Bella Canvas Size Chart and Fit Guide

Bella+Canvas Size Chart

Bella+Canvas has become one of the most popular premium t-shirt brands for custom printing, especially for businesses, brands, and organizations that want a modern, fashion-forward look. Their shirts are known for exceptionally soft fabrics, a wide range of colors, and a flattering silhouette. But there is one critical thing to know before you order: Bella+Canvas shirts have a modern, slim fit that runs significantly slimmer than Gildan, Hanes, or Comfort Colors. If you are used to traditional-fit brands, we strongly recommend sizing up.

Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Size Chart (Slim/Modern Fit)

The Bella+Canvas 3001 is the most popular model in their lineup and one of the most printed shirts in the industry. Made from 4.2 oz. combed and ringspun cotton, it has an incredibly soft hand feel and a clean, modern look. The fit is distinctly slim through the chest and torso with a shorter body length compared to traditional-fit shirts.

Size Chest Width (inches) Body Length (inches)
XS16.527
S1828
M2029
L2230
XL2431
2XL2632
3XL2833

Measurements are taken flat across the chest from armpit to armpit (chest width) and from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem (body length).

While the flat measurements may look similar to a Gildan 5000, the Bella+Canvas 3001 is cut with a significantly narrower torso and shorter side seams, creating a much slimmer profile when worn. A Bella+Canvas Large fits more like a Gildan Medium-Large. If you typically wear a Large in Gildan or Hanes and prefer a relaxed fit, order an XL in Bella+Canvas.

Bella+Canvas 3413 Triblend Size Chart (Relaxed Fit)

The Bella+Canvas 3413 is a triblend tee made from a 50% polyester, 25% combed ringspun cotton, 25% rayon blend. This fabric combination creates an ultra-soft, slightly heathered look that drapes beautifully. The 3413 has a slightly more relaxed fit than the 3001, making it a great option for people who love the Bella+Canvas softness but want a little more room.

Size Chest Width (inches) Body Length (inches)
XS16.527
S1828
M2029
L2230
XL2431
2XL2632
3XL2833

The triblend fabric is naturally stretchier than 100% cotton, which means the 3413 will conform to your body a bit more and feel less restrictive than the 3001 even at the same measurements. The heathered color options also give it a slightly vintage, worn-in look that many customers love.

Bella+Canvas 3480 Unisex Tank Size Chart

The Bella+Canvas 3480 is a unisex jersey tank top made from 4.2 oz. combed and ringspun cotton. It shares the same slim fit philosophy as the 3001 tee. The arm openings are cut generously enough for a unisex fit, but the body remains slim.

Size Chest Width (inches) Body Length (inches)
XS16.526.5
S1827.5
M2028.5
L2229.5
XL2430.5
2XL2631.5

The tank runs about half an inch shorter in body length than the 3001 tee. The same sizing advice applies: size up if you want a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Understanding the Bella+Canvas Slim Fit

The most important thing to understand about Bella+Canvas is that their "unisex" sizing is significantly slimmer than traditional unisex sizing from brands like Gildan, Hanes, or Fruit of the Loom. Here is a direct comparison of Large sizes across popular brands:

Brand and Model Size Large Chest Width Size Large Body Length Fit Description
Gildan 5000 Ultra Cotton22"30"Classic/Relaxed
Hanes 5250 Tagless22"30"Classic/True to size
Bella+Canvas 300122"30"Modern/Slim

While the flat-lay chest measurements appear identical, the difference is in the cut and construction. Bella+Canvas uses a side-seamed construction with a tapered torso, while Gildan and Hanes use a wider, tubular body. This means a Bella+Canvas shirt with the same chest measurement will feel noticeably tighter through the midsection and sides. The sleeves are also shorter and more fitted on Bella+Canvas.

Bottom line: If you normally wear a Large in Gildan or Hanes, order an XL in Bella+Canvas for a similar level of comfort. If you like the slim, modern look, your regular size will give you a fitted silhouette.

Unisex vs. Women's Sizing

Bella+Canvas offers both unisex and women's-specific cuts. Understanding the difference is important:

  • Unisex (3001, 3413, etc.): These are designed to fit both men and women. They have a modern slim fit that is narrower than traditional men's shirts but not as fitted as a women's cut. Most women find that the unisex fit works well in their normal size or one size down from their men's size.
  • Women's (6004, 6400, etc.): These are cut specifically for women's bodies with a tapered waist, shorter sleeves, and a more contoured shape. Women who want a classic fitted tee look should choose the women's cut in their standard women's size.

For group orders where both men and women will be wearing the shirts, the unisex 3001 is the most popular choice. Just make sure everyone knows to size up if they want a relaxed fit.

How to Measure for Bella+Canvas

  1. Compare to a shirt you own: Lay a t-shirt that fits the way you want flat on a table. Measure the chest width from armpit to armpit and the body length from shoulder to hem. Compare those numbers to our size charts above. Remember that Bella+Canvas will feel slimmer than a traditional shirt with the same flat measurements due to the tapered cut.
  2. Measure your body: Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Divide by 2 and add 2 to 3 inches for a comfortable fit. This gives you the target chest width to look for in the size chart. For example, if your chest measures 40 inches around, that is 20 inches divided by 2. Adding 2-3 inches of ease gives you a target of 22-23 inches, which would be a Large or XL depending on how fitted you want the shirt.
  3. Try one first: If you have never worn Bella+Canvas before, we strongly recommend ordering a single shirt to try on before placing a bulk order. The slim fit surprises many first-time buyers.

Tips for Group Ordering

Bella+Canvas shirts are the go-to choice for brand merchandise, company apparel, and retail-quality custom shirts. When ordering for a group, keep these tips in mind:

  • Warn everyone about the fit: The number one issue with Bella+Canvas group orders is people ordering their usual Gildan or Hanes size and ending up with shirts that feel too tight. Share this size chart with your group and explicitly tell them to size up if they want a relaxed fit.
  • Offer a size range: Bella+Canvas starts at XS and goes up to 3XL, giving you a wider range than many traditional brands. Take advantage of this range to accommodate everyone in your group.
  • Consider the triblend: The 3413 triblend is slightly more forgiving in fit than the 100% cotton 3001 due to its stretchier fabric. If your group has mixed preferences on fit, the triblend can be a good compromise.
  • Order samples: We cannot stress this enough. When switching to Bella+Canvas from a traditional-fit brand, order sample sizes before your full run. It will save you from potential size exchanges.

Which Bella+Canvas Shirt Should You Choose?

  • 3001 Unisex Jersey: The best all-around choice. Incredibly soft 100% cotton, modern slim fit, widest color selection. Perfect for brand merchandise, company shirts, and events where you want a premium feel.
  • 3413 Triblend: Ultra-soft, slightly more relaxed fit, heathered color options. Great for retail-quality merchandise and situations where maximum softness is the priority.
  • 3480 Unisex Tank: Same premium quality in a tank top. Perfect for summer events, fitness, and casual warm-weather wear.

All Bella+Canvas styles are available for custom printing at ooShirts. Browse our full shirt catalog to see every Bella+Canvas option, or jump right into our online design tool to start creating your custom shirt today.