The Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend is the most popular crewneck sweatshirt in the POD industry — and it sizes differently from the Gildan 5000 t-shirt. Sellers who assume sweatshirt sizing mirrors t-shirt sizing end up with confused customers and returns.
The 18000 is a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend with a classic boxy fit. It runs wider than you might expect from the numbers because the fleece interior adds bulk, and the relaxed shoulders create a roomier silhouette. It also starts at XS (unlike the Gildan 5000 t-shirt which starts at S), giving you more coverage at the small end.
Every measurement below comes from S&S Activewear's official Gildan 18000 specs, cross-verified with Merchize and Printify. One page, accurate numbers, bookmark it.
SellerMockups now offers a free, ready-made Size Chart listing image for the Gildan 18000 — already formatted for Etsy and Amazon. Grab it in the Studio under "Free Listing Images" and add it directly to your product photos.
Gildan 18000 Size Chart — Garment Measurements (Inches)
These are flat garment measurements. Width is measured across the chest, laid flat. Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder (HPS) to the bottom hem. Sleeve length is measured from the center back of the neck to the end of the sleeve cuff.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve Center Back (in) | |------|-----------|------------|------------------------| | XS | 18 | 26 | 32.5 | | S | 20 | 27 | 33.5 | | M | 22 | 28 | 34.5 | | L | 24 | 29 | 35.5 | | XL | 26 | 30 | 36.5 | | 2XL | 28 | 31 | 37.5 | | 3XL | 30 | 32 | 38.5 | | 4XL | 32 | 33 | 39.5 | | 5XL | 34 | 34 | 40.5 |
Each size adds 2 inches in width and 1 inch in length — consistent grading across the full XS–5XL range. All measurements have a +/- 1 inch tolerance.
The Gildan 18000 includes XS and goes up to 5XL — a wider size range than the Gildan 5000 t-shirt (S–5XL) or the Comfort Colors 1717 (S–4XL). Extended sizes (3XL–5XL) are available in fewer colors.
Garment Measurements in Centimeters
For international sellers listing on Etsy UK, Etsy EU, or Amazon international marketplaces.
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Sleeve 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 |
Chest-to-Fit Ranges (Body Measurements)
These body chest measurements indicate which size to recommend to your customers. Keep in mind the 18000 is a sweatshirt — customers typically want a roomier fit than a t-shirt.
| Size | Chest to Fit (in) | Chest to Fit (cm) | Best For | |------|-------------------|-------------------|----------| | XS | 30–33 | 76–84 | Petite frames, teens | | S | 34–37 | 86–94 | Slim builds | | M | 38–41 | 97–104 | Average women, slim men | | L | 42–45 | 107–114 | Average men | | XL | 46–49 | 117–124 | Broad-chested, athletic builds | | 2XL | 50–53 | 127–135 | Plus size | | 3XL | 54–57 | 137–145 | Extended plus | | 4XL | 58–61 | 147–155 | Extended plus | | 5XL | 62–65 | 157–165 | Extended plus |
Sweatshirt sizing is different from t-shirt sizing. A customer who wears Large in a t-shirt may want Large or XL in the Gildan 18000 depending on whether they want a fitted or relaxed look. Always recommend customers check the measurements rather than assume their t-shirt size transfers directly.
How the Gildan 18000 Compares to Other Sweatshirts
| Sweatshirt | Size L Width (in) | Size L Length (in) | Weight | Fit Style | Material | |-----------|-------------------|-------------------|--------|-----------|----------| | Gildan 18000 | 24 | 29 | 8.0 oz | Classic boxy | 50/50 cotton-poly | | Gildan SF000 | 24 | 29 | 8.4 oz | Classic, slightly softer | 80/20 cotton-poly | | Comfort Colors 1566 | 25 | 29.5 | 9.5 oz | Relaxed, garment-dyed | 100% cotton | | Bella Canvas 3901 | 23 | 27.5 | 7.0 oz | Retail fitted | 52/48 cotton-poly | | Champion S600 | 23.5 | 28 | 9.0 oz | Athletic fit | 50/50 cotton-poly |
The Gildan 18000 sits in the sweet spot for POD sellers — it is the most affordable option with the widest size range and color selection. According to Merchize, it "generally runs true to size, featuring a relaxed, boxy fit" that is "slightly roomier than Hanes or standard retail crewnecks."
