Does Gildan 18500 run small?

For many buyers, the Gildan 18500 is better thought of as a standard, roomy hoodie rather than a small-fitting one. If you want a relaxed look or plan to layer it over thicker shirts, sizing up can make sense. If you prefer a neater everyday fit, your usual size may be the better starting point, and checking a size chart is still the safest move.

Is Gildan 18500 good quality?

Yes, for many buyers it is good quality in the sense that it is consistent, practical, and widely used. It is not usually chosen as a luxury hoodie, but it is often reliable for casual wear, decoration, and budget-conscious projects.

Which Gildan hoodie is best?

The best Gildan hoodie depends on the goal. Fabric weight, fit, and print needs should guide the decision. One model may be better for value, another for a heavier feel, and another for a cleaner decoration result.

Is Lane Seven a good brand?

Lane Seven is often viewed as a solid option when softness, fit, and a more elevated look matter. It can be a good choice for buyers who want a premium-feeling blank without making the hoodie overly complicated for decoration.

The Hoodie Blanks Behind the Brand: Gildan 18500, 18600, Lane Seven Crop & Premium Pullover

September 4, 2026

The Hoodie Blanks Behind the Brand: Gildan 18500 vs 18600 vs Lane Seven LS1200 & LS14001

At Golddust Capital Media, we don't just print on any hoodie. We chose blank hoodies intentionally, fabric weight, how it feels, how it prints, and how it represents the person wearing it. This guide breaks down the four hoodie blanks behind our collection so you can shop with confidence and know exactly what you're getting.

The Four Blanks We Use — and Why

Before the design, before the ink, before the graphic — there's the blank. Here's what we work with:

Gildan 18500 — Pullover (8 oz, 50/50 cotton-poly, classic fit)
Gildan 18600 — Full Zip (8 oz, 50/50 cotton-poly, classic fit)
Lane Seven LS1200 — Crop Hoodie (7.2 oz, 60/40 cotton-poly, relaxed crop fit)
Lane Seven LS14001 — Premium Pullover (8.25 oz, 60/40 ring-spun cotton-poly, retail fit)

Each one has a job. None of them are interchangeable.

Gildan 18500 — Pullover: The Dependable Workhorse

Weight: 8 oz | Blend: 50% cotton / 50% polyester | Fit: Classic relaxed

The Gildan 18500 is the most recognized blank in custom apparel for a reason, it delivers consistent results at scale. The 50/50 blend keeps it from shrinking dramatically; the surface is smooth enough for clean screen prints, and the weight gives it enough body to feel substantial without being stiff.

Best for: Bold graphics, event merch, bulk orders, everyday casual wear Print performance: Excellent for screen printing. Clean ink laydown on the smooth fleece face. Reliable across color runs. Fit note: Runs true to size with a relaxed torso. Good for layering.

🏆 Winner for: High-volume orders and everyday brand merch

Shop Legacy in the Making →

Gildan 18600 — Full Zip: The Versatile Option

Weight: 8 oz | Blend: 50% cotton / 50% polyester | Fit: Classic relaxed

Same DNA as the 18500 but with a full zip, which changes how it's worn and how it's decorated. The zip front eliminates the front chest print zone, so embroidery on the left chest or back graphics becomes the primary decoration area. It's the go-to when the audience wants a hoodie they can throw on and off without committing to a full pullover.

Best for: Events, staff apparel, cooler weather layers, embroidered logos Print performance: Left chest embroidery is the sweet spot. Back prints work well. Avoid large front graphics due to zipper placement. Fit note: Same relaxed fit as 18500. Pair with a branded tee underneath for a complete look.

🏆 Winner for: Events and staff uniforms where easy on/off matters

Shop Gold Dust Full-Zip →

Lane Seven LS1200 — Crop Hoodie: The Lifestyle Statement

Weight: 7.2 oz | Blend: 60% cotton / 40% polyester | Fit: Relaxed crop

The LS1200 is built for a different buyer. The crop length, higher cotton content, and brushed interior make it the softest blank in our lineup. It's not trying to be a utility hoodie; it's a fashion piece that happens to be incredibly comfortable. The relaxed crop fit works for a wide range of body types and pairs naturally with high-waisted bottoms.

Best for: Women's collections, lifestyle apparel, retail and gifting, fashion-forward buyers Print performance: The higher cotton content means DTG and screen printing both perform well. The softer surface requires slightly more care with ink opacity for dark colorways. Fit note: Cropped — sits above the hip. Runs slightly relaxed. Size up if you prefer a longer crop.

🏆 Winner for: Women's lifestyle collections and fashion-driven merch

Shop Focus Drives Growth Crop →

Lane Seven LS14001 — Premium Pullover: The Brand Elevation Play

Weight: 8.25 oz | Blend: 60% ring-spun cotton / 40% polyester | Fit: Retail/modern

This is the heaviest and most premium blank we carry. The ring-spun cotton makes a noticeable difference in handfeel, it's noticeably softer and smoother than standard open-end cotton blends. At 8.25 oz, it has real warmth and weight without feeling bulky. This hoodie is for buyers who want the garment to do as much talking as the graphic.

Best for: Premium retail collections, launch drops, gifting, buyers who prioritize handfeel Print performance: Outstanding surface for screen printing and embroidery. The ring-spun face holds detail exceptionally well. Worth the extra cost for detailed or multi-color artwork. Fit note: Modern retail fit, slightly more tailored than the Gildan. True to size. Less room for layering but cleaner silhouette.

🏆 Winner for: Premium brand launches and elevated retail collections

Shop Honor Your Journey →

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Gildan 18500	Gildan 18600	Lane Seven LS1200	Lane Seven LS14001
Style	Pullover	Full Zip	Crop Pullover	Pullover
Weight	8 oz	8 oz	7.2 oz	8.25 oz
Blend	50/50	50/50	60/40	60/40 ring-spun
Fit	Classic relaxed	Classic relaxed	Relaxed crop	Modern retail
Best use	Bulk/everyday	Events/staff	Women's/lifestyle	Premium retail
Print	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handfeel	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Which One Is Right for You?

Buying for yourself or as a gift? → Lane Seven LS14001. The handfeel alone justifies it.
Ordering for an event or team? → Gildan 18500. Consistent, reliable, budget-smart.
Want something easy to layer and remove? → Gildan 18600. The zip makes it effortless.
Looking for a women's lifestyle piece? → Lane Seven LS1200 Crop. Nothing else in this lineup compares for that buyer.

Every hoodie in our collection is built on one of these four blanks. Shop our Hoodies collection and explore our full Apparel lineup to find your fit.