In this article we compare Hanes vs Gildan hoodies. I personally prefer Hanes Ecosmart Hoodies, but both brands have unique strengths. Here is what you need to know about some of their most popular options:
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- Hanes Ecosmart Pullover Fleece Hoodie – This is the most popular option, and the one that I like the best. In my experience, it fits true to size. This is a sort of medium-weight hoodie that uses a cotton/poly blend, which helps reduce shrinking. Click here to view this Hanes hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Gildan Blend Fleece Hoodie – This is Gildan’s most popular option, and it has a very standard fit that is consistent with most types of hoodies. Your normal sizing should work for this hoodie. 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).
- Hanes Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie – This is a heavier hoodie and works well if you are looking for a base layer for winter. It fits a little bit bigger than the Hanes Ecosmart hoodie we discussed first, but I still recommend ordering your normal sizing. Click here to view this Hanes 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).
- Hanes Heavyweight Zip Hoodie – This is the full front zip version of the Hanes heavyweight hoodie. This zip version can run a bit bigger than other Hanes hoodies. It uses a 9.7-ounce cotton/poly blend fabric. Click here to view this Hanes zip 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).
In this article we will compare Hanes vs Gildan 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:
- Hanes Ecosmart Pullover Hoodie
- Gildan Fleece Pullover Hoodie (G18500)
Hanes vs Gildan Hoodies
In my experience, I like the feel and fit of the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodies, and it fits me better than the Gildan G18500 Fleece Hoodie (which is Gildan’s most popular hoodie).
The fit is a little different between these, and it might impact your decision. Expect the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodies to have a little extra length. If you look at the comparison photo above, the Hanes hoodie has a tighter fit through the shoulders than the Gildan hoodie.
Hanes Ecosmart Pullover Fleece Hoodie
The Hanes Ecosmart Pullover Hoodie is the most popular type of Hanes hoodie, due to its comfortable fit, and the wide range of colors available. This is where you can see all the different colors available for this Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Again, as we discussed earlier, Hanes 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 Hanes hoodies fit compared to Gildan, by taking a specific look at their most popular options.
This Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie is a nice around-the-house hoodie, but can also function as a budget-friendly work hoodie.
How Do Hanes Ecosmart Hoodies Fit?
The Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie, in my experience, fits true to size. Here I am wearing a size medium (6’2 185):
As you can see, there is enough sleeve length in a size medium even for me with longer arms. And overall, the length is reasonable. 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 Hanes hoodie compared to a size medium Hanes ComfortSoft t-shirt straight out of the package:
Pretty standard sizing for a hoodie. The chest and stomach runs bigger than a t-shirt. The length, overall, is similar to a t-shirt.
My Hanes hoodies is made with a cotton/poly blend. This helps reduce the total amount of shrinkage (but still do expect a little bit of shrinkage to occur).
I personally like this Hanes Ecosmart hoodie because it is a medium-weight hoodie that is very comfortable to wear. I wear mine around the house, and also sometimes keep it in my vehicle as a first line of defense against a sudden temperature change.
To learn more about how Hanes hoodies fit, visit our article Hanes Hoodie Sizing.
Where to buy the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie?
Click here to buy the Hanes Ecosmart Pullover 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.
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).
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):
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. 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:
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.
Hanes vs Gildan
As I mentioned earlier, in my experience, the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie has a little more length than the Gildan hoodie. Here is a look at my Gildan hoodie sitting on top of a Hanes Ecosmart hoodie:
If you look at the length, you see the Gildan hoodie on top has a little less total length than the Hanes Ecosmart hoodie:
And here is a look at the sleeve length (Gildan on top). As you can see, the Gildan hoodie also has a shorter sleeve length than the Hanes hoodie:
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.
The Gildan hoodie does feel a bit heavier to me, and this might make it a better option if you are choosing a hoodie to print on. I obviously do not do any printing on mine, so I am just guessing here. But the Gildan hoodie feels a little thicker to me.
Where to Buy?
Hanes
I personally prefer the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie just because I’m taller and the overall fit is better for me. If you are interested in the Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie, this is where you can check it out at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Gildan
The Gilan G18500 is a very popular hoodie, and some people prefer it because of the way it feels. 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.