Why the 50/50 Blend Matters for Sizing
The Gildan 18000's 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend directly affects how it fits, shrinks, and wears over time.
Shrinkage Resistance
The polyester content means the 18000 shrinks significantly less than 100% cotton alternatives. According to Merchize, expect less than 5% shrinkage when properly cared for — a major improvement over the Gildan 5000 t-shirt (which can shrink a full size).
| Measurement | Expected Shrinkage | Real-World Impact | |------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Length | 2–4% | Size L at 29 in → ~28–28.5 in after wash | | Width | 1–3% | Size L at 24 in → ~23.5 in after wash |
For your listings: The shrinkage is modest enough that you do not need to recommend sizing up. True to size is the right recommendation for most customers.
Pilling Resistance
The 50/50 blend uses air jet yarn, which reduces pilling compared to 100% cotton fleece. According to Merchize, the air jet yarn "provides a softer, pill-resistant surface." This means the sweatshirt holds up well after multiple washes — an important selling point for your Etsy listings.
Interior Feel
The brushed fleece interior is soft and plush. This is a key differentiator from the cheaper Gildan 5000 t-shirt — the 18000 has a premium interior feel that customers notice immediately. Include this in your product descriptions.
Gildan 18000 Fabric Specs
| Specification | Detail | |--------------|--------| | Style Number | 18000 / G180 / G18000 | | Fabric Weight | 8.0 oz/yd² (271 g/m²) | | Material | 50% cotton, 50% polyester (Heather Sport colors are 60/40 poly-cotton) | | Yarn Type | Air jet yarn (reduced pilling) | | Fit | Classic, boxy | | Construction | 1x1 rib with spandex at cuffs and waistband | | Sizes | XS through 5XL | | Collar | Crew neck, double-needle stitched | | Shoulder | Set-in sleeves, double-needle at shoulder and armhole | | Interior | Soft brushed fleece | | Total Colors | 22+ solid and heather shades | | Print Compatibility | Screen print, heat transfer, DTG (fair — polyester content may cause slight ink bleeding), embroidery |
For a complete breakdown of every Gildan 18000 color with hex codes, see our Gildan 18000 Color Chart.
How to Measure for the Gildan 18000
Step 1: Decide on Your Fit Preference
Sweatshirts are different from t-shirts — most people want some room. Before measuring, decide:
- Standard fit: Comfortable for daily wear with room for a base layer underneath
- Oversized / streetwear: Size up one for a relaxed, trendy look
- Fitted: True to measurement (less common for sweatshirts)
Step 2: Measure Your Chest
Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
Step 3: Find Your Size
Compare your chest measurement to the "Chest to Fit" column above. For standard sweatshirt fit, order true to size. For oversized, go up one.
Step 4: Check the Length
The Gildan 18000 runs slightly shorter than its t-shirt counterpart. A size Large is 29 inches long (vs. 30 inches for the Gildan 5000 t-shirt). Tall customers may want to size up for extra length.
Size Recommendations for Common Use Cases
Etsy Sellers: What to Put in Your Listing
Crewneck sweatshirts are a seasonal goldmine — they sell heavily from September through February and are the #1 POD product for holiday gifting. Nail your size chart and you reduce returns during your highest-revenue months.
- Include the width, length, and sleeve measurements in inches from the table above
- Add: "Width is measured across the chest, laid flat. Double for full circumference."
- Include the fit advisory: "The Gildan 18000 has a classic, relaxed fit. Order your normal size for a standard fit, or size up for an oversized look."
