Gildan Shirts Explained: Size Chart, 5000, 64000 & 18500
If you have ever purchased a concert tee, a corporate giveaway shirt, or merchandise from your favorite content creator, there is a massive probability you own a piece of Gildan apparel.
For decades, Gildan has dominated the wholesale blank apparel market. However, navigating their massive catalog can feel overwhelming for businesses and creators launching new merchandise in 2026. With dozens of different fabric weights, blends, and model numbers, choosing the wrong blank can drastically impact the final quality of your custom print.
What exactly does "Heavy Cotton" mean? Is the Softstyle 64000 actually better than the 5000? How do you accurately read a Gildan size chart before placing a bulk order?
In this comprehensive, E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) aligned guide, we will break down the exact fabric science behind the most popular Gildan shirts. We will explore the nuances of their t-shirts, dissect the famous Gildan 18500 hoodie, and provide the ultimate decision-making framework for your next print-on-demand project.
What Are Gildan Shirts?
To understand the custom apparel industry, you must understand Gildan. Gildan shirts are foundational blank garments manufactured specifically for decorators, screen printers, and digital printing fulfillment centers.
They are engineered to act as the perfect canvas. Unlike retail fashion brands that focus on complex cuts and proprietary washes, Gildan focuses on consistency, affordability, and a flat, tight knit that absorbs ink flawlessly. Over the years, they have segmented their catalog into specific "families" (like Softstyle, Heavy Cotton, and DryBlend) to cater to different market needs, ranging from budget-friendly promotional wear to retail-ready streetwear.
Gildan T-Shirts Breakdown
When selecting custom Gildan shirts, the decision usually comes down to three flagship models. Each utilizes a different manufacturing process, resulting in vastly different hand-feels, weights, and print compatibilities.
Gildan Softstyle 64000 Explained
The Gildan Softstyle 64000 is the brand's modern answer to retail fashion. As consumer preferences shifted away from stiff, boxy shirts toward softer, more fitted silhouettes, the 64000 became a global bestseller.
- Fabric Weight: 4.5 oz/yd² (approx. 153 GSM).
- Material: 100% ring-spun cotton (solid colors).
- The Science: "Ring-spun" means the cotton yarn is continuously twisted and thinned, creating a much finer, stronger, and softer rope of cotton fiber compared to traditional methods.
- Fit: Semi-fitted. It contours slightly to the body, offering a modern, retail-ready look. (Also available in a women's specific cut as the Gildan 64000L).
- Best For: E-commerce brands, premium merchandise, and high-detail DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing.
Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton Explained
The Gildan 5000 is arguably the most famous t-shirt in the world. It is the quintessential standard t-shirt. However, the Gildan heavy cotton meaning often confuses buyers.
- Fabric Weight: 5.3 oz/yd² (approx. 180 GSM).
- Material: 100% carded open-end cotton.
- The Science: "Open-end" cotton is bulkier and less refined than ring-spun cotton. It gives the shirt a slightly rougher, more traditional "vintage" feel. Despite the name "Heavy Cotton," at 5.3 oz, this is actually a mid-weight t-shirt by modern apparel standards.
- Fit: Classic, tubular fit (boxy, not form-fitting).
- Best For: Event giveaways, budget-friendly merchandise, and traditional screen printing.
Gildan 2400 Ultra Cotton (Heavyweight Option)
When comparing the Gildan 5000 vs 2400, the difference comes down to true weight and structure.
- Fabric Weight: 6.0 oz/yd² (approx. 203 GSM).
- Material: 100% carded open-end cotton.
- Fit: Classic, roomy fit.
- Best For: Workwear, streetwear brands wanting a structured drape, and cooler climates. If you are researching a comprehensive heavyweight t shirt guide, the Gildan 2400 is the brand's entry-level workhorse for thick apparel.
Gildan Hoodies & Sweatshirts
T-shirts are only half the story. As the weather cools, the focus shifts to fleece. The terminology here shifts from "Heavy Cotton" to "Heavy Blend."
What is Gildan Heavy Blend?
The Gildan heavy blend meaning refers to the brand's proprietary 50% cotton and 50% polyester fabric composition. By blending cotton (for softness and breathability) with polyester (for durability and moisture-wicking), Gildan created a fabric that resists pilling (those annoying little fuzzballs) while providing excellent insulation.
Gildan 18500 Hoodie Review
The Gildan 18500 hoodie is the undisputed king of budget-friendly, high-quality fleece. If you are looking into gildan hoodie printing, this is almost certainly the blank you will use.
- Fabric Weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (approx. 271 GSM).
