Gildan 5000 (G500) Heavy Cotton T-Shirt: Complete Style Guide

The Gildan 5000 is the best-selling blank t-shirt on the planet. Also known as the G500, this 5.3 oz Heavy Cotton tee is the undisputed industry standard for DTF printing, screen printing, and heat transfer decoration. It outsells every other blank t-shirt by a wide margin, and for good reason — it delivers a reliable, affordable, printable canvas that works for virtually any custom apparel application.

Whether you are starting a DTF transfer business, outfitting a sports league, or building a custom apparel brand, the Gildan 5000 is likely where you will start. This guide covers everything you need to know about this workhorse blank.

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Gildan 5000 Specifications

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Gildan 5000 Size Chart

All measurements are approximate and measured flat. Chest width is measured one inch below the armhole across the front. The Gildan 5000 runs true to standard American sizing — slightly more relaxed than fashion-fit brands like Bella+Canvas 3001. For a complete sizing comparison across all Gildan styles, see our Gildan Size Chart Complete Guide.

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Color Availability

The Gildan 5000 is available in 70+ colors, one of the widest color ranges of any blank t-shirt. Colors span from basic neutrals to vibrant fashion shades and safety-rated high-visibility options.

Core Neutrals: White, Black, Sport Grey, Ash Grey, Charcoal, Dark Heather, Natural, Sand, Ice Grey Blues: Navy, Royal, Carolina Blue, Indigo Blue, Sapphire, Antique Sapphire, Light Blue, Midnight Reds & Pinks: Red, Cardinal Red, Garnet, Maroon, Antique Cherry Red, Heliconia, Safety Pink, Light Pink, Coral Silk Greens: Forest Green, Irish Green, Military Green, Heather Military Green, Safety Green, Turf Green, Lime, Mint Green Yellows & Oranges: Gold, Daisy, Safety Orange, Sunset, Tennessee Orange, Tangerine Purples: Purple, Lilac, Heather Orchid Heathered Options: Dark Heather, Graphite Heather, Sport Grey (heathered), plus additional heathered tones. Note that heathered colors contain polyester and require adjusted DTF press temperatures (290–300°F).

Color availability changes by season and supplier. Check current stock at SanMar, S&S Activewear, or JiffyShirts.

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DTF Printing on the Gildan 5000

The Gildan 5000 is the #1 recommended blank for DTF transfers. Here is why:

Why it works so well for DTF:

• The 100% cotton construction provides excellent adhesion for DTF hot-melt powder
• The 5.3 oz midweight fabric is heavy enough to resist shifting during pressing but not so thick that it absorbs too much heat
• The consistent weave across the entire production run means your temperature and pressure settings stay reliable from shirt to shirt
• The tear-away tag makes custom DTF neck label application simple — just rip the factory tag and press your own

Recommended DTF Press Settings: Important Notes:

• For heathered colors (Dark Heather, Sport Grey), reduce temperature to 290–300°F due to polyester content
• For safety colors (Safety Green, Safety Orange, Safety Pink), these are 50/50 blends — treat them like poly blends at 280–295°F
• Pre-press the shirt for 3–5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles before applying the transfer
• For placement and sizing guidance, see our Shirt Placement Guide and DTF Sizing Chart

For a complete temperature reference across all fabric types, see our DTF Transfer Temperature Guide.

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Gildan 5000 vs. Other Gildan T-Shirts

The G500 wins on value, color selection, and DTF compatibility. The G640 is better for premium retail feel. The G200 is better for maximum durability. The G800 is better for moisture management.

For a full comparison of all Gildan styles, see our Gildan Size Chart Complete Guide.

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Where to Buy Gildan 5000 Wholesale

SanMar — Full Gildan 5000 catalog with color swatches and size availability. Requires reseller account. Best for large bulk orders. S&S Activewear — Competitive wholesale pricing with fast shipping. Popular with DTF and screen printing businesses. Easy online ordering. JiffyShirts — 1–2 day shipping, free shipping at $59, bulk discounts at $99. No minimum order. Great for small DTF businesses and one-off orders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gildan 5000 preshrunk?

Yes. The Gildan 5000 is preshrunk, meaning it has already been processed to minimize shrinkage. You can expect minimal additional shrinkage (1–3%) after the first wash.

Is the Gildan 5000 the same as the G500?

Yes. Gildan uses a dual numbering system. The Gildan 5000 and G500 are the exact same shirt. Some distributors (like SanMar) use 5000, while others use G500.

What is the Gildan 5000 made of?

The standard Gildan 5000 is 100% preshrunk cotton. Safety colors (Safety Green, Safety Orange, Safety Pink) and select heathered colors are 50/50 cotton/polyester blends.

Does the Gildan 5000 have a tear-away tag?

Yes. The Gildan 5000 features a tear-away neck tag, making it easy to remove the factory tag and replace it with your own custom DTF neck label.

How does the Gildan 5000 compare to the Bella+Canvas 3001?

The Gildan 5000 has a classic, relaxed fit in standard cotton at 5.3 oz. The Bella+Canvas 3001 is a 4.2 oz ring-spun cotton with a modern, semi-fitted silhouette. The 3001 is softer and more fitted, while the 5000 is more affordable and has a wider color range.