Gildan T-Shirt Size Chart and Fit Guide

Gildan T-Shirt Size Chart

Gildan is one of the most popular t-shirt brands for custom printing, and for good reason. They offer reliable quality at an affordable price, with a wide range of sizes from Small through 5XL. Whether you are ordering for yourself or for an entire group, getting the right size is essential. This guide covers the most popular Gildan t-shirt models and provides detailed measurements to help you find your perfect fit.

Gildan Ultra Cotton 5000 Size Chart (Classic Fit)

The Gildan 5000 Ultra Cotton is the most widely used t-shirt for custom screen printing. It has a classic, relaxed fit with a seamless double-needle collar. This shirt is made from 6.0 oz. preshrunk 100% cotton and offers a traditional, roomy silhouette.

Size	Chest Width (inches)	Body Length (inches)
S	18	28
M	20	29
L	22	30
XL	24	31
2XL	26	32
3XL	28	33
4XL	30	34
5XL	32	35

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).

Gildan Softstyle 64000 Size Chart (Modern/Slim Fit)

The Gildan 64000 Softstyle is a step up in comfort and style from the Ultra Cotton. It features a modern, semi-fitted silhouette made from 4.5 oz. ringspun cotton, which gives it a noticeably softer feel. This shirt runs slightly slimmer than the 5000, so if you are between sizes or prefer a roomier fit, consider sizing up.

Size	Chest Width (inches)	Body Length (inches)
S	18	28
M	20	29
L	22	30
XL	24	31
2XL	26	32
3XL	28	33

While the flat measurements look similar to the 5000, the Softstyle has a narrower cut through the torso, creating a more tailored appearance. It is a great choice for events where you want a more modern look without going fully slim-fit.

Gildan Heavy Cotton 2000 Size Chart (Heavyweight)

The Gildan 2000 is the heavy-duty option in the Gildan lineup. At 6.0 oz. preshrunk cotton, it is built to last and provides excellent coverage for screen printing. The fit is similar to the Ultra Cotton 5000 with a classic, generous cut.

Size	Chest Width (inches)	Body Length (inches)
S	18	28
M	20	29
L	22	30
XL	24	31
2XL	26	32
3XL	28	33

How to Measure Yourself for the Right Fit

To find your ideal Gildan t-shirt size, follow these steps:

1. Chest: Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level and snug but not tight. Divide this number by 2 to compare against the "Chest Width" measurements in our charts above, which are measured flat (from seam to seam).
2. Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder (where the shoulder seam sits) straight down to where you want the shirt to end. Compare this to the "Body Length" column.
3. Compare to a shirt you own: One of the easiest methods is to lay a t-shirt that fits you well flat on a table. Measure the chest width from armpit seam to armpit seam, and the length from the highest shoulder point to the bottom hem. Then match those numbers to the size charts above.

Important Fit Notes for Gildan

Gildan t-shirts generally run slightly large compared to fashion brands. If you normally wear a Medium in brands like Nike, H&M, or Zara, a Gildan Medium may feel roomier than you expect. This is because Gildan uses traditional American sizing with a classic, relaxed cut. For many people, this generous fit is exactly what they want in a casual tee. However, if you prefer a more fitted look, you may want to consider the Softstyle 64000 or size down one size in the Ultra Cotton 5000.

All Gildan shirts listed above are preshrunk, which means they have already gone through a shrinkage treatment during manufacturing. You can expect minimal additional shrinkage (about 3-5%) after washing and drying. We recommend washing in cold water and tumble drying on low to maintain the best fit over time.

Tips for Group Ordering

If you are ordering Gildan t-shirts for a group, here are some tips to make sure everyone gets the right size:

• Order samples first: If you have time, order one or two sample shirts in the sizes you think you need. Try them on before committing to a full order. ooShirts is happy to help you get samples.
• Size up if unsure: When in doubt, go up one size. A slightly loose t-shirt is almost always more comfortable than one that is too tight, especially for an event where people will be wearing the shirts all day.
• Collect sizes in advance: Send a size chart to your group members and ask them to confirm their sizes before you place the order. This prevents the common problem of having too many of one size and not enough of another.
• Account for shrinkage: While Gildan shirts are preshrunk, a small amount of additional shrinkage is normal. If someone is right on the border between two sizes, the larger size is the safer bet.
• Consider the fit: Some people in your group may prefer a classic relaxed fit (Ultra Cotton 5000) while others might prefer something more modern (Softstyle 64000). If possible, stick with one model for consistency, and let your group know which fit to expect.

Which Gildan Shirt Should You Choose?

Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right Gildan model:

• Gildan 5000 Ultra Cotton: Best for budget-friendly group orders, events, and everyday wear. Classic relaxed fit.
• Gildan 64000 Softstyle: Best for a softer feel and more modern look. Great for retail, gifts, and brand merchandise.
• Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton: Best when you want a heavier, more substantial shirt. Ideal for workwear and outdoor events.

All three models are available for custom printing at ooShirts. Browse our full shirt catalog to see every available Gildan style, or jump into our online design tool to start creating your custom shirt today.