The Ultimate Gildan T-Shirt Styles Guide – NYFIFTH BLOG (2024)


Gildan is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality blank activewear such as t-shirts, sport shirts and fleeces. Comes in 143 different colors and 119 styles, Gildan offers the largest palette in the industry, and more opportunities to express yourself in color and style. They also offer unisex, women, youth and toddler sizing to fit the whole family.

Looking for the best shirts for screen printing or embroidery? Or looking for affordable blank tee? Gildan is sure to have it. Gildan is one of the standard brands when it comes to wholesale t-shirts because they are cost efficient without sacrificing quality and comfort. We have rounded up 6 different Gildan shirt styles: SoftStyle, DryBlend, Ultra Cotton, Heavy Cotton, Hammer and Performance. Let’s help you find the Gildan t-shirt style best for your needs!

Gildan SoftStyle


Gildan SoftStyle is a lighter 4.5 oz ring spun cotton and a more modern fitted shape. Gildan Softstyle shirts are one of Gildan’s most popular t-shirt styles — as it is the comfiest since it’s made of 100% ringspun cotton. What’s ring spun cotton, you ask? Well, ring spun cotton is smoother and longer yarn compared to open-end yarn. In addition, ring spun yarn goes through a spinning process that softens and straightens each fiber. Compared to regular cotton, ring-spun cotton t-shirts are smoother, stronger, but will also be more expensive.

Gildan Softstyle t-shirts are a great choice for those looking to start their own brand. The high density stitching makes it a great canvas for screen printing your design on. Also, the Gildan Softstyle shirts have tear-away labels — making it easier to just add your own logo on the shirt and call it your own!

Gildan Softstyle collection comes in all sizes for the family: men, women, youth, toddler and infant. Style-wise, the Gildan Softstyle is available in short sleeve, v-neck, long sleeve, and tank tops for both men and women. Gildan Softstyle shirt comes in 60+ colors and 20+ heather colors. Here is Gildan Softstyle size chart. The price ranges from $2.00 to $7.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces).

Print Method Recommendations:
Direct to Garment (DTG)
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing

Popular Gildan Softstyle t-shirts:

  • Gildan 64000 – Men’s SoftStyle T-Shirt
  • Gildan 64V00 – Softstyle V-Neck T-Shirt

  • Gildan 64400 – Adult SoftStyle Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

  • Gildan 64500B – SoftStyle Youth Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Gildan DryBlend


Gildan DryBlend t-shirts are made with 5.6 oz., classic 50% cotton and 50% polyester moisture wicking fabric specifically designed to wick moisture away from the body, helping to keep you dry, cool and comfortable all day long. Soft, preshrunk cotton is blended with durable, colorfast polyester for optimal quality. The 50/50 blend provides you with the best of both materials and provides the right balance of moisture-retaining fabric.

Gildan DryBlend shirt is great for any time you’ll be working hard and playing harder! It’s still traditional enough to be considered a shirt for any activity. Gildan DryBlend 50/50 is one of the top selling poly-cotton blend shirt that will look even better with your sporty brand on it.

Gildan DryBlend is availabe in short sleeve, long sleeve, pocket tee, and ringer t-shirt with the sizes for men, women and youth. Gildan DryBlend shirt comes in 40+ colors. Here is Gildan DryBlend size chart. The price ranges from $4.00 to $6.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces).

Print Method Recommendations:
Embroidery
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing

Popular Gildan DryBlend t-shirts:

  • Gildan 8000 – DryBlend 50/50 Cotton/Poly T-Shirt
  • Gildan G8600 – DryBlend Adult Ringer Tee

  • Gildan 8400 – DryBlend 50/50 Long Sleeve T-Shirt

  • Gildan 8000B – Youth DryBlend T-Shirt

Gildan Ultra Cotton


Gildan Ultra Cotton t-shirt is a heavyweight 100% cotton preshrunk t-shirt at 6.0 oz. The Ultra Cotton t-shirt from Gildan is known as the essential t-shirt with a classic fit and perfectly weighted for everyday wear. Preshrunk, ring spun cotton means this shirt retains its softness and sizing wash after wash, which also maintains the integrity.

Gildan ultra cotton tee is the optimal jersey knit shirt for screen printing and embroidery applications. Whether printing for your brand or embroidering for your business, Ultra Cotton’s heavyweight comes in as a heavyweight champion.

The Gildan Ultra Cotton is available in various styles like short sleeve, long sleeve, tank tops, and pocket t-shirt. Gildan Ultra Cotton women’s t-shirts are also offered, along with youth sizes as well. There are 60+ colors to choose from. Here is Gildan Ultra Cotton size chart. The price ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces).

