Gildan Heavy Blend vs DryBlend vs Softstyle Zip Hoodie: Fabric Guide for 2026

Searches for "gildan heavy blend," "dryblend," and "softstyle" zip hoodies are usually shoppers trying to figure out which Gildan fabric line they are actually looking at, since Gildan sells fleece under several different names depending on weight and feel. Here is the general difference between the lines, and what to expect from the piece stocked in the Bear Grips catalog.

The Three Gildan Fleece Lines, at a Glance

Line	General feel	Best for
Heavy Blend	Heavier, more structured, classic fleece hand-feel	Cold-climate crews, traditional team and school merch
DryBlend	Lighter weight, more breathable	Mild climates, year-round layering
Softstyle	Softer hand-feel, closer, more casual fit	Everyday lifestyle wear, less bulky layering

These are general market positionings across the wholesale blank world, not a claim about a specific gsm weight. The exact fabric content and weight for what Bear Grips actually ships is listed on the product page.

The "18600" Style Number You Will See Referenced

Style number 18600 is a widely referenced number in the wholesale blank market for Gildan's Heavy Blend 50/50 cotton-poly zip hoodie, and it is the fabric line most people picture when they search "gildan heavy blend." It is one specific line within Gildan's broader catalog, not the only zip hoodie Gildan makes.

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What the Bear Grips Catalog Actually Stocks

The Classic Zip-Up Hoodie listed in the Bear Grips Pro Shops catalog is a mid-weight fleece piece at $41.88 VIP base. The exact fabric composition and weight for the specific piece are shown on its product listing page in your shop, which is the definitive source rather than a general fabric-line description found elsewhere online.

Choosing Fabric Weight by Climate and Use

• Cold-climate crews and winter teams. A heavier, more structured fleece feel holds up better against wind and cold.
• Mild or year-round climates. A lighter fleece avoids overheating buyers who wear it most of the year.
• Everyday lifestyle wear. A softer hand-feel reads more casual and less like a team-issue piece.

Gildan Smart Basics and Other Budget Lines

Gildan also produces economy or budget-tier fleece lines, sometimes marketed under names like Smart Basics, aimed at high-volume blank buyers who prioritize the lowest possible cost over premium hand-feel. For a print-on-demand shop where the base price and printing are already built into a single per-unit cost, the piece stocked in the Bear Grips catalog is chosen for a reasonable balance of feel and price rather than the absolute cheapest option available in the wider blank market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric is the Bear Grips Gildan zip-up hoodie?

The exact fabric composition and weight are listed on the product page for the piece in your shop, which is the accurate source for that specific listing.

What does "18600" mean for a Gildan zip hoodie?

It is a commonly referenced style number in the wholesale blank market for Gildan's Heavy Blend 50/50 zip hoodie, one specific fabric line within Gildan's broader range.

Is DryBlend or Softstyle better?

Neither is universally better. DryBlend runs lighter and more breathable, Softstyle has a softer hand-feel and closer fit. The right pick depends on climate and how the buyer plans to wear it.

Should I care about the specific fabric line when selling custom merch?

Mostly no. Focus on price, fit, and print quality for your buyers. The fabric line naming is more relevant to bulk blank buyers sourcing directly from a wholesaler.