This blog compares the two most popular midweight blank pullover hoodies currently in the wholesale apparel market - featuring the SS4500 from Independent Trading Company against the SF500 from Gildan. Both hoodies fall under the same weight & fabric category, and are made of 80% ring-spun cotton and 20% polyester. The Independent SS4500 hoodie offers a premium retail finish, more color options, and better durability compared to the Gildan SF500. The latter garners praise for its super soft interior, trendy drop-shoulder design, and overall stretchability. Both styles are excellent for decorations, including screen printing, DTG, and embroidery. The choice depends on whether you prefer a retail-finish, more color options, or better durability (SS4500) OR trendier design, softer interiors, and decent stretch on a classic fit (SF500).
There is no shortage of styles when it comes to blank hoodies in the wholesale market. Among blank midweight hooded sweatshirts, there are just too many good options. But if you’ve narrowed it down to the
Independent Trading Co. SS4500 and the
Gildan SF500, you’re already on the right track. One is a heavy hitter in the wholesale market, while the other is among the top
10 decorator-approved sweatshirts, garnering a lot of praise from YouApparel’s customers. However, both offer an excellent balance of comfort and style.
But which one of the two deserves your logo?
We’re breaking down every detail to help you decide.
Product Overview
The Independent Trading Co. SS4500 is a versatile pullover that sits right in the "Goldilocks" zone - not too heavy, not too light. This retail-ready midweight
hooded sweatshirt is designed to be suitable for consistent daily wear with a classic shape that we all love. It has built a reputation for having a premium hand feel and a construction that holds up over time - a feature shared by all sweatshirt styles from
Independent Trading Company. The style also comes in a crewneck variant - the Independent Trading Company
SS3000 midweight crewneck.
Then we have the
Gildan , part of Gildan’s popular Softstyle® line. While Gildan is famous for budget-friendly basics, the Softstyle collection steps it up with better materials and a focus on softness. The SF500 hoodie aims to provide that high-end ring-spun feel without a hefty price tag, making it a strong contender for brands that want comfort on a budget. It also comes in a
crewneck Sweatshirts variant called the
SF000 Midweight Crewneck. We’ve compared the
differences between the SF000 crewneck and the Gildan 18000 - Gildan’s most popular crewneck- in one of our blogs. Check it out if you also want to explore Gildan’s crewneck options.
Fabric & Weight Comparison
When we talk about "midweight," we are usually looking for something substantial enough to keep you warm but breathable enough for layering.
Independent Trading SS4500: This hoodie clocks in at 8.5 oz./yd². It features an 80/20 fleece blend of ring-spun cotton and polyester. The real star here is the 100% cotton face with a 20 singles yarn count. This provides a very smooth canvas for printing. The fleece interior is soft, but the exterior feels structured and durable.
Gildan SF500: The SF500 is right on its heels with a weight of 8.4 oz./yd². It also utilizes an 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester blend with a 100% cotton face. However, Gildan emphasizes on its brushed interior, which gives it a cozy, plush feel against the skin.
YouApparel’s Verdict: The SS4500 feels slightly more substantial structurally, and both hoodies deliver that immediate soft-to-the-touch sensation as well as the smooth cotton face for superior print results. The fabric quality of the SS4500 becomes more evident after multiple washes. It’s close, but the SS4500 leads.
Sizing & Fit Comparison
Fit is subjective, but knowing the cut can save you a lot of returns.
The SS4500 offers a Classic Fit, and it feels generous and roomy without looking baggy. It features a classic shape, and comes in an impressive size range, spanning XS to 5XL. This makes it an excellent choice if you need to outfit a diverse group of people, including those who need smaller frames accommodated.
The Gildan SF500 also shares similar traits. Offering a Classic Fit as well, the SF500 features a dropped shoulder design, different from the SS4500 from Independent. This design gives it a relaxed, modern streetwear vibe. It also comes in the same size range - XS to 5XL. But not everyone wants to go for the drop-shoulder design.
YouApparel’s Verdict: With the sizing options remaining the same for both styles, it comes down to the fit. If you prefer a classic midweight hoodie, go for the SS4500. If you need something more modern and on-trend, with the popular drop-shoulder design, the SF500 is a solid choice. Because this is preference-based, we would call it a tie here.
Colors & Availability
For decorators and retailers, color palettes factor in significantly when building a collection.
Independent Trading SS4500: This is where Independent flexes its muscles. With 42 colors available, you have options ranging from standard black and royal blue to trendier shades like Dusty Sage, Alpine Green, and unique Camo patterns. They also offer specific "Safety" colors for workwear.
