Blank Apparel Sizing Charts: Gildan, Bella Canvas, Comfort Colors & More

Choosing the right blank apparel size is critical for customer satisfaction in custom printing. Every brand fits differently — a Gildan Large fits differently than a Bella Canvas Large. This guide provides sizing charts, fit comparisons, and practical guidance for DTF printers and custom apparel businesses sourcing blank garments.

---

Gildan Sizing and Fit Guide

Gildan is the most widely used blank apparel brand in the custom printing industry due to its low cost and widespread availability. However, Gildan sizing and fit have some quirks that DTF printers should understand.

Do Gildan Shirts Run Big or Small?

Gildan shirts generally run slightly large compared to retail fashion brands. The Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton) and Gildan 2000 (Ultra Cotton) have a boxy, generous cut through the body. If customers are used to fitted retail brands, they may want to size down. The Gildan 64000 (Softstyle) has a more modern, slightly slimmer fit.

Gildan fit summary:

• Gildan 5000 / 2000: Runs slightly large, boxy cut, traditional fit
• Gildan 64000 (Softstyle): True to size, semi-fitted, softer hand feel
• Gildan 18000 (Heavy Blend Crew): Runs true to size, relaxed sweatshirt fit
• Gildan 18500 (Heavy Blend Hoodie): Runs true to size, standard hoodie fit

Gildan Unisex Sizing Chart

Measurements are approximate and may vary by style. Always check the specific product data sheet for exact measurements.

Gildan Women's Size Chart

Gildan women's styles (like the Gildan 5000L and 64000L) have a contoured fit with slightly shorter body lengths and narrower shoulders compared to unisex cuts.

---

Bella Canvas Sizing and Fit

Bella+Canvas (also written as Bella Canvas or B+C) is popular for its retail-quality feel, fashion-forward fit, and soft ring-spun cotton fabrics. Bella Canvas shirts fit slimmer and shorter than Gildan.

Bella Canvas Unisex Sizing Chart (3001 - Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve)

While the chest measurements look similar to Gildan, Bella Canvas shirts are cut with a more tapered waist and slightly shorter body, giving them a more fitted, modern silhouette.

Bella Canvas Key Details

• Fabric: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (4.2 oz) — significantly softer than Gildan Heavy Cotton
• Fit: Fashion fit (slightly tapered through the torso)
• Construction: Side-seamed (more fitted) vs. tubular (boxier, like Gildan)
• Available colors: 100+ colors and heathered options
• DTF compatibility: Standard cotton settings (300–330°F, 10–15 seconds). Heathered Bella Canvas styles are cotton-poly blends — use blend settings.

---

Next Level Apparel vs Bella Canvas

Next Level Apparel and Bella Canvas are the two most popular "retail quality" blank brands for custom printing. Here is how they compare:

Bottom line: Both brands produce excellent quality shirts for DTF printing. Bella Canvas has more color options. Next Level is slightly more affordable. Both use ring-spun cotton with side seams and have a retail-quality feel that customers prefer over Gildan for premium products.

---

Comfort Colors Sizing and Details

Comfort Colors is known for its garment-dyed, soft-washed t-shirts with a vintage, lived-in feel. The brand is extremely popular for sorority/fraternity apparel, resort shops, and lifestyle brands.

Comfort Colors Key Facts

• Garment-dyed: Each shirt is dyed after construction, creating unique color variation and a soft hand feel
• Fit: Relaxed, true to size — not slim or fitted
• Fabric: 100% ring-spun cotton (6.1 oz for the 1717 tee)
• Tag: Comfort Colors uses a tearaway tag for easy relabeling

Comfort Colors Sizing Chart (1717 - Heavyweight Tee)

### Comfort Colors Quarter-Zip The Comfort Colors 1580 quarter-zip pullover is a popular style for custom printing and embroidery. It features the same garment-dyed, soft-washed finish as the t-shirts in a lightweight sweatshirt with a quarter-zip collar. DTF transfers can be applied to the front chest or back using standard cotton settings.

Where to Buy Comfort Colors

Comfort Colors blanks are available from:

• Jiffy Shirts — Popular for single-piece and small-quantity orders with no minimum
• S&S Activewear — Wholesale pricing for bulk orders
• SanMar — Wide color selection and fast shipping
• Alphabroder — Competitive case-pack pricing

Jiffy Shirts is a particularly popular source for Comfort Colors because they offer individual shirt purchases without requiring a wholesale account or minimum order.

Cheap Comfort Colors T-Shirts — Where to Find the Best Prices

Comfort Colors t-shirts are priced higher than Gildan and Hanes due to the garment-dyed process. The Comfort Colors 1717 (heavyweight tee) typically costs $5–$8 per shirt at wholesale case-pack pricing. To find cheap Comfort Colors t-shirts:

• Case-pack pricing: Ordering a full case (typically 36–72 pieces) from S&S Activewear or SanMar drops the per-shirt price significantly
• Closeout colors: Distributors frequently discount discontinued or overstocked Comfort Colors colorways at 30–50% off
• Jiffy Shirts: Offers competitive single-shirt pricing when you do not need a full case
• Alphabroder volume tiers: Automatic discounts kick in at higher quantity thresholds

The key to finding cheap Comfort Colors shirts is buying in bulk and watching for closeout color sales from distributors.

