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Gildan 18500 Alternatives: Explore Other Gildan Sweatshirts

By ShirtSpace | May 14, 2025 |  Updated Jul 10, 2025

Are you looking for another Gildan sweatshirt that stacks up to the ever-popular Gildan 18500? You’re in luck! While the 18500 is known and loved for its budget-friendly price and reliable comfort, Gildan’s product line includes several other sweatshirts like the 18500 with unique features to suit different preferences and use cases.

If You Love the Gildan 18500, Try These Other Gildan Sweatshirts!

Whether you’re after a softer feel, a zip-up version, youth sizing, or something better suited for heavy-duty wear, Gildan has a hoodie that fits the bill. Let’s dive into the top Gildan sweatshirts that share similarities with the G18500 but offer their own distinct advantages.

Why is the Gildan 18500 Hoodie So Popular?

The Gildan G18500, also known simply as the G185, has several key features that contribute to its widespread popularity. This hoodie is crafted from a comfortable yet durable 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend (with some heather sport colors using a 60% polyester, 40% cotton mix). Plus, the 8 oz. fabric weight, provides a good balance of warmth and breathability. The Gildan 18500 includes a double-lined hood with a color-matched drawcord for adjustable coverage and a classic fit, soft cozy fleece inside, with a spacious front pouch pocket. It also features 1×1 rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex, ensuring a snug and flexible fit that retains its shape, wear after wear. Double-needle stitching throughout enhances the durability of the Gildan G18500 hoodie, making it a reliable choice. The tear-away label adds comfort by preventing irritation.


Key Features of the Gildan 18500


Hoodie pictured: Gildan 185000 in “orchid”.
 

  • Fabric: 50% cotton / 50% polyester (60/40 for some “Heather Sport” colors)
  • Weight: 8 oz.
  • Interior: Soft fleece lining
  • Design: Double-lined hood with color-matched drawcord, front pouch pocket
  • Durability: Double-needle stitching, 1×1 rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex
  • Comfort: Tear-away label
     

Who is the Gildan 18500 Hoodie Best For?

The Gildan G18500 hoodie is a fantastic choice for a wide range of individuals and purposes. The wholesale pricing and bulk discounts offer affordability that makes Gildan Apparel ideal for budget-conscious shoppers, students, and those needing hoodies in bulk wholesale for large groups or events like schools, churches, and promotional activities. The comfortable and durable 50/50 blend is suitable for everyday wear, lounging, and light outdoor activities in mild weather. Its classic fit and extensive color options appeal to diverse style preferences. It’s suitable for customization through printing methods like HTV, DTF, or screen printing, and embroidery, making it a top pick for businesses, teams, and individuals looking to create personalized apparel.
 

Top Comparable Sweatshirts to the Gildan 18500

 A man and a woman wearing Gildan fleece sweatshirts with a blanket draped across their shoulders.
Sweatshirts pictured: Gildan G180 Adult Heavy Blend™ Adult 8 oz., 50/50 Fleece Crew in “Orange” and Gildan G186 Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hoodie in “Red”.


So, you're a fan of that comfy and dependable Gildan 18500 hoodie? Fantastic choice! It's a classic for a reason. But hey, maybe you're curious about what other awesome Gildan hoodies out there give off that same great vibe? Well, get ready to meet some more sweatshirts like the Gildan 18500.


Gildan 18600: Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

A man wearing a white t-shirt, the Gildan G186 Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hoodie in “Royal” and jeans.
Sweatshirt pictured: Gildan G186 Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hoodie in “Royal”.

Key Difference: Zippered version of the 18500

  • Same 8 oz., 50/50 cotton-poly blend
  • Full front zipper
  • Double-lined hood and pouch pockets
  • Ideal for those who prefer a zip-up for easier layering or casual style

     

Gildan 18000: Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt


Sweatshirts pictured: Gildan G180 Adult Heavy Blend™ Adult 8 oz., 50/50 Fleece Crew in “Maroon” and “Charcoal”.

Key Difference: No hood

  • Shares the same material and weight as the 18500
  • Classic crewneck design for a more traditional sweatshirt look
  • Perfect for layering or when a hood isn’t needed

Gildan 18500B: Youth Heavy Blend™ Hooded Sweatshirt
 

A girl and a boy both wearing the Gildan G185B Youth Heavy Blend™ 8 oz., 50/50 Hooded Sweatshirt in the colors “Heliconia” and “Red”.
Sweatshirt pictured: Gildan G185B Youth Heavy Blend™ 8 oz., 50/50 Hooded Sweatshirt in “Heliconia” and “Red”.

Key Difference: Youth sizing

  • Essentially the youth version of the 18500, minus the drawcords
  • Maintains same soft and durable fabric
  • Offered in many of the same colors
  • Great for schools, camps, or youth group events


     

Gildan SF500: Softstyle® Midweight Fleece Hoodie
 

A man sitting while wearing the Gildan SF500 Adult Softstyle® Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt in “Paragon”.
Sweatshirt pictured: Gildan SF500 Adult Softstyle® Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt in “Paragon”.
 

