Side by side
| Gildan 5000 | Bella+Canvas 3001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.3 oz (heavier) | 4.2 oz (lighter) |
| Yarn | Open-end cotton | Combed ring-spun cotton |
| Feel | Sturdy, a bit rough | Very soft |
| Fit | Boxy | Retail, modern |
| Price | Low | Mid |
Choose Gildan 5000 when…
You need lots of shirts cheaply: giveaways, volunteers, one-day events.
Choose Bella+Canvas 3001 when…
You want people to keep wearing it: brands, merch, reunions, gifts.
What the weight means
Fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard. A heavier shirt like the Gildan 5000 feels thicker and is less see-through in light colors. A lighter shirt like the Bella+Canvas 3001 drapes and breathes better, which people notice in summer.
Print results
Open-end cotton has a slightly rougher surface, so very fine detail in DTG printing can look less crisp than on ring-spun cotton. Bold screen-printed designs look good on both.
Cost on a real order
On a 50-shirt order, the blank shirt is only part of the price; setup and printing often cost more. Ask your printer for quotes on both blanks with the same design. The gap per shirt may be smaller than you expect.
