Meet the Contenders
| Hoodie | Fabric & Weight | Key Features | Best For |
| J America BTB Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt | 7.5 oz 55 % cotton / 25 % polyester / 20 % recycled polyester fleece (jamericablanks.com) | Eco‑blend, lined hood, flat dyed‑to‑match drawcord, tear‑away label, cover‑stitched seams | Campus spirit wear, eco‑conscious brands |
| Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt | 8.0 oz 50 % cotton / 50 % polyester fleece (kaleels.com) | Air‑jet yarn for reduced pilling, double‑lined hood, rib cuffs w/ spandex, front pouch pocket | Budget uniforms, large bulk giveaways |
Why the BTB Hooded sweatshirts Wins on Value & Quality
- Eco Advantage. 20 % recycled polyester = smaller carbon footprint without sacrificing softness.
- Lighter, Softer Hand. 7.5 oz fleece feels less bulky yet stays warm—great for year‑round wear.
- Retail Finish Details. Flat drawcords and cover‑stitching give off a premium retail vibe that customers notice.
- Comparable Price. Wholesale pricing starts around $11.35 blank - often within $1 of the 18500 but with upgraded specs, and much more comfortable.
Real‑World Feedback
“We switched from the Gildan 18500 to the J America 8720 for our orientation swag bags. Students loved the lighter feel, and the recycled content fit our sustainability pledge.”
—Alex R., Sustainability Coordinator, Indiana University
“Our alumni store added the BTB Hooded Fleece last spring. Sales jumped 18 % versus the previous heavy‑blend hoodie thanks to the softer fleece and cleaner embroidery surface.”
—Megan L. Lakewood schools
Decoration Methods That Shine on the 8720
| Method | Why It Works |
| Screen Printing | Smooth 55/25/20 fleece accepts bold plastisol or water‑based inks with minimal fibrillation. |
| Embroidery | Tight knit surface keeps stitch lines crisp; tear‑away label makes re‑branding easy. |
| Digital Transfers | Ideal for photo‑real, low‑run designs—ink adheres cleanly without heavy feel. |
Ordering Custom 8720 Hoodies—Made Easy
- Launch our Online Design Studio—upload art or start with free templates.
- Choose print method & colors—our live pricing tool shows volume discounts with no minimums.
- Approve your proof—in‑house artists review every file free to ensure perfect print or stitch.
- Relax! You can visit us at one of our 30+ campus‑based shops and ship fast & free on all on all orders. We always offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on everything we do at Underground!
Quick‑View Specs
- Fabric: 55 % cotton / 25 % poly / 20 % recycled poly, 7.5 oz (jamericablanks.com)
- Sizes: S–3XL
- Colors: Black, Charcoal Heather, Oxford, Oyster, True Navy (ssactivewear.com)
- Label: Tear‑away for easy re‑branding
- Fit: Classic unisex
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BTB Hoodie more sustainable than the Gildan 18500?
Yes—its 20 % recycled polyester blend reduces virgin‑fiber demand while maintaining durability.
Does the lighter weight affect warmth?
Not noticeably. The brushed fleece interior traps heat effectively, making it a true 3‑season hoodie.
Can I mix 8720 and 18500 in one order?
Absolutely. Our system can quote mixed‑style orders so you can compare feel and pricing hands‑on.
Do you offer Rush Orders on the J American BTB Hoodie?
Absolutely! We have several colors in stock at all times and can offer quick turnaround and rush orders in as little as 2 days! Check out our BTB Hooded sweatshirt catalog page for more color options and lightening rush details!
Ready to Upgrade?
Start your custom design on a J America BTB Fleece Hoodie order now or call (800) 242‑4787—Underground Printing makes custom apparel ordering easy, eco‑friendly, and risk‑free with our 100 % Satisfaction Guarantee.
© 2025 Underground Printing. This article may contain links to our own products—because we genuinely believe they’re the best.