The Bella Canvas 3001 runs XS to 5XL with a modern retail fit that is slightly more fitted than traditional unisex blanks like the Gildan 5000. That one detail causes more Etsy returns and bad reviews than almost anything else in the POD world.
Most sellers copy-paste a generic size chart into their listings and hope for the best. The problem: the BC 3001 is not a boxy tee. It has a tapered body, side-seam construction, and a slimmer silhouette than what most buyers expect from "unisex." If your size chart does not account for this, you will get returns from customers who sized based on their Gildan experience.
Every measurement below comes from Bella+Canvas official spec sheets. Bookmark this page, use it in your listings, and stop guessing.
SellerMockups now offers a free, ready-made Size Chart listing image for the Bella Canvas 3001 — already formatted for Etsy and Amazon. Grab it in the Studio under "Free Listing Images" and add it directly to your product photos.
Bella Canvas 3001 Size Chart — Garment Measurements (Inches)
These are flat garment measurements, not body measurements. Width is measured across the chest one inch below the armhole, seam to seam. Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder (HPS) to the bottom hem.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | |------|-----------|------------| | XS | 16.5 | 27 | | S | 18 | 28 | | M | 20 | 29 | | L | 22 | 30 | | XL | 24 | 31 | | 2XL | 26 | 32 | | 3XL | 28 | 33 | | 4XL | 30 | 34 | | 5XL | 32 | 35 |
Each size adds 2 inches in width and 1 inch in length. This consistent grading makes it easy to predict fit across the full size range.
These are garment dimensions — the actual shirt laid flat. To find the full chest circumference, double the width. A size Medium at 20 inches wide = 40 inches around the chest.
Garment Measurements in Centimeters
For international sellers listing on Etsy UK, Etsy EU, or Amazon international marketplaces.
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | |------|-----------|------------| | XS | 41.9 | 68.6 | | S | 45.7 | 71.1 | | M | 50.8 | 73.7 | | L | 55.9 | 76.2 | | XL | 61.0 | 78.7 | | 2XL | 66.0 | 81.3 | | 3XL | 71.1 | 83.8 | | 4XL | 76.2 | 86.4 | | 5XL | 81.3 | 88.9 |
Chest-to-Fit Ranges (Body Measurements)
This is what your customers actually need — the body chest measurement that corresponds to each size. These ranges come from the Bella+Canvas official size chart.
| Size | Chest to Fit (in) | Chest to Fit (cm) | Best For | |------|-------------------|-------------------|----------| | XS | 31–34 | 79–86 | Slim teens, petite frames | | S | 34–37 | 86–94 | Average women, slim men | | M | 38–41 | 97–104 | Average men, larger women | | L | 42–45 | 107–114 | Broad-chested men | | XL | 46–49 | 117–124 | Athletic/larger builds | | 2XL | 50–53 | 127–135 | Plus size | | 3XL | 54–57 | 137–145 | Extended plus | | 4XL | 58–61 | 147–155 | Extended plus | | 5XL | 62–65 | 157–165 | Extended plus |
The BC 3001 has a retail fit (slightly tapered). If your customer is between sizes or prefers a relaxed fit, recommend sizing up. This is the #1 thing to include in your Etsy listing description to avoid returns.
How the BC 3001 Fits Compared to Other POD Blanks
The BC 3001 is not interchangeable with other blanks on sizing. Here is how a size Large compares across the most popular POD t-shirts:
| Blank | Size L Width (in) | Size L Length (in) | Fit Style | |-------|-------------------|-------------------|-----------| | Bella Canvas 3001 | 22 | 30 | Retail fit (tapered, modern) | | Gildan 5000 | 22 | 30 | Traditional fit (boxier cut) | | Comfort Colors 1717 | 23 | 30 | Relaxed fit (oversized) | | Gildan 64000 | 22 | 30 | Softstyle (slightly fitted) | | Next Level 3600 | 21 | 29.5 | Premium fit (slimmest) |
The width numbers look similar on paper, but the cut tells a different story. The BC 3001 uses side-seam construction with a tapered body, so it sits closer to the torso than the Gildan 5000 which uses tubular construction (no side seams). The Comfort Colors 1717 is the most relaxed — a CC 1717 Large will feel roomier than a BC 3001 Large even at similar widths because of its oversized, garment-dyed drape.
