The Ultimate Guide to Soft Style Gildan Fleece: Comfort, Style, and Value for Every Wardrobe

When it comes to blank apparel that combines comfort, affordability, and style, few names resonate as strongly as Gildan. Known for delivering consistent quality across t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, Gildan has become a go-to brand for decorators, retailers, and individuals alike.

But one category that deserves special attention is Gildan fleece, particularly its Soft Style collections. These garments stand out for their cozy feel, durability, and versatility in screen printing, embroidery, and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. Whether you’re stocking up for custom apparel, outfitting a team, or just looking for reliable everyday wear, Soft Style Gildan fleece has something to offer.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Gildan fleece—from its fabric and features to styling tips, decoration methods, and why it’s one of the most popular choices in the market.

What Is Soft Style Gildan Fleece?

“Soft Style” is Gildan’s term for garments that go beyond the basics. They feature a softer hand feel, more modern fits, and higher-quality finishes compared to classic core blanks.

When applied to fleece products like sweatshirts and hoodies, Soft Style means:

• Brushed interior for extra warmth and softness against the skin.
  
  

• Lighter, more fashion-forward cuts that suit retail and lifestyle use.
  
  

• Premium cotton/polyester blends designed for comfort and reduced shrinkage.
  
  

This makes Soft Style fleece the perfect middle ground: cozy enough for lounging, stylish enough for casual wear, and affordable enough for bulk orders.

Key Features of Gildan Soft Style Fleece

1. Fabric Composition
   
   

• Typically a blend of cotton and polyester, with variations depending on the style.
  
  

• Cotton adds breathability and softness.
  
  

• Polyester adds durability, wrinkle resistance, and shape retention.
  
  

2. Soft Brushed Interior
   
   

• A hallmark of Gildan fleece is its brushed interior. This fleece lining feels plush against the skin, locking in warmth without feeling too heavy.
  
  

3. Modern Fit
   
   

• Compared to classic oversized fleece, Soft Style fleece is more fitted with cleaner lines.
  
  

• Perfect for retail, streetwear, or promotional items that need to look stylish.
  
  

4. Durability
   
   

• Reinforced seams, ribbed cuffs, and waistband details help these garments hold up to daily wear.
  
  

• Polyester content reduces shrinkage compared to 100% cotton fleece.
  
  

5. Printability
   
   

• Soft Style fleece works well with screen printing, embroidery, DTF, and heat transfers.
  
  

• Smooth surfaces provide excellent color vibrancy for custom designs.
  

Popular Styles in the Gildan Soft Style Fleece Collection

While Gildan offers many fleece options, here are some customer favorites from the Soft Style range:

1. Gildan Softstyle Fleece Hoodie

• Lightweight yet warm, this hoodie is a go-to for decorators.
  
  

• Features include a kangaroo pocket, adjustable drawstring hood, and ribbed cuffs/waistband.
  
  

• Ideal for both retail and casual wear.
  

2. Gildan Softstyle Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

• Classic crewneck design with a soft fleece lining.
  
  

• Works well for layering in colder weather.
  
  

• Popular with schools, sports teams, and promotional events.
  

3. Gildan Youth Softstyle Midweight Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt

• Made with soft midweight fleece for comfort and warmth
  
  

• Pullover hoodie design with front pouch pocket for convenience
  
  

• Great for custom decoration including screen printing, embroidery, or DTF transfers

Why Choose Gildan Soft Style Fleece?

1. Affordability Without Compromise
   
   

• Gildan has built its reputation on offering value at scale. You don’t have to pay retail luxury prices to get soft, stylish fleece.
  
  

2. Versatility for Decoration
   
   

• From DTF transfers to embroidery, these garments handle customization extremely well.
  
  

3. Wide Range of Colors and Sizes
   
   

• Soft Style fleece comes in dozens of shades, from neutrals like black and navy to bold fashion colors.
  
  

• Inclusive sizing ensures options for everyone.
  