- Add your free size chart image from SellerMockups Studio as a listing photo
SellerMockups provides a free, professionally designed Size Chart image for the Gildan 18000 in the Studio. Download it and use it as a listing image — no design work needed. Also available: Product Details and Care Instructions cards matched to the Gildan 18000.
Print-on-Demand: Design Placement
Sweatshirts offer a larger print area than t-shirts, and the 18000's boxy cut maximizes this:
| Size | Max Print Width (in) | Max Print Height (in) | |------|---------------------|----------------------| | S | 12 | 14 | | M | 13 | 15 | | L | 14 | 16 | | XL | 15 | 17 | | 2XL | 16 | 18 |
Print method note: The 50/50 cotton-poly blend is excellent for screen printing and heat transfers. For DTG, the polyester content can cause slight ink bleeding on dark colors — many POD fulfillment providers have optimized their DTG process for this blend, but results may vary. Embroidery works exceptionally well on the 8.0 oz fabric.
Holiday and Seasonal Selling
The Gildan 18000 is the top-selling POD sweatshirt for holiday gifting. Key selling seasons:
- September–October: Back to school, fall fashion
- November–December: Holiday gifts, Christmas designs
- January–February: Winter clearance, Valentine's Day
List your sweatshirt designs by August to catch the early fall buyers. Use Seller Mockups to generate lifestyle mockups showing the sweatshirt in cozy, seasonal settings that convert browsing into purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Gildan 18000 run true to size?
Yes. According to Merchize, the 18000 "generally runs true to size, featuring a relaxed, boxy fit." The boxy cut means it already provides room through the torso. Most customers should order their normal size for a standard fit. Size up one if you want an oversized look.
How much does the Gildan 18000 shrink?
Less than 5% thanks to the 50/50 cotton-polyester blend. The polyester resists shrinkage, and according to Merchize, the fabric is "preshrunk, so it only experiences minimal shrinkage when cared for properly." This is a significant advantage over 100% cotton sweatshirts.
Is the Gildan 18000 the same as the Gildan 18500?
No. The Gildan 18000 is a crewneck sweatshirt (no hood). The Gildan 18500 is the hooded version (pullover hoodie). Both use the same 50/50 Heavy Blend fabric at 8.0 oz, but the 18500 adds a hood, front pouch pocket, and drawstring. Sizing is similar but not identical — check each product's size chart separately.
What is the difference between the Gildan 18000 and Gildan SF000?
The SF000 (Softstyle) uses a higher cotton content (80/20 cotton-poly vs 50/50) and ring-spun yarn for a softer feel. According to Merchize, the SF000 is slightly heavier at 8.4 oz and has a more premium hand feel. The 18000 is the budget-friendly workhorse; the SF000 is the premium option at a higher price point.
Can I do DTG printing on the Gildan 18000?
Yes, but with caveats. The 50% polyester content can cause slight ink bleeding on dark colors, which mutes the print slightly compared to 100% cotton options. Many major POD fulfillment providers (Printful, Printify) have optimized their DTG settings for this blend and produce good results. Screen printing and heat transfers work excellently.
What colors are available in extended sizes (3XL–5XL)?
Extended sizes have a limited color palette — typically core colors like Black, White, Navy, Dark Heather, Sport Grey, and a few others. The full color range (22+ shades) is available in sizes S–2XL. Check your fulfillment provider for specific availability.
Should I use the same size chart for my Gildan 18000 and Gildan 5000 listings?
No. The 18000 is a sweatshirt with different dimensions, fabric weight, and fit characteristics than the 5000 t-shirt. A customer who wears Large in the Gildan 5000 may need the same or a different size in the 18000 depending on how they want the sweatshirt to fit. Always use product-specific size charts.
Where can I get a free size chart image for my Etsy listing?
SellerMockups Studio offers free, professionally designed listing images including a Size Chart, Product Details card, and Care Instructions card — all matched specifically to the Gildan 18000. Available under "Free Listing Images" for all users, no subscription required.