For your listings: If you sell multiple blanks, do not use the same size chart for all of them. Each blank fits differently, and a customer who wears Large in Comfort Colors may need XL in the BC 3001.
Understanding the Fabric and Fit
The sizing behavior of the BC 3001 changes based on the fabric variant. This matters for your product descriptions and mockup accuracy.
Solid Colors (100% Airlume Cotton)
The standard BC 3001 in solid colors is 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton at 4.2 oz/yd². This fabric has minimal stretch, holds its shape well, and softens with washing. Expect minimal shrinkage (under 5%) when following care instructions.
Heather Colors (52/48 CVC Blend)
Heather colors are 52% cotton, 48% polyester. The polyester content means these shirts resist shrinkage better than solids, retain their shape longer, and have slightly more stretch. A size Medium in Heather Dusty Blue will feel marginally more forgiving than a size Medium in solid Black.
Triblend (50/25/25)
Triblend variants use 50% polyester, 25% combed cotton, and 25% rayon. The rayon makes these the drapiest option — they hang looser on the body and feel slightly oversized compared to solids in the same marked size. If a customer wants the relaxed fit, triblend is the closest the 3001 gets.
Include the fabric blend in your size recommendation. "This shirt is a heather blend and has slightly more give than our solid cotton options" gives your buyer confidence and reduces returns.
Shrinkage: What to Tell Your Customers
The BC 3001 is pre-shrunk, but some additional shrinkage can occur — especially in the length.
| Fabric Type | Expected Shrinkage | Notes | |------------|-------------------|-------| | Solid (100% cotton) | 3–5% in length, 1–2% in width | Most shrinkage happens in first wash | | Heather (52/48 CVC) | 1–3% in length, minimal width | Polyester resists shrinkage | | Triblend (50/25/25) | 1–2% overall | Most dimensionally stable |
What this means in real numbers: A size Medium solid at 29 inches long could shrink to roughly 27.5–28 inches after multiple washes. That is nearly a full size shorter. For customers who are between sizes in solids, sizing up is the right call.
For your listing description: Include a line like "We recommend washing cold and tumble drying low to minimize shrinkage. If you're between sizes, size up for a more relaxed fit."
How to Measure Yourself for the BC 3001
Include these instructions in your Etsy listing or link to this page. The more specific you are, the fewer returns you get.
Step 1: Measure Your Chest
Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape snug but not tight. This is your chest circumference.
Step 2: Find Your Size
Compare your chest measurement to the "Chest to Fit" column in the table above. If you measure 39 inches, you are solidly in the Medium range (38–41 inches).
Step 3: Consider Your Fit Preference
- Fitted look: Choose the size where your chest measurement falls in the upper end of the range
- Standard fit: Choose the size where your chest measurement falls in the middle
- Relaxed/oversized: Size up one from your measured size
Step 4: Check the Length
If you are tall (over 6'1" for men, over 5'8" for women), check the length measurement. The BC 3001 runs standard length — not long. Tall customers may want to size up for extra length, but note that this also adds 2 inches of width.
Size Recommendations for Common Use Cases
Etsy Sellers: What Size Chart to Put in Your Listing
Use the garment measurements table from this page. Do not use the "chest to fit" body measurements as your primary chart — buyers get confused because garment measurements and body measurements are different numbers.
The clearest format for Etsy listings:
- Lead with the garment measurements table (width and length in inches)
- Add a note: "Width is measured across the chest, laid flat. Double for full circumference."
- Include the fit advisory: "The Bella Canvas 3001 has a modern retail fit that is slightly more fitted than standard unisex tees. If you prefer a relaxed fit, we recommend sizing up."
- Add your free size chart image from SellerMockups Studio as a listing photo
SellerMockups provides a free, professionally designed Size Chart image for the Bella Canvas 3001 in the Studio. Download it and add it as one of your listing images — no design work needed. Available under "Free Listing Images" for all users.