  

4. Sustainability Efforts
   
   

• Gildan has been recognized for eco-friendly practices, including water conservation, renewable energy use, and ethical labor standards.
  

Decorating Gildan Soft Style Fleece

Soft Style fleece is a favorite among decorators because it provides a smooth surface and holds up well to multiple techniques.

Screen Printing

• Works beautifully on fleece for bold, long-lasting designs.
  
  

• Ideal for bulk orders and promotional items.
  

 Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

• DTF transfers adhere well to cotton/poly blends.
  
  

• Produces vibrant, full-color designs, including gradients.
  
  

• Great for smaller runs or intricate graphics.
  

(For tips on pressing DTF transfers correctly, see our guide: Do You Press DTF with the Image Face Up or Down?)

 Embroidery

• Popular choice for logos and monograms.
  
  

• Works especially well on cuffs, chest, and hood areas.
  

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• A good option for bold, single-color designs.
  
  

• Best for personalization like names and numbers.
  

Styling Soft Style Gildan Fleece

One of the strengths of Soft Style fleece is how easily it transitions between loungewear, streetwear, and promotional apparel.

• Casual Everyday Wear: Pair a fleece hoodie with jeans or joggers for an easy, comfortable outfit.
  
  

• Athleisure: Match a crewneck sweatshirt with leggings or athletic shorts for a sporty look.
  
  

• Workwear: Embroidered full-zip hoodies make professional yet comfortable uniforms.
  
  

• Layering: Crewnecks can be worn under jackets for added warmth.
  

Who Buys Gildan Soft Style Fleece?

1. Small Businesses & Startups
   
   

• Perfect for custom branding and resale.
  
  

2. Schools & Universities
   
   

• Great for spirit wear, team apparel, and events.
  
  

3. Corporate Teams
   
   

• Affordable option for branded employee uniforms.
  
  

4. Nonprofits & Fundraisers
   
   

• Bulk pricing makes it easy to produce merchandise for causes.
  
  

5. Fashion Brands & Etsy Sellers
   
   

• Soft Style fleece offers a blank canvas for custom streetwear collections.
  

Tips for Washing & Caring for Gildan Soft Style Fleece

To keep fleece soft and extend its lifespan:

• Wash in cold water with similar colors.
  
  

• Avoid fabric softeners (they can reduce print adhesion).
  
  

• Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry to prevent shrinkage.
  
  

• Do not bleach.
  
  

• For printed fleece, turn inside out before washing.
  

SEO-Friendly FAQs

Is Gildan Soft Style fleece comfortable?

Yes, it features a brushed interior that’s soft, cozy, and perfect for everyday wear.

Can you print on Gildan Soft Style fleece?

Absolutely—screen printing, embroidery, DTF, and HTV all work well on these garments.

Does Gildan Soft Style fleece shrink?

Minimal shrinkage occurs thanks to polyester blends, but always follow washing instructions for best results.

Is Gildan eco-friendly?

Yes, Gildan has received recognition for sustainability efforts, including water conservation and renewable energy initiatives.

What’s the difference between Gildan Soft Style and Heavy Blend fleece?

• Soft Style = Lighter, softer, more retail-focused.
  
  

• Heavy Blend = Heavier, classic fit, great for workwear and durability.
  

Final Thoughts

Soft Style Gildan fleece strikes the perfect balance between comfort, style, and value. With its plush interior, modern fit, and versatility for customization, it’s a favorite among decorators, businesses, and individuals alike. For even more insights on pairing comfort with style, visit our Comfort and Style Guide.

Whether you choose a crewneck sweatshirt, a pullover hoodie, or a full-zip, Gildan Soft Style fleece delivers performance at a price point that makes sense for bulk orders and resale. Add in the brand’s sustainability efforts and wide color choices, and it’s clear why Soft Style fleece is one of the top choices for blank apparel today.

If you’re looking for cozy, customizable fleece that won’t break the bank, Gildan Soft Style fleece is the ultimate option—perfect for everything from school spirit wear to your next custom streetwear collection.