---

Raglan Shirts: Wholesale Pricing and Sourcing

Raglan shirts (also called baseball tees) feature a distinctive sleeve that extends from the neckline to the underarm in a single piece, creating a diagonal seam line. Raglan shirts are popular for casual wear, sports apparel, and vintage-style designs.

Raglan Shirts Cheap — Where to Source

Cheap raglan shirts for DTF printing are available from:

• Bella+Canvas 3200 — 3/4-sleeve raglan, 4.2 oz ring-spun cotton, $5–$7 wholesale
• Next Level 6051 — Unisex tri-blend 3/4-sleeve raglan, $5–$8 wholesale
• Augusta Sportswear 4420 — Budget-friendly raglan, $4–$6 at case-pack pricing
• LAT 6930 — Fine Jersey Baseball Tee, lightweight raglan, $4–$6 wholesale

Raglan Wholesale Tips

Raglan wholesale pricing starts at $4–$5 per shirt for budget options and $5–$8 for retail-quality brands. Case-pack quantities (typically 24–72 pieces) unlock the lowest per-unit prices. When pressing DTF transfers on raglan shirts, position the transfer on the center body panel — avoid placing the design across the diagonal raglan seam, as the seam creates an uneven pressing surface.

---

Performance Pique Fabric for Polos

Performance pique is a moisture-wicking knit fabric with a distinctive waffle-like texture, commonly used in polo shirts and athletic apparel. Performance pique polos are made from 100% polyester or polyester blends with spandex.

DTF on Performance Pique

DTF transfers adhere to performance pique fabric at polyester settings:

• Temperature: 275–300°F (135–150°C)
• Time: 10–12 seconds
• Pressure: Medium (the textured surface may require slightly firmer pressure for full contact)
• Peel: Cold peel
• Note: Pre-press for 3–5 seconds to smooth the pique texture and remove moisture

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Gildan shirts run big or small?

Gildan Heavy Cotton (5000) and Ultra Cotton (2000) run slightly large with a boxy, generous cut. The Gildan Softstyle (64000) runs closer to true size with a more modern fit. When in doubt, check the specific style's size chart and order a sample before committing to a large order.

What is the difference between Bella Canvas and Next Level?

Both are retail-quality, ring-spun cotton shirts with side seams and soft hand feel. Bella Canvas (3001) offers more color options (100+). Next Level (3600) is typically slightly more affordable. Both produce excellent results with DTF transfers and are preferred over Gildan for premium custom apparel.

What is Comfort Colors known for?

Comfort Colors is known for garment-dyed, soft-washed t-shirts with a vintage, lived-in feel. The heavyweight cotton fabric and unique color palette make Comfort Colors popular for sorority/fraternity apparel, resort merchandise, and lifestyle brands.

Where can I buy Comfort Colors with no minimum order?

Jiffy Shirts sells individual Comfort Colors garments with no minimum order requirement. This makes them ideal for samples, small custom orders, and testing new colors before committing to a bulk purchase from a wholesale distributor.

What size Gildan should I order for a women's fit?

Gildan women's styles (5000L, 64000L) have a contoured fit with narrower shoulders and shorter body lengths. For unisex Gildan styles, women often prefer sizing down one size from their usual (e.g., ordering a Small instead of a Medium) for a less boxy fit.

Is Bella Canvas good quality?

Bella Canvas is considered good quality for blank apparel, especially for custom DTF printing and screen printing. The brand uses Airlume combed ring-spun cotton that produces a soft, smooth fabric surface with minimal pilling. Bella Canvas shirts have side seams (not tubular construction), a retail-quality fit, and over 100 color options. The 3001 tee is one of the most popular blanks for custom apparel businesses. Compared to budget blanks like Gildan 5000, Bella Canvas costs more per shirt ($4–$6 vs $2–$4) but delivers a softer feel, better fit, and premium customer experience. DTF transfers press cleanly on Bella Canvas cotton shirts at standard cotton settings.

---

Next Level Tank Tops

Next Level Apparel produces popular tank top blanks for custom DTF and screen print decoration:

• Next Level 3633 — Unisex Cotton Tank: 4.3 oz, 100% combed ring-spun cotton, wide straps, relaxed fit. One of the best-selling blank tanks for custom printing.
• Next Level 6233 — Unisex CVC Tank: 4.3 oz, 60/40 cotton/polyester CVC blend, softer feel with polyester content.
• Next Level 3533 — Women's Jersey Tank: 4.0 oz, 100% cotton, slim-fit, racerback design. Popular for fitness brands and summer merchandise.
• Next Level 6733 — Women's Tri-Blend Racerback Tank: 4.0 oz, 50/25/25 tri-blend, the softest tank option.

Next Level tank tops provide a large, flat chest area for DTF transfer placement. Press at standard settings for the fabric blend (cotton at 300–330°F, CVC blend at 290–310°F).

---

Gildan Long Sleeve Shirt Size Chart

Gildan long sleeve t-shirts (Gildan 5400 and G540) follow the same chest width measurements as the standard Gildan 5000 tee but with added body length and sleeve length dimensions:

Gildan long sleeve shirts use the same 5.3 oz heavy cotton as the standard Gildan 5000. DTF transfers press on Gildan long sleeves at standard cotton settings. For sleeve prints, use a smaller pressing pillow inside the sleeve to create a flat surface and avoid pressing through both layers of fabric.