Print-on-Demand Fulfillment: Design Placement
Your design file placement should account for the garment dimensions. Here are the standard safe print areas:
| Size | Max Print Width (in) | Max Print Height (in) | |------|---------------------|----------------------| | S | 12 | 14 | | M | 13 | 15 | | L | 14 | 16 | | XL | 15 | 17 | | 2XL | 16 | 18 |
Most POD fulfillment providers (Printful, Printify, Gooten) use a standard 12×16 inch print area that works across all sizes. If you are designing for the full range, use this as your safe zone and your design will scale appropriately.
Sizing for Couples/Matching Sets
This is a common scenario for POD sellers doing matching couples tees, wedding party shirts, or family sets. The BC 3001 is unisex, but women and men typically size differently:
- Women usually wear S or M (chest 34–41 inches)
- Men usually wear L or XL (chest 42–49 inches)
- A "his and hers" set is typically M + L or M + XL
Include this guidance in your listing if you sell matching sets. It saves your customers from ordering two of the same size and ending up with a bad fit on one person.
Bella Canvas 3001 vs. Women's Styles
Bella+Canvas also makes women-specific tees (6000, 6400, 6004, etc.) that are cut differently. The 3001 is unisex, which means:
- Wider shoulders than women's cuts
- Longer body than women's cuts
- Straighter silhouette (less waist tapering)
If your customer base is primarily women and they want a more feminine fit, the 3001 in a smaller size (S or XS) works, but they may prefer the Bella+Canvas 6400 (Women's Relaxed Tee) or 6004 (Women's V-Neck). For POD sellers, the 3001 remains the most versatile choice because it works for all genders without needing separate inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bella Canvas 3001 run true to size?
Yes, but with a caveat. It is true to modern retail sizing — not true to traditional unisex/boxy tee sizing. If your customer is used to Gildan, Hanes, or Fruit of the Loom, the 3001 will feel slimmer. It is cut with a tapered body and side seams, giving it a more tailored look. According to Gelato, the 3001 uses laser-guided automation cutting with a tolerance of 1/64 inch, meaning sizing is extremely consistent shirt-to-shirt.
Does the Bella Canvas 3001 shrink?
Solid colors (100% cotton) can shrink 3–5% in length after the first wash. Heather and triblend variants shrink less due to their polyester content. Always recommend cold wash, tumble dry low. Pre-shrunk does not mean zero-shrink — it means most of the shrinkage has already been done during manufacturing.
What is the difference between width and chest-to-fit?
Width is the garment measurement — the actual shirt laid flat, measured across the chest. Chest-to-fit is the body measurement — the circumference of the person who should wear that size. A size M has a width of 20 inches (40 inches around) and fits a body chest of 38–41 inches. The extra inches in the garment account for ease of movement.
Should I tell my customers to size up?
If they prefer a relaxed or oversized look, yes — recommend sizing up one. If they want the modern fitted look the BC 3001 is designed for, true to size is correct. The safest listing language is: "This shirt has a modern fitted cut. For a more relaxed fit, order one size up."
How accurate are these measurements?
These come directly from Bella+Canvas official spec sheets. Actual garments may vary by up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) due to manufacturing tolerances. However, Bella+Canvas uses laser-guided cutting which makes the 3001 one of the most consistently sized blanks on the market — far more consistent than budget alternatives.
What sizes are available?
XS through 5XL. Not all colors are available in every size — extended sizes (4XL, 5XL) have a more limited color selection. Check with your fulfillment provider for availability in specific color-size combinations.
Is the BC 3001 the same fit in every color?
No. Solid colors are 100% cotton and have the truest-to-chart fit. Heather colors are 52/48 cotton-polyester and have slightly more stretch. Triblends drape looser. The marked size is the same, but how the shirt feels on the body varies by fabric type. See the "Understanding the Fabric and Fit" section above.
Where can I get a free size chart image for my Etsy listing?
SellerMockups Studio offers free, professionally designed listing images including a Size Chart, Product Details card, and Care Instructions card — all matched specifically to the Bella Canvas 3001. Available under "Free Listing Images" for all users, no subscription required.