Gildan 18500 Hoodie: Fabric, Fit & Care

A good travel layer does not need to be complicated. For an early departure, a cool evening or a relaxed day between destinations, a pullover hoodie is a familiar choice. What matters is understanding its fabric, fit and details before deciding whether it belongs in your bag.

Here we take a closer look at the Gildan 18500 hoodie. The unprinted examples below keep the focus on the garment itself: its shape, construction and practical features.

A familiar pullover shape

The front view shows the essentials: an overhead pullover, a drawcord hood and a kangaroo pocket. Ribbed cuffs and a ribbed waistband finish the sleeves and hem. There is no front zip, so it works well as a layer you put on before heading out rather than one you repeatedly open and close.

A little history behind the front pocket

The hoodie's story begins with practicality. In the 1930s, Champion produced hooded sweatshirts for workers facing freezing temperatures in upstate New York. The large front pocket, often called a kangaroo pocket, reflects that same practical spirit: one shared space with openings on both sides, giving cold hands somewhere to rest. It is a simple detail that still makes sense on chilly mornings and cool evenings away from home.

Historical background: Hoodie: history and construction.

Fabric: a cosy layer, not an ultralight shell

The Gildan 18500 uses a 50% cotton and 50% polyester fleece with a fabric weight of 8 oz/yd². That figure describes the fabric's weight per area, not the total weight of the finished hoodie.

Think of it as a substantial casual layer for cooler moments. It is not an ultralight packing piece, a waterproof outer layer or a replacement for technical clothing on a demanding hike. If space is tight, consider wearing it on the journey rather than packing it as an extra.

Check the fit from both sides

The back view gives a clearer sense of the hood, shoulder shape and straight body. But a photograph cannot tell you exactly how a size will fit your shoulders or where the hem will sit.

Before ordering, compare the product's size chart with a hoodie you already like wearing. Lay your own garment flat and compare the listed chest width, body length and sleeve measurements where provided. If you plan to layer it over another top, allow for that when choosing your fit.

The hood and small details

A double-lined hood and colour-matched drawcord give this model its familiar construction. The close-up makes it easier to see the neckline, stitching and hood opening without a printed graphic drawing attention away from them.

The front kangaroo pocket offers a place for your hands or small everyday items. Because it is open rather than zipped, keep your passport, phone and other valuables in a secure bag when travelling.

Packing your hoodie

Fold the sleeves inward, bring the body up and lay the hood flat to make a tidy shape for your bag. A fleece hoodie still takes up space, so choose it for the comfort and warmth you want rather than expecting it to disappear into a small daypack.

For a simple travel outfit, wear it over a T-shirt with comfortable trousers. When you need protection from wind or rain, choose an appropriate outer layer as well.

Prefer a print on just one side?

Some of our hoodies feature artwork on both the front and back. If you prefer just one of those designs, contact us before placing your order to request a front-only or back-only version.

Send us the product name or link, your preferred printed side, size and colour. We will confirm whether the requested version is available and its price before you order. The standard product listing remains the front-and-back version unless stated otherwise; a one-sided version must be agreed with us first.

Contact us about a one-sided hoodie.

Have your own design in mind?

We also accept custom design requests. Whether you have an idea you would like us to develop or your own artwork you would like printed, email us at support@globe-vogue.com to discuss your order.

Tell us what you have in mind, including your preferred print placement, size, colour and quantity, and attach any relevant artwork or reference images. Please only send artwork you own or have permission to use. We will review your request and confirm the design, production options, price and estimated timing before you place an order.

Care and choosing yours

Follow the garment care label and the instructions on the individual product page for washing and drying. If your finished hoodie has a print, follow its print-care guidance too, and avoid ironing directly over the artwork.

The blank photographs in this guide illustrate the hoodie construction only. Check each product page for the exact item being sold, its fabric information, size chart, available colours and care instructions.

Explore the GlobeVogue hoodie collection and compare the details before choosing your next everyday travel layer.