Gildan 18500 Hooded Sweatshirt Information & Sizing Chart

The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend™ is the unisex pullover hoodie we print many of our direct‑to‑garment (DTG) designs on. This guide covers the full size chart in inches and centimeters, how to measure for the best fit, the fabric and construction details, and answers to the questions we hear most often.

About the Gildan 18500

The 18500 is a heavyweight pullover hoodie built for everyday wear and a smooth, durable print surface. The Heavy Blend fabric is now made with finer yarns and MVS Air spinning technology, which reduces pilling, improves durability, and creates a smoother surface for your artwork. It is cut as a classic, roomy unisex fit and is offered from XS through 5XL.

  • Weight: 8 oz/yd² heavyweight fleece
  • Fabric: 50% cotton / 50% polyester*
  • Yarn: MVS Air‑spun — softer, less pilling
  • Hood: Double‑lined with color‑matched drawcord
  • Cuffs & waistband: 1×1 rib with spandex
  • Pocket: Front pouch (kangaroo) pocket
  • Body: Seamless, no center crease
  • Fit: Classic, unisex
  • Sizes: XS – 5XL
  • Label: Tear‑away (easy to remove)
  • Dyes: OEKO‑TEX® certified low‑impact
  • Cotton: U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol member

*Heather colors are typically a 60% polyester / 40% cotton blend, and Safety Green meets ANSI/ISEA 107 high‑visibility standards. Fiber content can vary by color.

Gildan 18500 Size Chart (Inches)

All measurements describe the garment laid flat. Body width is measured straight across the chest from underarm to underarm. Body length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder down to the hem. To choose your size, compare your own chest measurement to the Best for chest column.

Gildan 18500 finished measurements in inches. Tolerance is approximately ±1″.
Size Body width (in) Body length (in) Sleeve length from center back (in) Best for chest (in)
XS 18 26 32½ 30–32
S 20 27 33½ 34–36
M 22 28 34½ 38–40
L 24 29 35½ 42–44
XL 26 30 36½ 46–48
2XL 28 31 37½ 50–52
3XL 30 32 38½ 54–56
4XL 32 33 39½ 58–60
5XL 34 34 40½ 62–64

The Best for chest column is an approximate fit guide based on the garment width; the other three columns are Gildan’s published garment measurements.

Gildan 18500 Size Chart (Centimeters)

Gildan 18500 finished measurements in centimeters.
Size Body width (cm) Body length (cm) Sleeve length from center back (cm)
XS 45.7 66.0 82.6
S 50.8 68.6 85.1
M 55.9 71.1 87.6
L 61.0 73.7 90.2
XL 66.0 76.2 92.7
2XL 71.1 78.7 95.3
3XL 76.2 81.3 97.8
4XL 81.3 83.8 100.3
5XL 86.4 86.4 102.9

Because each piece is cut and sewn by hand, allow for variation of up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the measurements shown.

How to Measure for the Best Fit

You only need a soft tape measure and, ideally, a hoodie you already own and love. Lay your favorite hoodie flat and compare it to the chart above — it is the most reliable way to predict how the 18500 will fit you.

Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight. Match that number to the Best for chest column.

Body width

On a hoodie laid flat, measure straight across from one underarm seam to the other. Double it to compare with your chest measurement.

Body length

Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the bottom hem.

Does the Gildan 18500 run true to size?

Yes. The 18500 fits true to size with a classic, slightly roomy cut, so most people order their usual size. If you prefer a closer fit, size down; if you plan to layer it over a shirt or sweater, or you like extra room, size up. The adult 18500 runs from XS to 5XL. For children, Gildan also makes a matching youth version (style 18500B) in its own youth size range.

Watch: The Gildan 18500 Up Close

This short overview shows the hoodie’s fabric, hood, pocket, and overall fit in motion.

Care & Printing Notes

To keep your printed design vivid for as long as possible, machine wash cold inside out with like colors, tumble dry low, and avoid ironing directly over the print. The heavyweight blend holds its shape well and is preshrunk, so it should not shrink significantly after the first wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gildan 18500 made of?
It is an 8 oz/yd² heavyweight fleece made from a 50% cotton / 50% polyester Heavy Blend, now spun with MVS Air technology for a softer hand feel and reduced pilling. Heather colors are usually 60% polyester / 40% cotton, and fiber content can vary by color.
Is the Gildan 18500 a men’s or women’s hoodie?
It is a unisex, classic‑fit hoodie sized XS through 5XL, so it works for everyone. Many women who prefer a relaxed fit order their usual size, while those who want a closer fit size down one.
Does the Gildan 18500 come in XS or youth sizes?
The adult 18500 is available from XS to 5XL. For children, Gildan offers a separate youth version, style 18500B, in youth sizes.
How do I know which size to order?
Measure around the fullest part of your chest and match it to the Best for chest column in the chart above. If you are between sizes, size up for a roomier, layer‑friendly fit or down for a trimmer look.
Does the Gildan 18500 shrink after washing?
The fabric is preshrunk, so shrinkage is minimal. Washing cold and drying on low keeps both the fit and the printed design in the best condition.
What is the largest size available?
The standard 18500 runs up to 5XL, which fits roughly a 62–64 inch chest with a 34 inch garment width.

Sizing and specifications are based on the manufacturer’s published measurements and are provided as a guide. Because garments are cut and sewn individually, actual measurements may vary by up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm). If you have a question about a specific design or size before ordering, please reach out and we’ll be glad to help.