- Interior: Brushed fleece interior for maximum warmth and softness.
- Features: Double-lined hood, color-matched drawcord, and a spacious front pouch pocket.
- Printability: Excellent. The 50/50 blend requires specific curing temperatures, making it highly compatible with modern DTF transfers.
Gildan 18000 Crewneck Sweatshirt
For those who prefer a pullover without the hood, the 18000 utilizes the exact same 8.0 oz Heavy Blend 50/50 fabric as the 18500. Gildan sweatshirt printing relies heavily on this model for collegiate apparel, corporate winter wear, and retro 90s-style graphic streetwear.
Gildan Colors & Fabric Composition
A major point of confusion for new apparel creators involves Gildan colors and how they affect fabric composition.
While a solid black or white Gildan 5000 is 100% cotton, heathered colors are entirely different. Heathering creates a textured, two-tone look by mixing different colored fibers. To achieve this, polyester must be introduced.
- Solid Colors: Generally 100% cotton (in the 5000, 64000, and 2400 lines).
- Sport Grey / Antique Colors: Typically 90% cotton / 10% polyester.
- Dark Heather / Heather Radiant Blends: Typically 50% cotton / 50% polyester, or 65% polyester / 35% cotton.
Why This Matters for E-E-A-T:
Understanding this composition is vital for washing and printing. A 100% cotton shirt will experience higher shrinkage rates (expect 3-5% shrinkage after the first hot wash and dry). Polyester blends shrink significantly less. Furthermore, if you are using water-based DTG inks, they bond best with 100% cotton. If you order a Dark Heather shirt (50% poly), your print provider will need to adjust their pretreatment to prevent dye migration.
Gildan Size Chart (Adult + Youth)
Accuracy in sizing is the most critical factor in reducing customer returns. Gildan garments are known for standardized, predictable sizing, but the fit depends on the model's cut (Classic vs. Semi-Fitted).
Adult Gildan Size Chart (Standard Classic Fit - 5000 / 2400 / 18500)
Measurements represent garment width (pit-to-pit) and length (shoulder to hem) in inches.
|
Size |
Width (Inches) |
Length (Inches) |
Sleeve Center Back |
|
S |
18.0" |
28.0" |
15.6" |
|
M |
20.0" |
29.0" |
17.0" |
|
L |
22.0" |
30.0" |
18.5" |
|
XL |
24.0" |
31.0" |
20.0" |
|
2XL |
26.0" |
32.0" |
21.5" |
|
3XL |
28.0" |
33.0" |
22.8" |
(Note: The Softstyle 64000 has a semi-fitted cut, meaning it will run about 0.5 to 1 inch narrower in the chest compared to this classic chart).
Gildan Youth Size Chart
When outfitting schools, sports teams, or launching a kids' merchandise line, referencing the Gildan size chart youth specifications is mandatory. Youth sizing follows a different scale.
|
Youth Size |
Letter Equivalent |
Width (Inches) |
Length (Inches) |
|
XS |
Extra Small (4-5) |
16.0" |
20.5" |
|
S |
Small (6-8) |
17.0" |
22.0" |
|
M |
Medium (10-12) |
18.0" |
23.5" |
|
L |
Large (14-16) |
19.0" |
25.0" |
|
XL |
Extra Large (18-20) |
20.0" |
26.5" |
Using a reliable Gildan youth size chart ensures that parents can accurately predict how a 100% cotton youth garment will fit their child after the initial wash cycle.
Which Gildan Shirt is Best for Custom Printing?
Not all printing methods work equally well on all Gildan fabrics. Aligning your chosen garment with the correct print technology is the secret to retail-quality merchandise.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Compatibility
DTG works like an inkjet printer, spraying water-based inks directly into the fabric.
- Best Gildan Choice: Gildan Softstyle 64000 (Solid Colors).
- Why: The high stitch density and 100% ring-spun cotton provide an ultra-smooth, flat surface. The ink absorbs perfectly, resulting in photorealistic details and a remarkably soft hand-feel.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Compatibility
DTF involves printing a design onto a specialized film, backing it with an adhesive powder, and heat-pressing it onto the garment.
- Best Gildan Choice: Gildan 18500 hoodie, Gildan 5000 (All Colors), and all Heather blends.
- Why: DTF transfers sit on top of the fabric and bind via adhesive. They do not rely on cotton fiber absorption. This makes DTF the ultimate choice for the 50/50 Heavy Blend fleece or polyester-heavy heathered t-shirts. For a deeper understanding of this technology, review our DTG vs DTF printing comparison.
