Gildan 18500 vs Independent SS4500: Which Hoodie?

Choosing hoodies for a team, event or clothing line? Start with the fabric blend, hood construction and measurements. Gildan’s 18500 Heavy Blend and Independent Trading Co.’s SS4500 Midweight are both pullover options, with differences worth checking before you order a full run.

18500

8oz./yd²

SS4500

8.5oz./yd²

Both bars use the same 0–10 oz./yd² scale. The half-ounce difference is fabric weight per square yard, not total garment weight or a warmth rating.

Gildan 18500 vs Independent SS4500 at a glance

Which should you start with?

Fit: a useful size-chart example

“Classic” and “standard” are manufacturer fit descriptions, not a promise that the same letter size fits identically. The supplier charts list a size L chest width of 24 inches for both, but body lengths of 29 inches for the 18500 and 30 inches for the SS4500. These are garment measurements, with a published tolerance of ±1 inch for those dimensions.

Lay a hoodie you already like flat and compare its chest width and body length with each product’s size chart. Leave room for the layers you intend to wear underneath. Check other sizes individually rather than applying the size L difference across the range. For a large order, have a sample tried on before collecting everyone’s final sizes.

Color exceptions to check before ordering

The 18500’s Heather Dark Green, Heather Dark Maroon, Heather Dark Navy, Heather Deep Royal and Heather Scarlet Red are listed as 40% cotton / 60% polyester.

For the SS4500, Gunmetal Heather and Grey Heather are listed as 75/25 cotton/polyester, Ash Heather as 60/40, and other heather and safety colors as 55/45. The supplier specifically cautions that heathers do not have a 100% cotton face. Read the details for the exact shade on the product page.

Buying hoodies for printing or embroidery

Choose the garment color and blend before approving decoration. Ask your decorator to check inks, pretreatment or transfer settings for that fabric, particularly on polyester-containing heathers. For heat-applied artwork, test adhesion and dye migration with the actual garment and transfer instructions.

Plan front artwork around the hood, neckline and pocket, and check that the design fits the smallest size in your order. For embroidery, discuss design density, backing and placement with the embroiderer. A sample helps you judge placement and the finished feel before committing to a run.

Compare the whole order cost

Compare the same color, sizes, quantities and applicable bulk tier on both product pages. Include decoration and shipping when building your budget. Current supplier costs and promotions can change the result, so this guide does not declare a permanent price winner.

Common buying questions

Which hoodie is warmer?

The SS4500 has the higher listed fabric weight, but the 0.5 oz./yd² difference alone does not establish a warmth ranking. Construction, layering and personal preference matter. Compare samples for the conditions in which they will be worn.

Should I use the same size in both?

Check the size charts rather than assuming. The size L example above shows that matching chest widths can still come with different body lengths. Compare a hoodie you like and confirm the fit before a group order.

Which is better for a clothing brand?

Start with your intended fit, fabric and decoration process, then test a sample of the exact color. Both have tear-away labels, but that feature alone does not settle the choice. We have not performed a side-by-side wear, wash or print test for this guide.