Print Method Recommendations:
Embroidery
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing

Popular Gildan Ultra Cotton tops:

  • Gildan 2000 – Ultra Cotton 100% Cotton T-Shirt
  • Gildan 2000L – Women’s 6.1 oz. Ultra Cotton Tee

  • Gildan 2400 – Men’s Ultra Cotton Long Sleeve T-shirt

  • Gildan 2200 – Ultra Cotton Tank Top

Gildan Heavy Cotton


Slightly lighter fabric makes the Gildan Heavy Cotton t-shirt a family favorite! Made out of 5.3 oz., 100% cotton preshrunk jersey knit, the Gildan heavy cotton shirt ratains its size and style after washing, and makes it easy to print on.

Compared to Ultra Cotton, Heavy Cotton’s 5.3 oz. is a little lighter than Ultra Cotton’s 6.0 oz. Ultra Cotton is also a slightly softer material, because the cotton is thicker and heavier and spun tighter. Even their labels are different! Ultra Cotton has a satin label, whereas Heavy Cotton has a tearable label. The heavy cotton sizing ranges from S to 3XL, while the ultra cotton’s sizing runs from S to 5XL.

Gildan Heavy Cotton comes in various styles including short sleeve, long sleeve, v-neck, and tank tops for both men and women, and is also available in youth and toddler and infant sizes too. There are 70+ colors to choose from. Here is Gildan Heavy Cotton size chart. The price ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces).

Print Method Recommendations:
Direct to Garment (DTG)
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing

Popular Gildan Heavy Cotton t-shirts:

  • Gildan G500 – 5.3 oz. Heavy Cotton Tee
  • Gildan G5V00L – Heavy Cotton Ladies V Neck Tee

  • Gildan G500B – Youth 5.3 oz. Heavy Cotton Tee

  • Gildan G570 – Heavy Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Raglan Tee

Gildan Hammer


Part of the Fashion Collection — the Gildan Hammer t-shirt style is classic comfort cut and superior 6 oz. combed ring spun cotton. The all new Gildan Hammer collection is a modern take on a classic. It’s substantial 6 oz. combed ringspun cotton fabric is super soft and smooth to the touch. You’ll also look as good as you feel with a choice of 30+ eye-catching colors to choose from.

Gildan’s Hammer tees have a higher stitch density, which keeps this shirt looking good longer and provides the ultimate surface for any printing technique!

Gildan Hammer t-shirt is available in short sleeve, long sleeve, pocket tee and youth t-shirt. The price ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces). Here is Gildan Hammer size chart.

Print Method Recommendations:
Direct to Garment (DTG)
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing
Embroidery

Popular Gildan Hammer t-shirts:

  • Gildan H000 – Hammer Short Sleeve T-Shirt
  • Gildan H300 – Hammer Short Sleeve T-Shirt with a Pocket

  • Gildan H400 – Hammer Long Sleeve T-Shirt

  • Gildan H000B – Hammer Youth T-Shirt

Gildan Performance


Gildan Performance are smooth athletic-fitting tees with moisture-wicking technology to get the most out of workouts. Gildan Performance tee is made with 100% polyester jersey knit and has the features of anti-microbial properties and heat transfer label, making it the great tee for the hard-working, committed, or for the gym ready. Gildan’s performance t-shirt has two simple goals — make it easier for everyday athletes to get the most of their workouts, and look good getting there. It’s the core essential to fuel your body for maximum performance!

Polyester has been printed on and embroidered since its invention. Gildan performance tees are perfect shirts to add your team logo or your own design.

Gildan Performance t-shirt comes in short sleeve, long sleeve, thank top with the sizes for men, women and youth. There are 20+ colors to choose from. Here is Gildan Performance size chart. The price ranges from $5.00 to $9.00 (from the tier pricing of 1-11 pieces).

Print Method Recommendations:
Embroidery
Heat Transfer
Screen Printing

Popular Gildan Performance t-shirts:

  • Gildan G420 – Performance 4.5 oz. Tee Shirt
  • Gildan 42000L – Ladies’ Performance T-Shirt

  • Gildan G420B – Performance Youth 4.5 oz. T-Shirt

  • Gildan G424 – Performance 4.5 oz. Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Looking for custom t-shirts decorator? We can be your t-shirt decorator as we provide imprinting servicessuch as logo embroidery and screen printing! We strive for customer satisfaction, as well as offer bulk discounts and fast turn around. For a free quote, talk to a friendly customer representative today at (877) 695-9722 or email us your inquiry at support@nyfifth-inc.com.

The Ultimate Gildan T-Shirt Styles Guide – NYFIFTH BLOG (2024)

FAQs

Which Gildan shirt is best for HTV? ›

The most popular t-shirt, Gildan G500 t-shirt is as tried-and-true as they come. Made using 100% preshrunk cotton, it is taped shoulder-to-shoulder, has double-stitching throughout, and has a seamless rib at the neck. Perfect for heat transfer vinyls.

