Gildan Crewneck Sweatshirt Fabric and Weight Guide

Gildan is known industry-wide for a handful of named fabric lines, each built around a different balance of cotton content, weight, and price. Here is what those names generally mean and how the pieces in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog compare on weight and warmth.

What Do Heavy Blend, DryBlend, and EcoSmart Generally Mean?

Fabric line	General character
Heavy Blend	Standard cotton and polyester crewneck and hoodie fleece, the most common Gildan sweatshirt fabric
DryBlend	Moisture-managing cotton and polyester blend, lighter feel
EcoSmart	A more budget-friendly, lighter-weight fleece option
Ultra Cotton	Heavier cotton-forward construction, less common on sweatshirts than on tees

These are general industry naming conventions rather than specific claims about any one piece in our catalog. Check the individual product description for the exact fabric content of a given piece.

Midweight vs Heavyweight: What to Pick by Season

• Midweight fleece works best for layering, mild climates, and indoor-to-outdoor transitions in spring and fall.
• Heavyweight fleece holds up better in cold-region winters and for anyone who wears the sweatshirt as a standalone outer layer.

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Weight Comparison Across the Catalog

Piece	Brand	General weight character
Perfect Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt	Bear Grips	Midweight, soft everyday feel
Youth Crewneck Sweatshirt	Gildan	Standard youth fleece weight
Unisex Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt	Champion	Heavier, structured athletic-brand weight
Classic Zip-Up Hoodie	Gildan	Standard adult fleece weight, easy layering

Cotton Content and Everyday Comfort

Higher cotton content generally means a softer hand feel and more breathability, while a higher polyester share adds durability and shape retention through repeat washing. Most crewneck sweatshirt fabric blends split the difference, which is why cotton-poly blends dominate the category rather than 100% of either fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Heavy Blend and DryBlend fabric?

Heavy Blend is the standard, most common crewneck and hoodie fleece weight. DryBlend generally runs lighter with more moisture management. Exact specs vary by piece, so check the product description.

Is a heavier or lighter crewneck sweatshirt better?

It depends on climate and use. Heavier fleece suits cold-region winters and standalone outer-layer wear. Lighter or midweight fleece works better for layering and milder climates.

Which piece in the catalog runs the heaviest?

The Unisex Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt runs the heaviest of the crewneck options, with a more structured, athletic-brand weight.

Does fabric weight affect print quality?

Not significantly for standard print methods. Heavier fleece can hold embroidery slightly better due to more structure underneath the stitching.