The Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton is the budget workhorse of the POD industry — the most printed-on blank in the world. It is also the blank most likely to generate customer complaints about sizing because it uses tubular construction (no side seams) and is not pre-shrunk in the same way as premium alternatives.
Gildan's own size charts are scattered across spec sheets, distributor pages, and retail listings that often show different numbers. The sizing you see on Printful is not always the same as what Printify shows, and neither matches what Gildan's own site publishes after rounding.
This page consolidates the official measurements from Gildan, verified by distributor data from A2Z Clothing, Kerrs Cotton, and Shirt Monkey. One page, accurate numbers, no guessing.
SellerMockups now offers a free, ready-made Size Chart listing image for the Gildan 5000 — already formatted for Etsy and Amazon. Grab it in the Studio under "Free Listing Images" and add it directly to your product photos.
Gildan 5000 Size Chart — Garment Measurements (Inches)
These are flat garment 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) | Sleeve Length CB (in) | |------|-----------|------------|----------------------| | S | 18 | 28 | 15.625 | | M | 20 | 29 | 17 | | L | 22 | 30 | 18.5 | | XL | 24 | 31 | 20 | | 2XL | 26 | 32 | 21.5 | | 3XL | 28 | 33 | 22.875 | | 4XL | 30 | 34 | 24.25 | | 5XL | 32 | 35 | 25.375 |
Each size adds 2 inches in width and 1 inch in length — the same grading pattern as the Bella Canvas 3001. The sleeve lengths are full center-back measurements (from center of neck to end of sleeve).
The Gildan 5000 starts at size Small — there is no XS. Extended sizes (3XL–5XL) are only available in select colors: Black, White, Navy, Red, Royal Blue, and Sport Grey have the full range. Other colors typically stop at 2XL or 3XL.
Garment Measurements in Centimeters
For international sellers listing on Etsy UK, Etsy EU, or Amazon international marketplaces.
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Sleeve Length CB (cm) | |------|-----------|------------|----------------------| | S | 46 | 71 | 40 | | M | 51 | 74 | 43 | | L | 56 | 76 | 47 | | XL | 61 | 79 | 51 | | 2XL | 66 | 81 | 55 | | 3XL | 71 | 84 | 58 | | 4XL | 76 | 86 | 62 | | 5XL | 81 | 89 | 64 |
Chest-to-Fit Ranges (Body Measurements)
These body chest measurements indicate which size to recommend to your customers.
| Size | Chest to Fit (in) | Chest to Fit (cm) | Best For | |------|-------------------|-------------------|----------| | S | 34–36 | 86–91 | Slim builds | | M | 38–40 | 97–102 | Average women, slim men | | L | 42–44 | 107–112 | Average men | | XL | 46–48 | 117–122 | Broad-chested, athletic builds | | 2XL | 50–52 | 127–132 | Plus size | | 3XL | 54–56 | 137–142 | Extended plus | | 4XL | 58–60 | 147–152 | Extended plus | | 5XL | 62–64 | 157–163 | Extended plus |
The Gildan 5000 is NOT pre-shrunk in the same way as the Bella Canvas 3001. According to ShirtSpace, Gildan apparel "often shrinks down a full size after its first machine wash." If your customer is between sizes, always recommend sizing up.
How the Gildan 5000 Fits Compared to Other POD Blanks
The Gildan 5000 has the same width-length numbers as the Bella Canvas 3001, but the fit is completely different because of tubular construction and a boxier cut.
| Blank | Size L Width (in) | Size L Length (in) | Weight | Fit Style | Construction | |-------|-------------------|-------------------|--------|-----------|-------------| | Gildan 5000 | 22 | 30 | 5.3 oz | Traditional (boxy) | Tubular (no side seams) | | Bella Canvas 3001 | 22 | 30 | 4.2 oz | Retail fit (tapered) | Side-seamed | | Comfort Colors 1717 | 22 | 29.375 | 6.1 oz | Relaxed (oversized) | Side-seamed, garment-dyed | | Gildan 64000 | 22 | 30 | 4.5 oz | Softstyle (semi-fitted) | Side-seamed | | Next Level 3600 | 21 | 29.5 | 4.3 oz | Premium (slimmest) | Side-seamed |
Why Tubular Construction Matters
The Gildan 5000 uses tubular construction — the shirt body is one continuous tube of fabric with no side seams. This makes it cheaper to manufacture but means the shirt does not follow body contours. On the body, a tubular shirt will:
- Rotate on the torso as the customer moves
- Feel boxier and less tailored than side-seamed alternatives
- Sit wider through the midsection relative to the chest
For POD sellers, this means the Gildan 5000 looks different on a body than it does laid flat. Side-seamed shirts like the BC 3001 and CC 1717 maintain their shape better. Your mockup photos should reflect this — Seller Mockups renders accurate fabric behavior so customers see realistic drape, not idealized flat lays.