Gildan SF500: The Softstyle line offers a respectable 38 colors. You’ll find all the essentials including Charcoal, Red, Royal, nice earth tones like Military Green and Sand, and premium-looking color options like Off-White.
YouApparel’s Verdict: The SF500 lacks the extensive variety and the specialty patterns found in the SS4500 lineup. With more exotic options, camo patterns, and safety color options, the SS4500 wins.
Construction & Features
Details matter, especially if you plan to sell these as premium merch.
The SS4500 features split-stitch double-needle sewing on all seams. This is a premium construction method that adds significant durability. It also includes metal eyelets, jersey-lined hood, and a heavy gauge drawcord, which elevates the perceived value of the garment. The neck tape is twill, another nod to quality.
The SF500 uses standard stitching. Though reliable, it’s perhaps less "heavy-duty" than the split-stitched SS4500. The hood of the SF500 Gildan hoodie is a 2-piece color-matched, jersey-lined construction with sewn buttonhole eyelets (no metal). However, it features a spandex cuff with bottom band for enhanced stretch. It’s a clean look, but the lack of metal hardware might feel less "retail-ready" to some buyers.
YouApparel’s Verdict: The SS4500 checks all the most wanted boxes for retailers, and has a slight edge in terms of construction quality and durability.
Customization & Decoration Methods
Both hoodies are decoration-friendly powerhouses, but there are nuances.
Screen Printing: It’s a tie. Both feature a 100% cotton face, ensuring plastisol and water-based inks lay down smooth and crisp.
Embroidery: The SS4500 takes the edge here. Its slightly heavier build and split-stitch seams support dense stitching better, reducing puckering on complex logos.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Both are excellent candidates due to the cotton face. You will get vibrant, detailed prints on either option.
Sublimation: Neither hoodie is recommended for traditional sublimation. Sublimation requires polyester to bond, and the 100% cotton face of these hoodies means the ink will likely wash out immediately.
However, there are exceptions. You can achieve a "vintage" or distressed look on the Heather colors of the SS4500 (55/45 blend) or the Dark Heather SF500 (50/50 blend), but do not expect vibrant, permanent full-color results.
YouApparel’s Verdict: Both the SS4500 and the SF500 are solid options for cotton-friendly decorations, and are engineered to deliver excellent results.
Quality & Durability Analysis
The SS4500 is a long-term survivor. Our customers consistently report that it maintains its shape after dozens of washes. Additionally, its split-stitch seams prevent unraveling, and the ribbing at the cuffs and waistband holds its elasticity well. It is widely considered a "Premium" midweight option.
The SF500 is surprisingly resilient for its price point. The Softstyle® ring-spun cotton resists pilling better than standard carded open-end cotton (found in cheaper hoodies). Though shrinkage is very minimal, from the feedback we gathered from our customers we think the SF500 shrinks slightly more than the SS4500. But if washed cold and dried low, it stays true to form. It’s a solid "Mid-Tier" choice that feels more expensive than it is.
Our post-wash performance assessment of both styles observed excellent color retention on the SS4500 and excellent shape retention on the Gildan SF500, with minimal fading on both styles. The SF500 is more forgiving with temperature but the SS4500 can maintain its premium aesthetics longer.
YouApparel’s Verdict: Considering most factors we covered till now, it’s a tie in terms of quality. But when it comes to durability, the SS4500 once again leads.
Pricing & Price Tiers
Price is often the deciding factor. But in YouApparel, you can get both styles at very competitive per-unit prices and bulk discounts.
Independent Trading Co. SS4500: Prices start as low as $11.15 currently. This is an incredible value for a hoodie with premium specs like split-stitching and metal eyelets. Camo patterns start at $16.99, however.
Gildan SF500: Prices start as low as $12.97 per piece. While slightly higher in this specific comparison, it remains a competitive option given the "Softstyle" branding and modern fit.
Note: Prices fluctuate based on color, size, and bulk quantity for the SS4500.
YouApparel’s Verdict: The SS4500 comes at an unbeatable per-piece pricing in YouApparel, slightly lower than similar-tier colors from the Gildan SF500. But camo colors come at a higher price. Both are amazing picks if you seek high-quality blank hoodies under $15. But the overall pricing and color variety of the SS4500 makes it a winner once again.
