Comparing Gildan's Most Popular Sweatshirts: 18500 vs. SF500 vs. 12500

When you’re sourcing blank sweatshirts for corporate apparel, team outfitting, or decorating programs, you quickly learn that not all sweatshirts are created equal. A good sweatshirt should be comfortable, durable, easy to decorate, and consistent on repeat orders — especially when you’re buying in bulk or putting logos on them for teams and businesses.

At Sportswear.ca, we see three Gildan sweatshirts come up again and again from printers, decorators, and B2B buyers:

• Gildan 18500 (Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt)
• Gildan SF500 (Softstyle® Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt)
• Gildan 12500 (DryBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt)

Each has its own strengths, and choosing the right one often comes down to how it will be used, decorated, and worn. Let’s break them down the way we do when talking to decorators and corporate buyers.

Gildan 18500 – The Everyday Standard Sweatshirt

The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt is probably the sweatshirt most people think of when they think “classic crewneck.” It’s the most popular choice for decorators and bulk apparel buyers for good reasons.

What makes it a go-to:

• Reliable fabric weight (medium/heavy feel that most people expect)
• Soft inside with a familiar, comfortable hand
• Great for general-purpose use (team apparel, corporate giveaways, workwear)
• Consistent sizing and construction across large inventories

Decoration performance:
Decorators like the 18500 because it accepts screen printing and embroidery well and behaves predictably on press. That’s a big deal when you’re running high-volume runs or multi-colour designs.

Best for:

• Classic corporate and team apparel
• School spirit wear
• Tradeshow and event giveaways
• Uniform programs with daily wear

Real-world note:
We often recommend the 18500 to clients looking for a balanced choice — not too light, not too heavy, comfortable without being bulky, and easy to brand.

Gildan SF500 – The Premium Softstyle® Sweatshirt

The Gildan SF500 Softstyle® Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt is a step above basic in terms of feel and fabric, and that’s reflected in how customers describe it: “it just feels better.”

What sets it apart:

• Made with premium cotton for a smoother hand and slightly more refined look
• A more substantial, soft surface that feels great next to skin
• Slightly heavier and richer in feel compared to the 18500

Decoration performance:
The SF500’s fabric lays flatter and more uniform, which is something decorators appreciate — especially for detailed embroidery or less forgiving print designs. It tends to give sharper results with higher-resolution logos.

Best for:

• Corporate uniforms with a premium feel
• Branded apparel where comfort matters
• Gift-ready team sweatshirts

Real-world note:
We see sales spike for the SF500 when companies want something that feels like an upgrade — still cost-effective, but noticeably nicer on touch and presentation.

Gildan 12500 – DryBlend® for Active Use

The Gildan 12500 DryBlend Hooded Sweatshirt brings moisture-management into the equation. Unlike the 18500 and SF500, this style is built with DryBlend® technology — meaning it’s designed to wick moisture away and dry faster.

What makes it different:

• Moisture-wicking fabric — great for physical activities and layering
• Still comfortable and soft, but with a slightly sporty performance vibe
• Works well where wearers are on the move (gyms, active teams, event staff)

Decoration performance:
Like the others, it takes screen printing and embroidery reliably. The DryBlend® fabric has a smooth surface that gives clean imprint results across mid-weight graphics and logo work.

Best for:

• Active teams
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Event staff apparel
• Layering under uniforms or outerwear

Real-world note:
Decorators often recommend the 12500 for groups that want a sweatshirt that performs during activity but still looks branded and professional.

How They Compare Side-by-Side

How to Choose for Your Corporate Program

Choosing between these really comes down to how the sweatshirt will be used:

Everyday comfort & versatility:
Go with the Gildan 18500 if you want a solid all-around sweatshirt that decorators know well and that teams wear comfortably year after year.

More refined look and feel:
The Gildan SF500 is great if you want something that feels noticeably nicer on touch, especially for staff and event gifts.

Active or layered use:
Choose the Gildan 12500 DryBlend when moisture management and performance matter — for teams that are on the move.

Why Gildan Still Dominates in B2B Apparel

Across all three styles, one of the things we hear most from decorators and buyers is this:

“Gildan just behaves. It’s predictable — and that counts for a lot when you’re doing decorated orders.”

When you’re ordering in bulk or planning uniform programs, consistency — from fit and fabric to how the sweatshirt takes decoration — matters more than a fraction of a percentage point in price.

These three Gildan sweatshirts have earned their spots because they:

• Hold up wash after wash
• Embroider and print without fuss
• Come in a wide size range
• Are available reliably in large quantities

That’s why they remain some of the most popular blank sweatshirts in Canada for businesses large and small.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a corporate buyer, decorator, or small business planning branded apparel, Gildan has a sweatshirt for your needs:

• 18500 — your everyday workhorse
• SF500 — the refined, premium-feeling option
• 12500 — the performance-ready choice

All three are easy to decorate, easy to wear, and easy to love — and that’s why we recommend them so often at Sportswear.ca

Written by the Sportswear.ca team — specialists in blank apparel, corporate programming, and decoration-ready garments for Canadian businesses.