Key Difference: Softer feel, more fashion-forward fit

  • 80/20 cotton-poly blend (heavier cotton ratio for softness)
  • Midweight 8.4 oz. fleece
  • Modern, retail-inspired silhouette
  • Dyed-to-match drawcords
  • Ringspun cotton gives it a softer touch
  • Best for those prioritizing style and feel
  • Available in a youth companion version, the SF500B



Gildan 12500: DryBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt
 

A man modeling the Gildan G125 Adult DryBlend® Adult 9 oz., 50/50 Hooded Sweatshirt in the colors “Safety Green”, “Forest”,  “Maroon” and “Royal”
Sweatshirts pictured: Gildan G125 Adult DryBlend® Adult 9 oz., 50/50 Hooded Sweatshirt in “Safety Green”, “Forest”,  “Maroon” and “Royal”.


Key Difference: Moisture-wicking properties

  • 50/50 cotton-poly blend
  • Weighs 9 oz., making it a touch heavier
  • Designed for activewear or workwear with moisture management
  • Great for athletic use or physical jobs
     


Frequently Asked Questions About the Gildan 18500

Q: What is the best alternative to the Gildan 18500 hoodie?

A: The Gildan 18600 is the best match if you’re looking for a zip-up version. For added softness and a more modern cut, the SF500 Softstyle® hoodie is a fantastic alternative.


Q: Are there matching bottoms for the Gildan G18500 hoodie?

A: Yes! Try these for a cohesive sweatsuit:

  • Gildan 18200: Adult Heavy Blend™ Sweatpant
  • Gildan 18200B: Youth Companion Sweatpant


Q: What is the difference between lightweight, midweight and heavyweight hoodies? 

A: Lightweight Hoodies: Lightweight hoodies range under 6 oz. They are thin, breathable, and best suited for mild weather, layering, or workouts where you don't want to overheat. They often have a softer, more flexible feel, but may be less durable and provide minimal warmth.

Midweight Hoodies: Midweight hoodies generally fall in the range of 6 to 9 oz. Offering a good balance of warmth and comfort. Midweight hoodies are great all year long! They are thicker than their lightweight sweatshirt peers, providing moderate insulation while still being comfortable for indoor and outdoor use. The  Gildan 18500 hoodie falls into this category.  

Heavyweight Hoodies: These hoodies weigh over 9 oz., and some can go significantly higher. Heavyweight hoodies are thick, warm, and designed for colder weather. They often have a substantial, premium feel and are very durable. They have excellent insulation, but they can be bulkier and less breathable than lighter options.


Q: Where can I buy blank hoodies in bulk? 

A: The best place to buy cheap blank hoodies, which are low in price but high in quality, is none other than ShirtSpace.com. Check out all our popular hooded fleece sweatshirts to find the coziest one that fits your needs. 


Q: Are there better sweatshirts for printing than the Gildan 18500?

A: The best hoodies for printing really depend on the type of printing you are doing, the budget you have, and your preference. Shop for the best high-quality blank hoodies for printing today and take advantage of our speedy shipping and zero order minimums! 


Q: What are the most affordable wholesale hoodies?

A: The best wholesale hoodies that offer affordable prices would be lightweight options, as well as the Gildan brand. The lighter the weight, the less fabric used, which cuts down on price, and Gildan is known for offering high-quality apparel at low prices. 


Q: Are there any companion products for the Gildan 18500?

A: The styles listed below are all great companion options to the G18500 hoodie:

Gildan 18500B: Youth Heavy Blend™ Hooded Sweatshirt. (Direct youth companion)

Gildan 18000: Heavy Blend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt (Same fabric, different style)

Gildan 18600: Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (Same fabric, different style – zip up)

Gildan 18200: Heavy Blend™ Sweatpant (Matching bottoms)

Gildan 18200B: Youth Heavy Blend™ Sweatpant (Matching youth bottoms)

 The back, front and side view of the Gildan 185000 Adult Heavy Blend™ 8 oz., 50/50 Hooded Sweatshirt in the color “mint green”.

Hoodie pictured: Gildan 185000 in “mint green”.

Final Thoughts on Gildan Hoodies Comparable to the 18500

And that’s a wrap, we've reached the finish line regarding Gildan 18500 alternatives! We've journeyed through a cozy cosmos of G185 Gildan hoodie contenders, each ready to bring its own brand of snuggly satisfaction to your wardrobe. Whether you're after that perfect printing canvas for your Etsy shop or to showcase your team or business, we hope this exploration has sparked some exciting ideas. Now go forth and find the fleece-lined friend that's just right for you – happy lounging!
 

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