Gildan vs Champion Hoodie Compared [What’s the Difference?]


In this article we compare Gildan vs Champion hoodies. Both of these are popular hoodie brands, but I have found there to be a difference in fit. Here is what you need to know about some of their most popular options:

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  • Gildan Blend Fleece Hoodie – This is the most popular option. It fits a little smaller than the Champion hoodie we cover next. I ordered my normal sizing and it worked fine, but if length is an issue for you, you might need to size up. It is pre-shrunk and uses a cotton/poly blend to help reduce shrinking. Click here to view this Gildan hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Champion Powerblend Fleece Hoodie – This is the most popular type of Champion hoodie. It has a very standard fit that is consistent with most types of hoodies. Your normal sizing should work for this hoodie. The material is a cotton/poly blend with a brushed inside for softness. Many colors available. Click here to view this Champion hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Gildan DryBlend Hoodie – This Gildan hoodie is very similar to their most popular option, only this hoodie has moisture-wicking fabric to help keep you dry. It also uses pre-shrunk fabric to keep sizing a bit more consistent (still expect a little shrinking). Click here to view this Gildan hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Champion Powerblend Fleece Zip Hoodie – This is Champion’s most popular zip-front hoodie. It has the same fabric blend as their fleece pullover hoodie we covered earlier. This version runs a little bit bigger than the pullover version, but I would still recommend ordering your normal sizing. Multiple colors available. Click here to view this Champion hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Gildan Lightweight Hoodie – This Gildan hoodie is a lightweight hoodie that fits much like a hooded t-shirt. It is made with polyester, so you won’t have to worry as much about shrinking with this hoodie. This works as a nice summer hoodie for a cool night. Click here to view this Gildan hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Champion Middleweight Hoodie – This is Champion’s lightweight 100% Cotton hoodie. Although they call it a middleweight, this is a thinner hoodie best used for the gym, or for mild spring days. In my experience, this fit a bit looser than other Champion hoodies, but normal sizing should work. Multiple colors available. Click here to view this Champion hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

In this article we will compare Gildan vs Champion hoodies so that you have a better idea what to expect. We will take a specific look at the most popular style for each brand:

  • Gildan Fleece Pullover Hoodie (G18500)
  • Champion Powerblend Pullover Hoodie

Gildan vs Champion Hoodies

In my experience, the Gildan hoodies tend to fit a little smaller than the Champion hoodies. As I said earlier, this can fluctuate depending on what type of hoodie you buy.

Gildan Fleece Pullover Hoodie (G18500)

The Gildan Fleece Pullover Hoodie (G18500) is the most popular type of Gildan hoodie, due to it’s comfortable fit, and the wide range of colors available. It is also popular because it is a great hoodie to print on. This is where you can see all the different colors available for this Gildan Hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Again, as we discussed earlier, Gildan hoodie sizing will fluctuate a bit depending on the specific type of hoodie you choose. This article is to give you a clearer idea of how Gildan hoodies fit, by taking a specific look at their most popular option.

Although these make for nice around-the-house hoodies, these also can work as budget-friendly hoodie for work. Not everyone wants to spend $60 on a work hoodie.

How Do Gildan Hoodies Fit?

The Gildan Fleece Pullover Hoodie (G18500), in my experience, fits true to size, but does run just a bit shorter than other types of hoodies (photos below). Here I am wearing a size medium (6’2 185):

gildan-hoodie-sizing
gildan-hoodie-sizing-front

As you can see, overall the sizing is pretty standard here. I’m always between a medium and large for most clothes, and the length here for me at 6’2″/6’3″ was adequate.

The length and sleeve length in this hoodie is the one part of it that might run a bit smaller than other types of hoodies, including Champion. For most people, this probably won’t be a huge deal.

Here is a look at my size medium Gildan hoodie compared to a size medium Hanes t-shirt straight out of the package:

gildan-hoodie-vs-t-shirt

As you can see, the chest and stomach runs bigger than a t-shirt, which is standard for a hoodie. The length, overall, is shorter than a t-shirt. Most hoodies do run a little bit shorter than t-shirts, but I’d say the overall length in this Gildan hoodie is about a quarter inch shorter than other types of hoodies.

To learn more about how Gildan hoodies fit, visit our article Gildan Hoodie Sizing.

Where to buy Gildan Hoodies?

Click here to buy the Gildan G18500 Hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). There is a wide range of colors to choose from. Again, in my experience, you can expect this hoodie to fit true to size, although length may be an issue if you are taller.


Champion Powerblend Hoodie

The Champion Powerblend Hoodie is the most popular type of Champion hoodie, due to it’s comfortable fit, and the wide range of colors and designs available. This is what this powerblend hoodie looks like. As you can see, there is a wide range of colors available (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

They also make a version of this powerblend hoodie that has the “Champion” graphic across the front of the hoodie. This is actually the version that I own. Here is what this version of the powerblend hoodie looks like (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Again, as we discussed earlier, Champion hoodie sizing will fluctuate a bit depending on the specific type of hoodie you choose. This article is to give you a clearer idea of how Champion hoodies fit, by taking a specific look at their most popular option (the powerblend hoodie).

How Do Champion Powerblend Hoodies Fit?

The Champion Powerblend Hoodie, in my experience, fits true to size, and has a fit that is very consistent with other hoodies that I have owned. Here I am wearing a size medium (6’2 185):

champion-hoodie-sizing
champion-hoodie-sizing-front

As you can see, overall the sizing is pretty standard here. I’m always between a medium and large for most clothes, and the length here for me at 6’2″/6’3″ was adequate.

Here is a look at my size medium Champion hoodie compared to a size medium Hanes t-shirt straight out of the package:

champion-hoodie-vs-t-shirt

As you can see, the chest and stomach runs bigger than a t-shirt, which is standard for a hoodie. The length, overall, is a bit shorter than a t-shirt, which is typical for a hoodie. Overall, I feel like the length of this hoodie is perfect.

To learn more about how Champion hoodies fit, visit our article about Champion Hoodie Sizing.

Gildan vs Champion

In my experience, the fit of Gildan vs Champion is different. The biggest difference was in length, and in the size of the sleeves. Here is a look at the popular Gildan G18500 Hoodie sitting on top of the Champion Powerblend Hoodie (both size medium):

gildan-vs-champion-hoodie

As you can see, the gray Gildan sweatshirt is about an inch or more shorter than the Champion hoodie. The Gildan sleeves are also slimmer than the Champion hoodie.

gildan-vs-champion-hoodie-sleeves

If you prefer the Gildan hoodie, you may need to size up depending on how you like a hoodie to fit. I did not size up, but if length is a potential issue for you, probably need to size up the Gildan hoodie.

Ultimately, both of these hoodies are nice options if you are looking for a standard pullover hoodie to wear around the house. You can also keep these hoodies in your vehicle as a go-to first line of defense when the weather turns unexpectedly bad.


Where to Buy?

Gildan

Click here to buy the Gildan G18500 Hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). There is a wide range of colors to choose from. Again, in my experience, you can expect this hoodie to fit true to size, although length may be an issue if you are taller.

Champion

Click here to buy the popular Champion Powerblend Hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). There is a wide range of colors to choose from. Again, in my experience, you can expect this hoodie to fit true to size.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

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