Gildan Size Chart (2026): G500, G2000, G640, G18000, G18500 + Youth

Gildan adult t-shirts (G500, G2000, G640) are generally true-to-size in the chest but run slightly larger in the body length than fashion-fit brands like Bella+Canvas 3001. A wearer who is between sizes — for example chest 39 inches between Medium (38–40) and Large (42–44) — usually fits the lower size more comfortably in Gildan than in slimmer-cut competitors. Gildan's Softstyle line (G640) is semi-fitted with side seams and runs slightly smaller and tighter than the G500.

Gildan's published chest measurements correspond accurately to body chest measurements for most adult wearers. The fit feel is "classic" or "boxy" rather than fitted — the body width is wider relative to chest size than fashion-cut brands. For tighter fits, the G640 Softstyle is the closest Gildan option to a fashion-cut tee. For looser fits, the G500 Heavy Cotton remains the standard.

A 42-inch chest is the lower end of Gildan's Large size range (42–44 inches). Most wearers with that measurement find the Large comfortable in a G500 or G2000. The G640 Softstyle Large fits slightly tighter and may feel snug — wearers who prefer a roomier fit often size up one in the Softstyle line.

Gildan's 100% cotton styles (G500, G2000, G540, G5000B) typically shrink 3–5% in length and 1–3% in width after the first three wash cycles in warm water. The 50/50 cotton/polyester blends (G18000, G18500, Heather and Antique color variants) shrink less — typically 1–3% total. DTF transfers track with the garment shrinkage; the transfer itself does not deform meaningfully through normal wash cycles.

The G500 (Heavy Cotton) and G2000 (Ultra Cotton) share the same body measurements at every adult size. The G2000 is slightly heavier (6.0 oz/yd² versus 5.3 oz/yd²) and uses a denser cotton weave for a more substantial hand-feel. Both are 100% cotton in solid colors and accept DTF transfers identically. The G2000 typically costs slightly more at wholesale than the G500.

The G18000 is a crewneck sweatshirt (no hood). The G18500 is the hooded version of the same garment — same Heavy Blend 50/50 cotton-poly fabric, same body width, same chest measurements. The G18500 adds a 2-ply hood, drawstring, and front kangaroo pocket. The G18500 is roughly 1 inch longer in body length to accommodate the hood drape.

Gildan's adult size range for the G500, G2000, and G18000/G18500 extends to 5XL (chest fit 62–64 inches, body width 32 inches). The G640 Softstyle is offered up to 3XL. Larger sizes — 6XL through 12XL — are available from specialty Gildan-adjacent suppliers and certain wholesale distributors but are not part of the standard Gildan production line.

Gildan's smallest standard adult size is Small (chest fit 34–36 inches, body width 18 inches). Below that, the Youth size chart starts at XS (size 4) and the Toddler chart starts at 2T. There is no adult XS in standard Gildan production — wearers who need a smaller adult fit typically choose a Youth XL (chest fit 36, body width 20) or move to a slimmer-cut brand like Bella+Canvas.

All Gildan adult sizing in the G500, G2000, G640, G18000, and G18500 lines is unisex — there is no separate "women's cut" in these styles. Gildan's separate women's-specific styles (e.g., G6400L Softstyle Ladies, G500L Heavy Cotton Ladies) use a different size chart with narrower body width and shorter body length. The size charts above apply to the unisex base styles, which are the most-decorated for DTF.

Gildan G500 fits looser than Bella+Canvas 3001 at the same labeled size — a Medium G500 has a 20-inch body width versus 18 inches on a Bella+Canvas 3001. Comfort Colors 1717 fits similarly to Gildan G500 in body width but with a slightly shorter body length. Next Level 3600 fits noticeably slimmer in both chest and body. For a "Gildan equivalent" in a slimmer fit, the Softstyle G640 is the closest in-brand option.

A Gildan Large (G500, G2000, G640) has a 22-inch body width. The standard full-chest print area for DTF is typically 11 inches wide × 12 inches tall, centered horizontally about 3.5 inches below the collar. A left-chest pocket-style print runs 3–4 inches square, positioned roughly 7–8 inches down from the shoulder seam and 4–5 inches in from the side seam.

Yes. Gildan's 100% cotton styles (G500, G2000, G640, G540) and 50/50 blends (G18000, G18500) are the most commonly used blanks for DTF in the United States. DTF press temperature for 100% cotton Gildan is typically 305–320°F for 12–15 seconds, with a 10-second cooling pause before peel. For the 50/50 blend hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, drop press temperature to 285–295°F to avoid scorching the polyester component. The /tools/dtf-temperature-time-chart reference covers the full press-setting matrix.