Gildan 18000 vs Comfort Colors 1566: Crewneck Guide
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Choosing a blank crewneck for merchandise, staff layers or a group order? The Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend and Comfort Colors 1566 are both fleece sweatshirts without a hood. Compare their construction, color treatment and measurements before choosing the one to sample.
Gildan 18000
Heavy Blend
Comfort Colors 1566
Garment-dyed fleece
Gildan 18000 vs Comfort Colors 1566
| Feature | Gildan 18000 | Comfort Colors 1566 |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 8 oz./yd² | 9.5 oz./yd² |
| Main blend | 50/50 cotton/polyester | 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester |
| Color considerations | Listed Heather Dark shades use 60/40 polyester/cotton; check the specific shade. | Garment-dyed; pigment-dyed shades can vary. Some colors use reactive dye. |
| Fit and construction | Classic fit; rib with spandex | Relaxed fit; side seams; rolled-forward shoulder |
| Label | Tear-away label | Signature twill label; back-neck patch |
| Printing surface | Fine face yarn intended for a smoother printing surface | 100% ring-spun U.S. cotton face |
Start with the 18000 when…
Your brief calls for classic-fit blended fleece and you want to compare a range of solid and heather shades. The lighter listed fabric weight is one difference to sample, rather than a promise about warmth or softness.
Choose a Gildan 18000 colorStart with the 1566 when…
You want to sample heavier garment-dyed fleece with a relaxed silhouette. Its dye treatment and cotton face are useful selection details, but neither guarantees a particular print result or an exact match between batches.
Choose a Comfort Colors 1566 colorCompare measurements, not just letter sizes
A size L measures 24 inches across the chest and 29 inches in body length on the 18000 chart; the 1566 lists 25 and 29½ inches. These are garment measurements, not body measurements, and the suppliers list manufacturing tolerances. Lay a sweatshirt you like flat, follow the chart’s measuring method and compare every size needed for the group.
Plan the color and decoration together
Choose the exact shade before approving artwork. Different green names describe different colors, while the 18000’s specified Heather Dark colors also change the fiber blend. On the 1566, the garment dye process can introduce shade differences. Coordinate the intended batch and approve a physical sample when a consistent group appearance matters.
Ask your decorator to test the actual garment color, ink or transfer, placement and curing process. A cotton face does not make every decoration method interchangeable. A blank price excludes decoration; compare your actual size mix, quantity, applicable bulk tier and delivery at checkout.
Questions before you order
Which crewneck is warmer?
The 1566 has the higher listed fabric weight, but that alone does not establish a warmth ranking. Compare samples with the layers and conditions in which they will be worn.
Is the same color name a guaranteed match?
No. Names and screen photos do not establish identical shades between brands or production batches. Approve the actual blank when matching colors across a group.
Which has the lowest price?
Use the current product and cart prices for the same sizes and quantities. Supplier changes, promotions and bulk tiers can change the comparison; there is no permanent price winner in this guide.