Gildan ® - Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. 18600 - Gildan 18600

Gildan 18600 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Premium Wholesale Zip Hoodies

The Gildan 18600 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt is the industry-standard full-zip hoodie trusted by screen printers, embroiderers, schools, teams, and businesses nationwide. This heavyweight 8-ounce fleece combines exceptional warmth, durability, and value with a premium YKK metal zipper and classic unlined hood. Joe's USA ships genuine Gildan 18600 hoodies fast from our 10-warehouse network with competitive wholesale pricing and dependable service.

Popular Colors & Sizes - Well-Stocked for Your Team

Our best-selling colors include Black (excellent stock in S-5XL) - the go-to choice for decorators, businesses, and teams seeking a versatile, professional base that works with any logo or design. Navy is another fan-favorite (well-stocked in S-3XL) - perfect for schools, corporate uniforms, and traditional team colors that maintain a polished appearance.

Sport Grey and Ash are popular selections for organizations wanting neutral, heathered options that hide wear and pair beautifully with any decoration method. Royal Blue, Red, and Forest Green continue to be top choices for sports teams, spirit wear programs, and organizations looking for vibrant, eye-catching team colors.

Safety Green is the preferred choice for construction crews, utility workers, and outdoor programs requiring high-visibility apparel that meets ANSI/ISEA 107 standards. These colors are consistently chosen by decorators for their smooth printing surface, excellent color retention, and professional appearance both before and after customization.

Premium Features & Construction

• Heavyweight 8-Ounce Fleece - 50/50 cotton/poly blend provides warmth without excessive bulk
• YKK Metal Zipper - Premium quality zipper ensures smooth operation and long-lasting durability
• Unlined Hood with Dyed-to-Match Drawcord - Classic hood design with color-coordinated drawstring
• Double-Needle Stitching - Reinforced waistband and cuffs for lasting wear
• 1x1 Rib Knit Cuffs & Waistband with Spandex - Provides shape retention and comfortable fit
• Front Pouch Pockets - Functional hand-warmer pockets for comfort and utility
• Recycled Tear-Away Label - Easy to remove for relabeling and custom branding
• 16 Color Options - From classic Black to high-visibility Safety Green
• Sizes S-5XL - Complete size run for your entire organization
• ANSI Compliant Safety Green - Meets ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards

Why Choose the Gildan 18600 Full-Zip Hoodie?

The Gildan 18600 is engineered specifically for decorators and bulk buyers who demand consistent quality and reliable availability. The heavyweight 8-ounce fleece provides substantial warmth and a premium feel, while the 50/50 cotton/poly blend offers the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and decoration-friendly performance. The YKK metal zipper is a standout feature that sets the 18600 apart from budget alternatives - it operates smoothly, resists snagging, and holds up to thousands of open/close cycles.

What makes the 18600 the industry standard is its consistent sizing, color matching, and year-round availability. Gildan has kept this style in continuous production for years, ensuring you can reorder with confidence knowing the fit, feel, and color will match previous orders. This reliability is crucial for uniform programs, corporate branding, and any application where consistency matters.

The unlined hood keeps the hoodie lightweight and comfortable for year-round wear, while the double-needle stitching and spandex-reinforced cuffs ensure the garment maintains its shape through countless washes and heavy use. The recycled tear-away label makes relabeling simple for private label programs and custom branding.

Perfect For

Screen Printers & Embroiderers - Stock the Gildan 18600 as your flagship full-zip hoodie. The 50/50 blend accepts screen printing, heat transfer vinyl, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery beautifully. The YKK zipper adds perceived value, and the competitive price point allows for healthy profit margins on decorated orders.

Schools & Spirit Wear Programs - Outfit students, staff, and supporters with premium hoodies in your exact school colors. The heavyweight fleece provides warmth for fall and winter, while the full-zip design makes it easy to layer over uniforms and team apparel.

Corporate & Business Branding - Create professional branded apparel for employees, trade shows, and promotional giveaways. The quality construction and YKK zipper ensure your brand looks premium, while the wide color selection makes brand color matching simple.

Sports Teams & Athletic Programs - Provide athletes with warm, durable team hoodies for pre-game warm-ups, sideline wear, and team travel. The extended size range (S-5XL) ensures proper fit for all team members.

Work Crews & Safety Programs - The Safety Green color meets ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards, making it perfect for construction, utility, and outdoor work environments when decorated with company logos and safety messaging.

Fundraising & Event Merchandise - Maximize fundraising profits with a hoodie that offers excellent perceived value at a competitive wholesale price. The premium YKK zipper and heavyweight fleece make these hoodies easy to sell at strong margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Gildan 18600 compare to the 18500 pullover hoodie?
A: Both are 8 oz heavyweight fleece with the same 50/50 cotton/poly blend. The 18600 features a full YKK metal zipper and front pouch pockets, while the 18500 pullover hoodie has a kangaroo pocket and no zipper. The 18600 is easier to put on/take off and better for layering, while the 18500 offers a cleaner front decoration area and slightly lower price point.