| Feature |
Independent Trading Co. SS4500 |
Gildan SF500 |
| Fabric Weight |
8.5 oz./yd² |
8.4 oz./yd² |
| Material |
80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend Fleece (100% Cotton Face) |
80/20 Cotton/Poly (100% Cotton Face) |
| Size Range |
XS – 5XL |
XS – 5XL |
| Fit |
Classic / Generous |
Classic / Dropped Shoulder |
| Construction |
Split-Stitch Double-Needle |
Standard Topstitch |
| Hood Lining |
Jersey |
2-piece jersey |
| Key Details |
Metal Eyelets, Twill Neck Tape |
Sewn Eyelets, Spandex Cuffs & Bottom Band for Enhanced Stretch |
| Color Options |
42 (Includes Solids, Heathers, Camo & Safety Colors) |
38 (Solids & Heathers) |
| Best For |
Premium Merch, Streetwear Brands |
Softness Seekers, Modern Fit |
| Color Fade Resistance |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Price |
As Low As $11.05 |
As Low As $12.77 |
| YouApparel Overall Rating |
9/10 |
8.5/10 |
Both hoodies are excellent choices, but they serve different needs. Choose the SS4500 if you want maximum durability, more color options, and a premium retail finish. Opt for the SF500 if you prioritize a trendy dropped-shoulder cut with softer interiors, and stretchy cuffs and bottom band. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is heavier - Independent SS4500 or Gildan SF500?
SS4500 is marginally heavier at 8.5 oz vs 8.4 oz (about 0.1 oz difference).
Do both have 100% cotton face?
Yes, both feature 100% ring-spun cotton face for superior printing.
Does SF500 come in camo?
No, camo patterns are not available in Gildan SF500.
Do Gildan and Independent Trading Company midweight blank hoodies come in safety colors?
The SS4500 comes in safety colors. Gildan SF500 does not.
How does the Gildan SF500 midweight hoodie fit?
The SF500 Softstyle hoodie offers a classic fit.
How does the Independent Trading Company SS4500 midweight hoodie fit?
The SS4500 offers a classic fit.
Which midweight hoodie is the best for screen printing?
Both the Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500 hoodies have 100% cotton face to deliver exceptional print results. However, the SS4500 impressed our customers more with a premium finish.
Can you DTG print on the Independent midweight hoodie?
Yes. The Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500 midweight hoodies are great choices for DTG. Feel free to get in touch with our Customer Support team to get the best quotes for custom DTG on hoodies in bulk. YouApparel specializes in apparel decoration with a professional and highly experienced design & customization team, consultative approach to design, transparent production and quick turnarounds at competitive costs.
Are SS4500 and SF500 blank hoodies good for sublimation?
No. We do not recommend these two styles for traditional sublimation, as this customization technique is better suited for polyester-heavy garments. The SS4500 and SF500 are 80% ringspun cotton for most colors, and will not deliver great results when sublimated.
Which is the more expensive hoodie between the Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500?
Both blank hoodies come between $11 and $13 per piece in YouApparel for most colors. The SS4500 comes at better per-piece pricing overall with 42 color options.
Is there MOQ for Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500 in YouApparel?
No. YouApparel has no MOQs for blank apparel from any brand in our wholesale selection. You can get the best per-unit prices on the SS4500, the SF500, and a lot more styles in YouApparel - even if you order one or a few dozen pieces. However, you get maximum value on blank as well as custom apparel from YouApparel when you order in bulk.
Is Independent SS4500 worth the premium?
The Independent Trading Company SS4500 midweight hoodie is widely considered to be of premium quality. However it isn't as expensive as everyone thinks it is. The SS4500 is absolutely a bang for the buck in terms of quality, durability, color retention, and customization results. The style also comes in over 40 colors including safety and camo colors.
Which hoodie is more durable between Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500?
The SS4500, due to its slightly heavier build and premium construction like split-stitched double needle sewing on all seams.
Does the Gildan SF500 hoodie pill?
The Gildan SF500 is part of Gildan’s Softstyle line, which uses top quality fabrics and construction for enhanced durability, reduced pilling, and minimal shrinkage. The pill resistance of the SF500 is excellent, and it holds shape after multiple washes.
SF500 vs Gildan 18500 - comparison?
SF500 is a midweight hoodie made of 80% ringspun cotton and 20% polyester with a 100% cotton face. It’s part of Gildan’s Softstyle® lineup. The iconic Gildan 18500 or G185 is marginally lighter at 8 ounces and part of the Heavy Blend lineup featuring a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend.
Which hoodie is better for teams between the Independent SS4500 and Gildan SF500?
The Independent SS4500 because of its classic fit and color options including safety colors. The SF500 features a more modern, drop-shoulder design but still viable.
Which midweight hoodie do embroiderers prefer between SS4500 and SF500?
SS4500 for stability. SF500 also works well.
Should I test both before committing?
Yes. You can order samples to compare quality and feel before placing bulk orders in YouApparel. For queries related to customization, you can get in touch with our Customer Support team.
