reds: Cardinal Red, Cherry Red, Antique Cherry Red, Garnet
- Greens: Forest Green, Irish Green, Military Green, Mint Green
- Fashion Colors: Heliconia, Orchid, Violet, Azalea, Light Pink
- Hi-Vis/Safety: Safety Green (ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant), Safety Pink, Neon Blue
- Earth Tones: Dark Chocolate, Old Gold, Gold, Maroon
Color Selection Tips:
- If you’re printing dark ink designs, light-colored hoodies (White, Ash, Sport Grey) give you the cleanest results.
- For screen printing on dark garments, you’ll need an underbase — factor that into your production costs.
- Safety Green is a strong seller for construction companies, warehouse teams, and outdoor events.
- Heather sport colors (60/40 poly-cotton blend) have a slightly different feel — order samples before committing to large quantities.
Best Decoration Methods for the Gildan 18500
The 18500’s fabric construction makes it compatible with virtually every major decoration method. Here’s how each one performs:
Screen Printing
This is where the Gildan 18500 shines. The MVS Air-spun fabric creates a smooth, consistent surface that holds ink beautifully. The 50/50 blend means less ink absorption than 100% cotton, so your prints stay vibrant longer. For high-volume orders (50+ pieces in the same design), screen printing on the 18500 is your most cost-effective decoration method.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Transfers
DTF has exploded in popularity, and the Gildan 18500 is an excellent candidate. The polyester content helps DTF transfers adhere strongly, and the smooth fabric surface prevents the “hairy” look you sometimes get on cheaper fleece. DTF works on both light and dark colors with no need for color separation — making it ideal for small runs and multi-color designs.
Embroidery
The 8 oz fleece weight provides excellent stitch stability without the needle pulling or bunching you’d get on lighter fabrics. The double-lined hood also embroiders well for left-chest or hood-back placements. Use a medium-weight cutaway stabilizer for best results.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
DTG works on the 18500, but results can vary. The polyester content can cause some dye migration on dark colors — pretreat carefully and use a lower cure temperature. For DTG, you might prefer a higher cotton content hoodie like the Independent Trading Co SS4500.
Vinyl/HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
HTV adheres well to the 18500’s surface. The 50/50 blend handles heat pressing at standard temperatures (305-315°F) without scorching. Great for names, numbers, and simple one-color designs.
Gildan 18500 vs. the Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
The Gildan 18500 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Let’s see how it compares to two of its biggest competitors in the wholesale hoodie space.
Gildan 18500 vs. Champion S700
| Feature | Gildan 18500 | Champion S700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Weight | 8.0 oz/yd² | 9.0 oz/yd² |
| Material | 50/50 Cotton/Poly | 50/50 Cotton/Poly (5% recycled) |
| Wholesale Price (approx.) | $9.85 – $13.50 | $14.00 – $20.00 |
| Color Options | 48+ | 25+ |
| Fit | Classic/Relaxed | Regular |
| Brand Logo | None (tear-away label) | “C” logo on sleeve (required) |
| Best For | Budget bulk orders, custom branding | Brand-conscious buyers, eco-friendly |
The Verdict: The Champion S700 is a solid hoodie with brand recognition and eco-friendly credentials. But for Gildan 18500 wholesale buyers, the 18500 wins on price, color variety, and branding flexibility. The Champion “C” logo on the sleeve is a deal-breaker for many custom apparel businesses — you can’t remove it, and your client’s brand has to share space with Champion’s. The 18500’s tear-away label gives you a completely blank canvas.
Gildan 18500 vs. Independent Trading Co SS4500
| Feature | Gildan 18500 | Independent Trading Co SS4500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Weight | 8.0 oz/yd² | 8.5 oz/yd² |
| Material | 50/50 Cotton/Poly | 80/20 Cotton/Poly (100% cotton face) |
| Wholesale Price (approx.) | $9.85 – $13.50 | $14.00 – $18.00 |
| Color Options | 48+ | 55+ |
| Fit | Classic/Relaxed | Modern/Standard (side-seamed) |
| Hood Lining | Double-lined fleece | Jersey-lined |
| Feel | Smooth, reliable | Soft, plush, premium |
| Best For | Budget wholesale, events, everyday | Streetwear, boutique, premium merch |
The Verdict: The SS4500 is objectively a nicer hoodie — softer fabric, better construction details, and a more modern fit. But it costs 30-50% more per unit. If you’re building a premium streetwear brand or selling $45+ hoodies, the SS4500 is worth the upcharge. But if you’re selling decorated hoodies at $25-35 retail, running a fundraiser, or fulfilling corporate orders where budget matters, the Gildan 18500 wholesale price point can’t be beat.
For another perspective on picking the right blank for your business, check out our comparison guide: Bella Canvas 3001 vs Gildan 64000: Which Blank Tee Is Best for Your Business?
Best Uses for the Gildan 18500
The 18500’s versatility is one of its biggest selling points. Here are the most profitable use cases:
- School Spirit Wear: School colors are easy to match with 48+ options. Bulk pricing keeps margins healthy on $25-30 retail hoodies.
