Gildan Size Chart & Complete Shirt Guide: Every Style, Fit, and DTF Recommendation

Gildan is the most widely used blank apparel brand in the custom printing industry. From t-shirts to hoodies, Gildan produces garments in a massive range of styles, colors, and sizes at price points that make them the default choice for DTF printers, screen printers, and heat transfer businesses. This guide covers Gildan size charts for the most popular styles, fabric weight explanations, true-to-size analysis, and which Gildan shirts work best with DTF transfers.

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Gildan T-Shirt Size Chart (Adult)

Gildan 5000 / Heavy Cotton (5.3 oz)

The most popular Gildan t-shirt. A classic fit with a seamless collar. ### Gildan G800 / DryBlend (5.5 oz) A moisture-wicking poly/cotton blend. Popular for athletic and casual wear. ### Gildan 64000 / Softstyle (4.5 oz) A lighter, softer alternative with a more modern fit. ---

Gildan Youth Size Chart

Gildan G800B / Youth DryBlend

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Gildan Tank Top Size Chart

Gildan 2200 / Ultra Cotton Tank

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What Does 5.3 oz Mean?

Fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). Here is what the common Gildan weights mean in practice:

For DTF printing, midweight shirts (5.3–5.5 oz) provide the best balance of press stability and customer comfort. Lightweight shirts (4.5 oz) may shift during pressing if not secured properly.

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Is Gildan True to Size?

Gildan shirts generally run true to size for classic American sizing, which tends to be slightly looser than fashion-fit brands like Bella+Canvas or Next Level. Key considerations:

• Classic fit Gildan (5000, 2000, G800): True to size, boxy fit. If a customer wears a medium in most brands, a Gildan medium will fit comfortably or slightly loose.
• Softstyle Gildan (64000): Slightly more fitted than the classic line, closer to a fashion fit.
• Youth sizes: Run slightly large compared to some brands. When in doubt, order the smaller youth size.

Do Gildan Hoodies Run Small?

Gildan hoodies (18500 Heavy Blend) run true to size or slightly generous. They are a relaxed fit, not a slim fit. Customers who prefer a snug hoodie should consider sizing down.

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Best Gildan Shirts for DTF Printing

### DTF Temperature for Gildan Shirts

• 100% Cotton models (5000, 2000): 305–325°F, 12–15 seconds, medium pressure, cold peel
• DryBlend models (G800): 280–295°F, 10–12 seconds, medium-light pressure, cold peel
• Softstyle (64000): 300–315°F, 10–12 seconds, medium pressure, cold peel

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

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Gildan Women's Size Chart

Gildan offers women's-specific styles with a more contoured fit than the unisex models. Key women's styles include:

Gildan 5000L / Heavy Cotton Ladies' T-Shirt (5.3 oz)

### Gildan 64000L / Softstyle Ladies' T-Shirt (4.5 oz) Women's Gildan shirts run slimmer and shorter than unisex models. If a customer is between sizes, recommend sizing up.

Dark Heather and Specialty Colors

Gildan offers color options across its lineup including dark heather (a deep charcoal-gray blend), heather sapphire, heather military green, and other heathered tones. Dark heather is one of the most popular alternatives to solid black — it provides visual interest while still working well with DTF transfers on dark garments. Lower your press temperature to 290–300°F for heathered colors due to polyester content in the blend.

Gildan White Shirt: The Blank Canvas

The Gildan 5000 in white is the single most common blank used in the custom apparel industry. It is inexpensive, widely stocked, and provides a clean base for any printing method. If you are building a DTF transfer business and need a default recommendation for customers, the Gildan 5000 white in midweight cotton is the safe choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gildan large size chart measurement?

A Gildan 5000 in size Large measures approximately 22 inches chest width and 30 inches body length. Exact measurements vary by style — the Softstyle 64000 Large is slightly slimmer than the Heavy Cotton 5000 Large.

Is Gildan true to size?

Gildan classic fit shirts (5000, 2000) run true to standard American sizing, which is slightly more relaxed than fashion-fit brands. The Softstyle line (64000) runs slightly slimmer. When in doubt, size up for a comfortable fit.

What does 5.3 oz mean on a Gildan shirt?

The 5.3 oz refers to the fabric weight measured in ounces per square yard. It indicates a midweight cotton shirt — sturdy enough for durability without feeling heavy. It is the most popular weight for custom printing.

What is the best Gildan shirt for DTF transfers?

The Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton, 5.3 oz) is the industry standard for DTF transfers. It provides excellent adhesion, consistent results, and is the most cost-effective blank in the Gildan lineup.

What size is a youth medium in Gildan?

A Gildan youth medium (G800B) measures approximately 17 inches chest width and 23.5 inches body length. Youth sizes tend to run slightly large compared to some other brands.

Do Gildan hoodies run small?

No. Gildan hoodies (18500 Heavy Blend) run true to size with a relaxed fit. They are not slim-fit hoodies. Customers who prefer a fitted look should size down.