Hoodie sizing runs differently than t-shirt sizing on every brand below, and the gap between an XL and a 2XL is bigger on a hoodie than it is on a tee because of the extra fabric in the hood and kangaroo pocket. Here are the actual manufacturer measurements for the three blanks we work with most, adult and youth, so you can size a hoodie order by real numbers instead of a size label.
Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt (Adult)
8 oz, 50/50 cotton/poly. Classic boxy fit, true to size for most people.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 34" |
| Body Length | 66 cm | 69 cm | 71 cm | 74 cm | 76 cm | 79 cm | 81 cm | 84 cm | 86 cm |
| Chest (flat) | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" | 30" | 32" | 34" |
Chest measured flat, one inch below the armhole. To get chest circumference, double the flat measurement (a size M measures 22" flat, about 44" around).
Gildan 18500B Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt (Youth)
Same 8 oz fabric as the adult 18500, sized down. Runs XS through XL only, no youth 2XL.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 19" | 21 1/2" | 22 1/2" | 24" | 25 1/2" |
| Body Length | 48 cm | 55 cm | 57 cm | 61 cm | 65 cm |
Gildan publishes youth measurements as "Body Width," not chest circumference, and does not publish a youth sleeve length for this style. Body Width is measured flat, so double it for a rough chest circumference.
Bella+Canvas 3719 Unisex Sponge Fleece Hoodie (Adult)
Softer, more fitted cut than the Gildan. Popular for spirit wear and gifts where the hoodie needs to look retail, not like a work sweatshirt.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (flat) | 18" | 19 1/2" | 21 1/2" | 23 1/2" | 25 1/2" | 27 1/2" | 29 1/2" |
| Chest (flat) | 46 cm | 50 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm | 65 cm | 70 cm | 75 cm |
Bella+Canvas does not publish a sleeve length for this style. Their own spec sheet notes the chart is subject to change and to confirm with their customer service for anything beyond these two measurements.
Bella+Canvas 3719Y Youth Sponge Fleece Hoodie (Youth)
The youth version only comes in three sizes. If you need a youth XS or XL in this softer fabric, it does not exist, size up or down to the nearest of the three and check the measurements against the wearer.
| Size | YS | YM | YL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (flat) | 16 1/2" | 17 1/2" | 18 1/2" |
| Chest (flat) | 42 cm | 44 cm | 47 cm |
Comfort Colors 1567 Ring Spun Hooded Sweatshirt (Adult)
9.5 oz garment-dyed cotton/poly, heavier and more relaxed than either of the above. Runs S through 3XL, no XS.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 27 1/2" | 28 1/2" | 29 1/2" | 30 1/2" | 31 1/2" | 32 1/2" |
| Body Length | 70 cm | 72 cm | 75 cm | 77 cm | 80 cm | 83 cm |
Comfort Colors 1467Y Youth Hooded Sweatshirt (Youth, closest equivalent)
Here is a real gap worth naming: Comfort Colors does not make a youth version of the 1567's heavyweight ring-spun fleece. The closest youth match in their line is the 1467Y, a lighter 6.4 oz garment-dyed hoodie with no drawcord. If the heavier garment-dyed feel matters for your order, expect the youth version to feel noticeably lighter than the adult 1567, not a scaled-down copy of it.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Size | 2-4 | 6-8 | 10-12 | 14-16 | 18-20 |
| Body Length | 17 1/2" | 20" | 21" | 23" | 25" |
| Body Length | 44 cm | 51 cm | 53 cm | 58 cm | 64 cm |
| Chest (flat) | 14" | 15 1/2" | 17 1/2" | 18 1/2" | 20" |
Ordering Hoodies for a Group
Minimum order is 24 pieces, with price breaks at 48 and 72. On orders of 72 or more with one consistent imprint, the $40 design setup fee is waived. Standard production is 2 to 3 weeks from final art approval, not from when you first reach out. Rush orders add 30% to the total.
Hoodies fit bulkier than t-shirts by design, so if your group is used to ordering true-to-size tees, remind them a hoodie in their usual size will layer fine over a shirt. For sizing a mixed group across youth and adult, our custom team shirt sizing guide covers the youth-to-adult transition in more depth, and the same logic applies to hoodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Gildan 18500 hoodie?
Chest measures 18" to 34" flat (36" to 68" circumference) from XS to 5XL, with body length from 26" to 34". It runs true to size with a boxy, roomy cut. See the full chart above for every size.
Is the Bella+Canvas 3719 true to size?
Yes, but it fits closer to the body than the Gildan 18500. Chest runs 18" to 29 1/2" flat across XS to 3XL. If your group is between a Gildan size and wants a more fitted, retail look, size the same number, not up.
Do hoodies fit bigger than t-shirts?
Generally yes. Hoodies carry more fabric through the body and sleeve to allow for layering, so a hoodie in your usual t-shirt size will typically sit a little looser. It is not a hard rule across every brand, check the specific chest measurement rather than assuming.
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What youth hoodie sizes are available?
Gildan 18500B covers youth XS through XL. Bella+Canvas 3719Y only comes in YS, YM, and YL, no youth XS or XL. Comfort Colors does not make a youth match to their adult 1567 at all, the closest option is the lighter 1467Y in kids sizes 2-4 through 18-20.
How many hoodies do I need to order for a team or group?
The minimum order is 24 pieces, with better per-unit pricing starting at 48 and again at 72. Order 10 to 15% extra in your most common sizes to cover late additions and sizing misses.
Related Sizing Guides
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Adult Medium Size Chart
- How to Measure Your Chest for a T-Shirt
Ordering Custom Hoodies?
We handle hoodie orders from 24 pieces to 500-plus, youth and adult mixed in the same run. Tell us your group and sizes and we will recommend the right blank and get you a quote within one business day. Start your order here.