Do Gildan t-shirts run big or small? ›

The Gildan G800 is an Adult 5.5oz DryBlend 50/50 tee. This means that the shirts are made with 50% pre-shrunk cotton and 50% polyester. Pre-shrunk cotton + polyester = virtually no shrinkage. So these shirts are typically true-to-size, no matter how many times you wash them.

Is Bella better than Gildan? ›

Gildan is all about simple and budget-friendly tees, and is competitive with its Softsyle line, but if you're looking for something a bit more stylish and comfortable, Bella+Canvas is the way to go– they have a better fit, super-soft feel, and smoother printing surface.

What's the difference between Gildan heavy cotton and ultra cotton? ›

Q: What is the difference between Heavy Cotton, Ultra Cotton & Dry Blend Fabric? A: When it comes to Gildan shirts, Heavy Cotton refers to durable, midweight cotton fabric. Ultra cotton is a heavier weight and even thicker fabric than Heavy Cotton. Dry Blend fabric is made from a combination of cotton and polyester.

What is the best t-shirt for transfer vinyl? ›

The best kind of t-shirt for heat transfer are cotton, polyester, or cotton/poly blends. Regardless of the type of HTV you use, vinyl will have a good bond with the fabrics mentioned.

What is the best t-shirt material for iron on vinyl? ›

HTV works best on cotton or polyester or cotton/poly blends. Other synthetic fabrics, like acrylic, won't work correctly because they will melt under the heat of an iron. For more advanced crafters, you can apply HTV to mugs, baseball hats, footballs and even wood!

Is Hanes or Gildan better? ›

T-shirts from Hanes and Gildan are evenly matched in quality, price, and fit. Overall, Hanes has a slightly higher quality and price point, while Gildan has better availability of colors and sizes. If quality and name brand are important, choose Hanes. If you're more concerned with your budget, choose Gildan.

How do you keep Gildan shirts from shrinking? ›

The best option to avoid shrinkage is to wash your items by hand. If possible, make it a practice to use cold water and choose the delicate cycle option on your washing machine. Try hanging your cotton clothing on hangers to dry or a flat table surface to lay them flat to dry.

What is the most popular Tshirt size? ›

When you look at the numbers, large is the most common shirt size. In fact, it accounts for about 30 percent of shirt sales. Coming in at 28 percent, the size medium is a close runner-up and extra large is next at 20 percent. The percentages are much lower for smaller and larger sizes.

Who is a competitor to Gildan? ›

Gildan's competitors include Knix, UNDZ, VENUS, Buddha Boxers.

Which Gildan is the softest? ›

Gildan SoftStyle is a 4.5 oz ring spun cotton shirt with a more modern fitted shape. These are one of Gildan's most popular t-shirt styles as they are the most comfortable.

What is the most efficient t-shirt printing? ›

Screen Printing is considered to be the highest quality printing by many professionals. It's also widely known as one of the most cost-effective options for printing your own clothing.

What is the highest quality cotton fabric for t-shirts? ›

Pima, Supima

The highest-quality cotton. Pima is the generic form of extra-long-fiber cotton grown in the United States, Australia, and South America. Supima is the trademarked name for 100% American-grown Pima cotton. Both resist pilling, fading, and stretching and get softer with wear.

Should I size up Gildan? ›

Generally speaking, Gildan sweatshirts, and other apparel items tend to run slightly bigger than usual to some. This is especially true when it comes to the Gildan unisex sweatshirt size chart, as the sizing is a bit more generous than other brands.

Which is thicker Gildan 2000 or 5000? ›

The Gildan 5000 is made of a heavier cotton, but is actually slightly thinner overall. It comes in with a weight of about 5.3 oz, which is a minuscule difference from the Gildan 2000.

What vinyl do professionals use on shirts? ›

HTV is designed specifically for use on clothing, hats, bags, and other items made of porous materials. Shopping for heat transfer vinyl online, however, can quickly become overwhelming because so many options are available at a wide range of prices.

Does Tshirt vinyl go shiny side up or down? ›

When working with heat transfer vinyl, the shiny side of the material always goes face down for cutting. This shiny side is called the “carrier.” It covers the face (the colored side that will face out on the garment) of the HTV and holds the cut pieces in alignment during cutting and applying.

What are the best t-shirts to use for iron-on transfers? ›

Typically, you'll want to buy plain t-shirts with no less than 50-60% cotton. This works well for both t-shirt transfers and other forms of imprinting. However, best results, steer your customers towards 100% cotton of the ring spun variety. They work best.

