Softstyle vs Heavy Blend: Which Gildan Hoodie is Right for Your Business?

Not all hoodies are created equal — and when you're in the business of decoration, the blank you choose makes all the difference. Whether you're stocking a retail store, fulfilling a team order, or printing your next merch run, choosing between Gildan's Softstyle™ and Heavy Blend™ fleece comes down to specs, performance, and purpose.

Let’s get into the details — so you can make the smart, informed choice.

Fabric, Weight & Feel

Heavy Blend™ (18500 / 18600 / 18000)

• Fabric: 50% US cotton, 50% polyester

• Weight: 272 g/m²

• Feel: Coarser, thicker, and more structured

Classic fleece with a rugged edge. The blend makes it more durable and resistant to shrinking, while the weight gives it warmth and bulk. It’s a workhorse.

Softstyle™ (SF500 / SF000)

• Fabric: 80% ring-spun cotton, 20% polyester

• Weight: 285 g/m²

• Feel: Incredibly soft, smooth, and lighter

This is your comfort-first fleece. Softer on the skin, smoother on the surface, and styled with a modern sensibility. Think boutique merch, not job site layers.

Fit & Style

Heavy Blend™


Designed with a classic fit — roomy, relaxed, and ideal for layering. It’s made to be thrown on, worn in, and still feel comfortable at the end of a long day. It has that traditional sweatshirt feel.

Softstyle™


Features a retail fit — slimmer, more tailored, and closer to the body without being restrictive. It’s less bulky and sits neatly when styled. A modern hoodie, designed for modern wearers.

Printability

Here’s where things really matter for decorators:

Sublimation?


Not ideal — but doable on Heavy Blend™, especially on light colours. While neither fleece is made for sublimation (which works best on 100% polyester), decorators have successfully used sublimation techniques on Heavy Blend™ with reasonable results. Softstyle™, however, isn’t recommended due to its high cotton content.

Heavy Blend™


Best suited to screen printing. The stable 50/50 fabric takes plastisol ink well, giving bold, durable prints that hold up over time. It’s the go-to for big orders and consistent output.

Softstyle™


Ideal for DTG (direct-to-garment) and embroidery. The ring-spun cotton and smooth finish allow for fine detail and soft-hand prints. It also runs clean through embroidery machines, making it a favourite for retail-style branding.

Durability

Heavy Blend™


Made for heavy rotation. Double-needle stitching, ribbed cuffs and waistband with spandex, and a higher polyester content make it hard-wearing and shrink-resistant. Toss it in the wash — it’ll come back for more.

Softstyle™


Softer fabrics need gentler care. While it holds up well, it benefits from cold washes and low heat drying. You’re trading a bit of toughness for a whole lot of comfort.

Sustainability

No matter which you choose, both fleece lines are made in WRAP-certified facilities and carry OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. That means Gildan garments are responsibly made and free from harmful substances.

Price & Value

Heavy Blend™


Your budget-friendly, high-performance staple. Low cost per unit, high returns in longevity and print performance. A bulk favourite for a reason.

Softstyle™


Sits slightly higher on the price ladder — but delivers added value through comfort, print quality, and retail appeal. For many decorators, the extra couple of dollars are well worth it.

Final Word

At the end of the day, the better hoodie depends on your needs.

Choose Heavy Blend™ if you need something that’s warm, rugged, and print-ready for bulk orders, teams, or outdoor use.


Choose Softstyle™ if softness, fit, and retail polish are what your customers expect — and you want that premium feel to match.

Whichever way you go, you’ll get a responsibly made, print-ready canvas backed by one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Make the smart choice. Choose Gildan.