Gildan T-Shirt Styles You Should Know

Classic Fit and Heavy Cotton: The Original Gildan T-Shirt

The classic Gildan t-shirt, especially the G500 Heavy Cotton model, is the foundation of Gildan’s lineup. With a 5.3 oz weight and a tubular body, it offers a sturdy yet comfortable fit that works well for screen printing, promotions, and casual wear. This Gildan t-shirt is a go-to for businesses and teams needing consistent sizing and long-lasting quality.

Compared to a Bella Canvas t-shirt, which has a more fashion-forward fit, Gildan’s classic style is boxier and more traditional—ideal for those who value function and reliability over slim styling.

Softstyle by Gildan: A Step Closer to Bella Canvas T-Shirt

The Gildan t-shirt Softstyle line, such as the G640, offers a lighter feel and a more modern cut. Made from ring-spun cotton, it’s softer and smoother than Gildan’s standard heavy cotton. This makes it a great alternative to the Bella Canvas t-shirt for those seeking a similar feel at a more affordable price point.

The Softstyle series is popular for retail-quality prints, lifestyle brands, and smaller merch drops where both comfort and budget matter. It blends softness with Gildan’s consistent performance.

Ultra Cotton Series: Built for Durability and Bulk Orders

The Ultra Cotton Gildan t-shirt (G200) is heavier than the classic and perfect for rugged wear. At 6.0 oz, it’s ideal for work environments, trade shows, or events where shirts need to hold up under frequent use. While it may not have the trendy appeal of a Comfort Colors t-shirt, it offers excellent value for durability-focused buyers.

Ultra Cotton tees are also a favorite for embroidery due to their heavier fabric and structure. If you're printing for teams, organizations, or heavy-use projects, this is a go-to option.

Performance T-Shirts: Gildan Meets Activewear Standards

For athletic or outdoor use, the Gildan t-shirt Performance series (such as G420) features moisture-wicking, anti-microbial polyester fabric. It’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for sports teams or warm climates. While the Bella Canvas t-shirt excels in casual fashion, Gildan’s performance line focuses purely on function.

These shirts are also UV-protective, making them great for branded apparel used in active, outdoor settings. For fitness studios, company runs, or summer programs, this is a smart, high-function choice.

Long Sleeve and Pocket Tees: Gildan’s Versatile Extensions

The Gildan t-shirt catalog also includes long sleeve options (like G540) and pocket tees (such as G230), expanding utility across seasons and use cases. These styles are popular among trade businesses, artists, and brands seeking something different than the standard short-sleeve tee.

In comparison, the Comfort Colors t-shirt is often chosen for long-sleeve options when a vintage or garment-dyed aesthetic is preferred. But for a clean, durable, and cost-effective long sleeve tee, Gildan leads in variety and price.

Fashion Fit and Women's Styles: A Gildan T-Shirt for Everyone

Gildan has also adapted to the growing demand for fitted and gender-specific cuts. From the G640L Ladies’ Softstyle to the Fashion Fit collection, the Gildan t-shirt line includes slim silhouettes and side seams that mimic the feel of a Bella Canvas t-shirt.

Though Gildan’s core strength is still in unisex and bulk-use items, these fashion-conscious options show the brand’s flexibility. They offer a more tailored alternative without abandoning Gildan’s core value proposition: affordability and availability.

Conclusion

The Gildan t-shirt catalog is far more diverse than many assume. From classic heavy cotton to softstyle and performance lines, Gildan offers a t-shirt style for nearly every use case. Whether you prioritize cost, durability, softness, or fit, there’s a Gildan tee that meets the need. While the Bella Canvas t-shirt offers trend-focused design and the Comfort Colors t-shirt provides vintage softness, Gildan balances it all with accessibility, versatility, and function-first design.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the most popular Gildan t-shirt style?
  The G500 Heavy Cotton is the most widely used for its durability and cost-effectiveness.
• Which Gildan shirt is softest?
  The G640 Softstyle is the softest, made from ring-spun cotton for a smoother feel.
• Is Bella Canvas softer than Gildan?
  Yes, Bella Canvas uses airlume combed cotton for an even smoother finish.
• Are Comfort Colors softer than Gildan?
  Yes, Comfort Colors uses garment-dyed cotton for a broken-in, vintage softness.
• Does Gildan offer long sleeve t-shirts?
  Yes, styles like the G540 provide long sleeve options for cooler seasons.
• Can Gildan t-shirts be used for sports?
  Yes, the Performance line is designed for moisture-wicking and active wear.
• Are Gildan shirts pre-shrunk?
  Many styles are pre-shrunk, but always check product specs to confirm.
• Is Gildan better for bulk orders?
  Absolutely. Gildan is one of the most cost-effective and widely available brands for volume printing.
• Does Gildan have women's fit t-shirts?
  Yes, styles like G640L offer slim, tailored fits designed for women.
• What makes Gildan different from Bella Canvas?
  Gildan focuses on affordability and variety, while Bella Canvas leans toward premium fashion fits and fabrics.