Bear Grips Pro ShopsGildan Crewneck Sweatshirt Fabric and Weight Guide
- Gildan runs several named fabric lines (Heavy Blend, DryBlend, EcoSmart, Ultra Cotton), each targeting a different balance of warmth, softness, and price.
- Heavier fleece suits cold-weather wear, while midweight blends work better for layering or milder climates.
- Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog pieces span from midweight (Perfect Soft Crewneck) to heavier athletic-brand weight (Champion Crewneck).
- Pick weight based on climate and use case first, then choose the design placement around that.
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.
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.
Pick the Right Weight
Midweight, heavyweight, or somewhere in between. See every fabric option before you order.
Start FreeFrequently 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.