Q: What decoration methods work best on the Gildan 18600?
A: The 18600 accepts all standard decoration methods including screen printing, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, sublimation transfers, and embroidery. The 50/50 blend provides an excellent printing surface. For full-zip hoodies, many decorators prefer left chest embroidery or small left chest prints to avoid the zipper area.

Q: Is the Gildan 18600 true to size?
A: Yes, Gildan sizing is consistent and true to standard unisex sizing. The 18600 offers a classic, comfortable fit that's not too fitted or too loose. For a more relaxed fit or to accommodate layering, consider sizing up.

Q: Can I remove the label for custom branding?
A: Absolutely! The 18600 features a recycled, high-performing black tear-away label that removes cleanly, making it perfect for adding your own custom woven labels, heat transfer labels, or screen-printed neck tags. Note: This product is transitioning to the new recycled label, so orders may contain a combination of old and new labels.

Q: How should I care for these hoodies to maintain quality?
A: Machine wash warm with like colors, tumble dry medium. The 50/50 blend resists shrinking and maintains its shape through hundreds of wash cycles. Avoid bleach on colored hoodies to maintain color vibrancy. The YKK zipper should be zipped closed before washing to prevent snagging.

Q: Is the Safety Green color truly high-visibility compliant?
A: Yes! The Safety Green color is compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility standards. However, to be fully compliant as safety apparel, the garment typically needs reflective striping added through decoration. Consult ANSI standards for your specific application.

Q: Do you offer team discounts for bulk orders?
A: Yes! We offer competitive wholesale pricing with no minimums. Whether you need 12 hoodies for a small team or 500+ for a large organization, we have the deep inventory and volume pricing to support your needs. Contact us for decorator pricing and case-lot quotes.

Gildan 18600 vs. Other Full-Zip Hoodies

Choosing the right full-zip hoodie depends on your specific needs and budget. The Gildan 18600 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoodie (8 oz 50/50 blend with YKK zipper) offers the best balance of quality, value, and decorator-friendly features. If you need a lighter-weight option, consider the Gildan SF500 Softstyle Midweight Full-Zip (7.5 oz) for a softer hand feel and modern fit.

For maximum warmth and premium features, the Independent Trading Co. IND4000Z (10 oz heavyweight with split-stitch double-needle sewing) provides superior construction at a higher price point. The 18600 remains the industry standard because it delivers consistent quality, reliable availability, and excellent value - making it the smart choice for most decoration and bulk buying applications.

Related Wholesale Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Complete your hoodie inventory with our full selection of Wholesale Hoodies and Wholesale Hoodies & Sweatshirts. Explore our complete lineup of full-zip hoodies, pullover hoodies, and crewneck sweatshirts to find the perfect blank garments for your decoration needs and customer base.

Bulk Ordering & Wholesale Pricing

No Minimums. Volume Discounts. Fast Turnaround.

At Joe's USA, we specialize in wholesale blank apparel for screen printers, embroiderers, promotional distributors, and bulk buyers. Whether you need 1 piece for sampling or full case-lot quantities for production runs, we have the deep inventory and competitive pricing to support your business. Our streamlined ordering process makes it easy to get the blanks you need quickly and affordably.

We understand the unique challenges that decorators and bulk buyers face - tight deadlines, color matching requirements, and the need for consistent quality across reorders. That's why we maintain extensive inventory across all 16 colors and sizes S-5XL, ensuring we can fulfill your complete order without backorders or delays.

Fast Shipping from Our 10-Warehouse Network

Your customers can't wait weeks for blank apparel to arrive. Our strategically located 10-warehouse network across the United States means faster delivery times and lower shipping costs, no matter where your business is located. Most orders ship within 1-2 business days, getting your blanks to you when you need them - whether that's for a rush decoration job or regular inventory replenishment.

Why Joe's USA for Your Wholesale Blank Apparel?

For over 40 years, Joe's USA has been the trusted source for screen printers, embroiderers, promotional distributors, and bulk buyers across the country. We've built our reputation on three core principles: quality products, competitive wholesale pricing, and exceptional customer service. Our family-run business understands the blank apparel industry inside and out, and we're here to help you get exactly what you need.

We carry only brands we trust - like Gildan - that deliver consistent quality, accurate sizing, and reliable color matching season after season. Our extensive inventory, no-minimum ordering, and fast shipping make it easy to get exactly what you need, when you need it, without the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers or waiting for backorders.

Order Your Gildan 18600 Full-Zip Hoodies Today

Stock your inventory with the Gildan 18600 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - the industry-standard full-zip hoodie that delivers consistent quality, premium features, and outstanding value. With 16 colors, sizes S-5XL, and our commitment to fast shipping and wholesale pricing, Joe's USA makes it easy to get the hoodies you need with confidence.

Questions about color availability, case-lot pricing, or decorator programs? Our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover why thousands of decorators and bulk buyers trust Joe's USA for their blank apparel.