- Corporate Merchandise: Company logos look sharp screen printed or embroidered. The tear-away label lets you add custom brand labels.
- Fundraisers & Events: Low per-unit cost means more money goes to the cause. Quick turnaround from most distributors.
- Online Merch Stores: If you’re selling through Etsy, Shopify, or your own site, the 18500 lets you maintain healthy margins on $30-40 retail hoodies.
- Workwear & Uniforms: The Safety Green option is ANSI-compliant. Durable construction stands up to daily wear.
- Promotional Giveaways: At sub-$10 per unit on large orders, hoodies become a viable promo item — and they get way more wear than a pen or a koozie.
- Streetwear Startups: For brands just getting started, the 18500 lets you test designs and build a customer base before upgrading to premium blanks.
If you’re also looking to stock tees alongside your hoodies, our Comfort Colors 1717 Wholesale Buying Guide covers another hugely popular blank that pairs well with the 18500 in any catalog.
How to Order Gildan 18500 Wholesale
Ready to place your order? Here’s a quick rundown of the ordering process:
- Choose your distributor. Major wholesale distributors carrying the Gildan 18500 include S&S Activewear, SanMar, AlphaBroder, and TSC Apparel. Each has different minimum order requirements and pricing tiers.
- Set up a wholesale account. Most distributors require business verification (resale certificate, business license, or tax ID) to access wholesale pricing.
- Select your colors and sizes. Use the sizing ratio we recommended above as a starting point, and adjust based on your customer demographics.
- Check inventory. Popular colors in popular sizes can sell out during peak season (August-November). Order early for fall and holiday projects.
- Factor in decoration costs. Your total cost per unit = blank cost + decoration + packaging + shipping. Build your retail price from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gildan 18500 made of?
The Gildan 18500 is made from an 8.0 oz/yd² blend of 50% US-grown cotton and 50% polyester. Heather sport colors use a 60% polyester / 40% cotton blend. The fabric is constructed using MVS Air spinning technology for reduced pilling and a smoother surface.
Is the Gildan 18500 good for screen printing?
Yes — the Gildan 18500 is one of the most popular hoodies for screen printing in the industry. The MVS Air-spun fabric creates a smooth, consistent print surface, and the 50/50 blend holds ink well with excellent color vibrancy and durability.
What’s the difference between the Gildan 18500 and the Gildan 18000?
The Gildan 18000 is the crewneck sweatshirt version — same Heavy Blend fabric, same quality, just without the hood and front pocket. If you need both styles for a project, they match perfectly in color and fabric weight.
Does the Gildan 18500 shrink?
The Gildan 18500 is preshrunk, but you can still expect 2-3% shrinkage in length after washing and drying. This is minimal and shouldn’t affect sizing significantly. Always wash in cold water and tumble dry on low for best results.
How many colors does the Gildan 18500 come in?
The Gildan 18500 is available in over 48 colors, ranging from basic neutrals (Black, White, Navy) to fashion colors (Heliconia, Orchid, Mint Green) to safety/hi-vis options (Safety Green, Safety Pink). It’s one of the largest color offerings in the wholesale hoodie market.
What sizes does the Gildan 18500 come in?
The Gildan 18500 is available in sizes S through 5XL. Sizes S-XL are standard pricing, while sizes 2XL-5XL carry a per-unit upcharge that varies by distributor (typically $2-6 extra per unit).
Is the Gildan 18500 better than the Independent Trading Co SS4500?
It depends on your use case. The SS4500 has a softer, more premium feel with an 80/20 cotton/poly blend and side-seamed construction — ideal for streetwear and boutique brands. The Gildan 18500 costs 30-50% less per unit and is better suited for budget-conscious bulk orders, events, and everyday custom apparel. For most wholesale buyers prioritizing margins, the 18500 is the smarter buy.
Can I use the Gildan 18500 for embroidery?
Absolutely. The 8 oz fleece weight provides excellent stitch stability. The double-lined hood also handles embroidery well for hood-back or left-chest placements. Use a medium-weight cutaway stabilizer for the cleanest results.
Is the Gildan 18500 ANSI-compliant for safety wear?
The Safety Green color option is compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards, making it suitable for workwear applications in construction, warehousing, and outdoor events where visibility is required.
Final Thoughts: Why the Gildan 18500 Belongs in Your Wholesale Lineup
The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s not the softest hoodie. It’s not the trendiest. But it is the most reliable, cost-effective, and versatile wholesale hoodie on the market — and that’s exactly what makes it a best-seller year after year.
With 48+ colors, sizes up to 5XL, sub-$10 case pricing on core colors, and compatibility with every major decoration method, the 18500 is the foundation of countless successful custom apparel businesses. Whether you’re printing spirit wear for a high school, embroidering logos for a corporate client, or pressing DTF transfers for your online store — this hoodie delivers consistent quality at a price that protects your margins.
Ready to stock up? Shop Gildan 18500 wholesale at Beytees and get the best pricing on bulk blank hoodies for your next project.
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