How to Choose the Right Gildan Shirt for Your Project
With the technical specifications outlined, here is a practical, conversion-optimized decision framework to help you choose the exact model for your apparel project:
1. For Retail Brands, E-Commerce, and Content Creators:
- Choose: Gildan Softstyle 64000 (or the 64000L for women's fits).
- Reason: Modern consumers expect a soft, fashion-forward fit. The ring-spun cotton justifies a higher retail price point and feels premium against the skin.
2. For Events, Giveaways, and Budget Merch:
- Choose: Gildan 5000.
- Reason: It is highly affordable, features a universal classic fit that accommodates all body types, and is incredibly durable for one-off event wear.
3. For Workwear and Streetwear Brands:
- Choose: Gildan 2400 Ultra Cotton.
- Reason: The heavier 6.0 oz fabric provides a structured, boxy drape that aligns with modern streetwear trends, while offering the durability required for physical labor.
4. For Fall/Winter Merchandise:
- Choose: Gildan 18500 Hoodie or Gildan 18000 Crewneck.
- Reason: For custom hoodie printing, these models offer the best balance of warmth, pill-resistance, and massive color availability.
5. For Schools, Kids' Camps, and Toddlers:
- Choose: Gildan 5000B (Youth Heavy Cotton), Gildan 18500B (Youth Hoodie), or Gildan 5100P (Toddler T-shirt).
- Reason: Matches the adult lines perfectly, ensuring uniform colors across all age groups while adhering strictly to the gildan youth size chart.
Where to Customize Gildan Shirts
Once you have selected the perfect Gildan model, the final step is execution. Finding a reliable fulfillment partner is critical to ensuring your designs translate accurately onto the fabric.
At PrintHaul, we have curated a premier catalog featuring the exact, highly recommended Gildan products you need to scale your brand. Our product lineup seamlessly integrates the industry's top choices:
- The Essentials: Gildan 5000 (Unisex), 5000B (Youth), and 5100P (Toddler).
- Premium Softness: Gildan 64000 (Unisex) and 64000L (Women's).
- Heavyweight Comfort: Gildan 2400 Ultra Cotton.
- Cozy Fleece: Gildan 18500 Hoodie (Adult/Youth) and 18000 Crewneck Sweatshirt.
If you want to understand how the print on demand model explained works in practice: we operate on a completely made-to-order basis. This means there are absolutely no minimum order requirements. You can order a single Gildan 64000 for a sample, or route 500 Gildan 18500 hoodies for a massive merchandise drop.
By printing on-demand, we eliminate the need for you to hold excess inventory, reducing textile waste and promoting a more sustainable production model. Furthermore, our localized fulfillment network ensures that delivery speeds are optimized based on your specific geographic location, getting your custom Gildan apparel into your hands—or your customers' hands- faster than ever.
Explore premium Gildan styles at Printhaul and start customizing your shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts today.
FAQ: Gildan Shirts & Sizing
Are Gildan shirts good quality?
Yes. Gildan shirts are highly durable and offer excellent value. While they are designed as blank canvases for the printing industry rather than high-end retail fashion, models like the ring-spun Softstyle 64000 offer a very premium, soft feel.
What is the difference between Gildan 5000 and 64000?
The Gildan 5000 is made of traditional open-end cotton, yielding a heavier (5.3 oz), boxy, and slightly textured feel. The Gildan 64000 is made of ring-spun cotton, making it lighter (4.5 oz), significantly softer, and more form-fitting.
Is Gildan Softstyle lightweight?
Yes. Weighing 4.5 oz/yd² (approx. 153 GSM), the Gildan Softstyle 64000 is considered a lightweight, highly breathable t-shirt, making it ideal for summer wear or active layering.
Does Gildan run true to size?
Generally, yes. The Heavy Cotton (5000) and Heavy Blend (18500) lines feature a classic, roomy fit. The Softstyle (64000) features a semi-fitted cut, so it will feel slightly snugger in the chest and arms compared to a classic fit.
What is Gildan Heavy Blend?
Gildan Heavy Blend is a proprietary fabric composition consisting of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It is used primarily in their fleece line (like the 18500 hoodie) to provide warmth while resisting fabric pilling.
Are Gildan hoodies warm?
Yes. The Gildan 18500 hoodie features an 8.0 oz fabric weight and a brushed fleece interior. While not an arctic-level garment, it provides excellent everyday insulation for fall and winter weather.
Which Gildan shirt is best for custom printing?
For DTG (water-based) printing, the 100% ring-spun cotton of the Gildan 64000 is best. For traditional screen printing, the durable Gildan 5000 is the industry standard. For DTF transfers, the 18500 Heavy Blend hoodie yields incredible results.