American Apparel F497W - Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie - Brown
Selected Color: Brown17 colors
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Description
The American Apparel F497W is an 8.2 oz 50/50 combed cotton/polyester flex fleece full-zip hoodie with a 3-end soft ring-spun blend. The 3-end fleece construction produces a smoother exterior face and a brushed interior, giving the hoodie a retail-weight hand that positions it above commodity blanks. At 8.2 oz, the F497W is heavier than most mid-weight zip hoodies, providing warmth and structure without the bulk of heavyweight 12 oz options.
The metal zipper, white finished polyester drawcord, and 1x1 rib cuffs and bottom band give the F497W a clean, retail-ready silhouette. Kangaroo pockets sit on each side of the zipper. Side seams prevent torque. Woven label supports relabeling.
Decoration on a full-zip hoodie centers on back panels and left-chest placement (the zipper divides the front). DTF transfers are the primary method because the transfer film blocks migration from the 50% polyester. Embroidery runs clean on the 8.2 oz fleece, typically on the left chest. Screen printing with plastisol needs a poly-blocking underbase on all colorways with moderate cure. DTG is possible but the 50% polyester mutes output compared to cotton-dominant blanks.
- Brand: American Apparel
- Style: F497W (Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie)
- Fabric: 50% combed cotton / 50% polyester, 8.2 oz, 3-end soft ring-spun fleece
- Features: Metal zipper, white polyester drawcord, kangaroo pockets, woven label
- Construction: 1x1 rib cuffs and bottom band, side-seamed
- Fit: Unisex
- Sizes: S-2XL
TheClothingSpace offers wholesale pricing on the American Apparel F497W with bulk discounts that increase with case and unit quantity, plus fast US shipping on stocked colors. For pullover hoodies, see the Champion S700 ($11.04) or Gildan G185 ($8.94). For more options, see our hoodies and sweatshirts collection.
Features
- 100% preshrunk cotton
- Made with sustainably and fairly grown USA cotton
- Seamless rib at neck
- Taped shoulder-to-shoulder
- Double-needle stitching throughout
- Tear-away label
- Quarter-turned to eliminate center crease
- 7/8" collar
- Classic fit
Shipping & Returns
All Blank orders of $59 or more are shipped FREE same day via UPS Ground. Blank orders under $59 will qualify for the following shipping options:
- USPS Blank Apparel Shipping (2-4 Business Days): $4.99
- UPS Ground (1-2 Business Days): $8.99
Read our Shipping Policy for more information.
Fill out the Blank Apparel Return Form within 30 days of the order date to be eligible for a refund or return.
Note: All blank orders shipped outside of the continental US are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund.

Decoration Method Compatibility
How this blank performs across popular decoration methods.
| Method | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTF Transfer | ✓ | Primary method. Transfer film blocks migration from 50% polyester. Back panel and left-chest placement. |
| Embroidery | ✓ | 8.2 oz fleece supports high stitch counts. Left-chest beside zipper is standard. Cut-away stabilizer. |
| Screen Print (Plastisol) | ✓ | 50% polyester needs poly-blocking underbase on all colorways. Moderate cure. Back panel primary for large prints. |
| DTG | ✓ | 50% polyester mutes output. White underbase on darks. Back panel placement. DTF more practical on this blend. |
| Vinyl / HTV | ✓ | Polyester-safe temperature. Works for names, numbers, and small logos beside zipper or on back. |
| Sublimation | ✗ | Only 50% polyester. Sublimation dye will not hold on cotton fiber. Not suitable. |
| Discharge Printing | ✗ | 50% polyester prevents clean discharge. Not recommended. |
Zip Hoodie / Fleece Comparison
| Spec | American Apparel F497W Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie | Champion S700 Double Dry Eco Pullover Hoodie | Gildan G185 Heavy Blend Hoodie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting At | $34.67 | $11.04 | $8.94 |
| Weight | 8.2 oz | 9 oz | 8 oz |
| Yarn / Fabric | 50/50 combed cotton/poly, 3-end ring-spun fleece | 50/50 cotton/recycled polyester | 50/50 cotton/polyester fleece |
| Fit | Unisex (S-2XL) | Unisex (S-3XL) | Unisex (S-5XL) |
| Construction | Metal zipper, kangaroo pockets, 1x1 rib cuffs | Pullover, Champion C logo, two-ply hood | Pullover, pouch pocket, set-in sleeves |
| Best For | Premium retail-grade full-zip fleece hoodie | Branded heavyweight pullover with recycled poly | Budget solid-color pullover hoodie |
Fabric Blend by Color Group
Not all colorways share the same fabric composition. Check the blend before ordering for decoration jobs where substrate matters.
| Color Group | Blend | Print Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Solid colors | 50% combed cotton / 50% polyester, 8.2 oz, 3-end ring-spun fleece | DTF primary on all colors. Screen print needs poly-blocking underbase. Moderate cure. 50/50 blend across entire color card. |
| Heather colors | 50% combed cotton / 50% polyester, 8.2 oz, 3-end ring-spun fleece | Heathered yarns add visual texture. Same 50/50 migration precautions. DTF most forgiving on heathered grounds. |