What shirts are best for Cricut iron on vinyl? ›

What T-Shirts Work Best with Cricut Iron On? When looking for shirts for your iron on project, I suggest going with 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a 50/50 blend of the two. I have found that quality counts when it comes to your shirt—a higher quality shirt is going to have a better result with iron on vinyl.

What is the best heat transfer vinyl for cotton shirts? ›

As I mentioned above, the best heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts is Siser EasyWeed. EasyWeed is the top all-around iron-on vinyl for all sorts of fabrics, remaining a tried and true choice for t-shirt makers and crafters alike.

Does iron on vinyl last on shirts? ›

HOW LONG WILL HEAT TRANSFERS LAST? With proper care of your garment (wash inside out on a cool wash, dry inside out on a washing line and iron inside out - no tumble drying or dry cleaning) the manufacturer recommends around 50 washes for the vinyl heat transfers, which do eventually crack and fade.

What quality are Gildan shirts? ›

Gildan has become one of the most familiar and well-known t-shirts brands, especially within the custom clothing industry. They make quality t-shirts at affordable prices and best of all they have the top material options to print your logo or design.

Why is Gildan so popular? ›

Affordable pricing One of the biggest reasons why people buy bulk wholesale t-shirts is the low pricing. And Gildan, it is this affordable pricing that makes it easy for you to find the perfect apparel for any use without breaking the bank.

What is the difference between Gildan shirts? ›

The main differences between the Gildan 2000 and Gildan 5000 are the number of color options, weight, and tag style. The Gildan 5000 has a broader range of colors available than 2000. The Gildan 2000 is a heavyweight tee weighing 6 oz. The Gildan 5000 is a midweight tee weighing 5.3 oz.

How do you break in a Gildan shirt? ›

Combine one cup of salt with ¼ cup washing soda. Together these will work to break down the fibers of the shirt and reduce stiffness. Put the shirt in the wash – to save on water, include the shirt in other loads of items that you want to soften in the same way (other t-shirts, towels, sheets, etc.).

How do you make Gildan shirts softer? ›

First, take a pumice stone and brush all over your t-shirt, including the sleeves and hemline. Next, soak the t-shirts in a solution of fabric softener and just a few teaspoons of water overnight. Lastly, run it through a normal wash cycle the next morning, and there you have it!

Should you buy cotton shirts a size bigger? ›

1. T-shirts. With the quality kinds being largely comprised of cotton, you're at risk of dryer shrinkage of up to 20 percent. Sizing up means you don't have to sweat it if the shirt accidentally tumbles dry.

What color shirts sell the most? ›

Among other colors, black and white are the most popular and wanted in the industry. You can always play safe in these two shades while still being the chicest version of yourself.

What is the best t-shirt length? ›

Length. If you lift up your arms, the hem of the tee shouldn't ride up to expose your belly. As a general guide, it should hang lower than your hips, an inch or two below your belt-line, but not all the way to your legs. That said, in certain circles, like skaters, oversized tees are all the rage.

How do you know if a shirt is too big? ›

The shoulder seams are a good way to tell how well a shirt fits you. Ideally, these seams should reach to the end of your shoulder at the very top of your arm. If they extend down your upper arm, the shirt is too big. If they don't reach the end of your shoulder, the shirt is too small.

What is the Gildan controversy? ›

One of the main controversies surrounding Gildan is its labor practices. The company was criticized for its use of sweatshop labor in some of its overseas factories. This is true in Honduras. Gildan has faced accusations of poor working conditions and low wages for workers in these factories.

Does Nike use Gildan? ›

Gildan Activewear Inc. (Gildan Activewear), a Canadian activewear manufacturer and distributor, owns a number of brands and also operates as a supplier to Nike and as a licensee of Under Armour.

Who is Gildan owned by? ›

President/CEO/Co-Founder, Gildan Activewear Inc.

What is the best shirt blank for HTV? ›

The best materials to use for HTV are 100% cotton, 100 % polyester or cotton/poly blends. These will ensure that your designs will last longer and hold up over time.

What type of shirt is best for Cricut vinyl? ›

What T-Shirts Work Best with Cricut Iron On? When looking for shirts for your iron on project, I suggest going with 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a 50/50 blend of the two. I have found that quality counts when it comes to your shirt—a higher quality shirt is going to have a better result with iron on vinyl.

What Gildan shirt is best for sublimation? ›

Gildan G640 Soft Style

This one is 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This shirt bleached and sublimated very well. Heather colors tend to have a higher polyester count, but always make sure you check the polyester/cotton ratio for the specific color you want to get.

What is the best HTV for cotton polyester blend? ›

Believe it or not, most brands of HTV are safe to use on polyester. Silhouette, Siser and Thermoflex*** — the top brands — can all be applied to polyester and poly/cotton blend materials.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 6642

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.