Shrinkage: The #1 Issue with the Gildan 5000
This is where the Gildan 5000 causes the most problems for POD sellers. Unlike the Bella Canvas 3001 (pre-shrunk Airlume cotton) or the Comfort Colors 1717 (garment-dyed, pre-shrunk), the Gildan 5000 can shrink significantly.
| Measurement | Expected Shrinkage | Real-World Impact | |------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Length | 5–8% | Size L at 30 in → could shrink to 27.5–28.5 in | | Width | 3–5% | Size L at 22 in → could shrink to 21–21.5 in |
According to Kerrs Cotton, there is a measurable difference between manufacturer sizing and post-wash sizing. ShirtSpace's Gildan guide warns that Gildan apparel "often shrinks down a full size after its first machine wash."
What this means for your listings: Always include shrinkage warnings. The safest recommendation is:
- "If you're between sizes, size up."
- "First wash: cold water, tumble dry low to minimize shrinkage."
- "Expect some shrinkage in length after the first wash."
This is not a defect — it is a known characteristic of the Gildan 5000's open-end cotton and pricing. The BC 3001 costs more because it uses Airlume ring-spun cotton that holds its dimensions better. The Gildan 5000 costs less and shrinks more. Your customers need to know this upfront.
Gildan 5000 Fabric Specs
| Specification | Detail | |--------------|--------| | Style Number | 5000 / G5000 | | Fabric Weight | 5.3 oz/yd² (180 g/m²) | | Material | 100% preshrunk cotton (Sport Grey is 90/10 cotton-poly) | | Yarn Type | Open-end yarn | | Fit | Traditional, boxy | | Construction | Tubular body (no side seams) | | Sizes | S through 5XL | | Collar | Seamless double-needle collar | | Shoulder | Taped neck and shoulders | | Total Colors | 60+ solid shades | | Print Compatibility | Screen print, DTG, heat press, DTF, embroidery |
For a complete breakdown of every Gildan 5000 color with hex codes, see our Gildan 5000 Color Chart.
How to Measure for the Gildan 5000
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.
Step 2: Find Your Size
Compare your chest measurement to the "Chest to Fit" column above. If you measure 41 inches, you are at the top of the Medium range — consider ordering Large to account for shrinkage.
Step 3: Account for Shrinkage
Unlike the BC 3001 or CC 1717, the Gildan 5000 can lose a full inch in length and half an inch in width after the first wash. When in doubt, size up.
Step 4: Consider the Boxy Fit
The tubular construction means the Gildan 5000 does not taper at the waist. If your customer prefers a more tailored silhouette, they may want to try the Gildan 64000 Softstyle (same price range, side-seamed construction) or upgrade to the BC 3001.
Size Recommendations for Common Use Cases
Etsy Sellers: What to Put in Your Listing
The Gildan 5000 is the most price-competitive POD blank, which means your customers may be more price-sensitive too. Give them the best size chart possible to avoid returns:
- Include the width and length in inches from the table above
- Add: "Width is measured across the chest, laid flat. Double for full circumference."
- Include the shrinkage warning: "The Gildan 5000 may shrink slightly after the first wash, especially in length. We recommend sizing up if you're between sizes or prefer a relaxed fit."
- Add your free size chart image from SellerMockups Studio as a listing photo
SellerMockups provides a free, professionally designed Size Chart image for the Gildan 5000 in the Studio. Download it and use it as a listing image — no design work needed. Also available: Product Details and Care Instructions cards matched to the Gildan 5000.
Print-on-Demand: Design Placement
The Gildan 5000 has the widest print area of the three major POD blanks because of its boxy cut:
| Size | Max Print Width (in) | Max Print Height (in) | |------|---------------------|----------------------| | S | 12 | 14 | | M | 13 | 15 | | L | 14 | 16 | | XL | 15 | 17 | | 2XL | 16 | 18 |
The 5.3 oz midweight cotton handles all print methods well. DTG, screen print, heat press, and DTF all produce good results. The open-end yarn creates a slightly rougher surface than ring-spun cotton, which can make very fine detail lines appear slightly less sharp — but for most designs, the difference is negligible.
Budget vs. Premium: When to Use the Gildan 5000
The Gildan 5000 is the right choice when:
- Price is the primary factor — it is the cheapest major blank per unit
- You are selling high-volume, lower-margin products — event tees, promotional shirts, bulk orders
- Your customers prioritize design over fabric feel — band tees, graphic tees, novelty shirts
Consider upgrading to the Bella Canvas 3001 or Comfort Colors 1717 when:
- You are building a premium brand — the fabric quality difference is noticeable
- Shrinkage complaints are costing you money — the BC 3001 and CC 1717 hold their size better
- Your customers expect a modern or vintage fit — the Gildan 5000's boxy tubular cut does not compete
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Gildan 5000 run true to size?
It fits true to the measurements on the chart, but those measurements change after washing. The shirt as it arrives will match the chart. After the first machine wash and dry cycle, expect to lose up to an inch in length and half an inch in width. If "true to size" means "fits the same after 10 washes," then no — the Gildan 5000 runs smaller after washing.
How much does the Gildan 5000 shrink?
Expect 5–8% shrinkage in length and 3–5% in width after the first wash. According to ShirtSpace, Gildan apparel can shrink "a full size." Cold wash and air drying minimizes this, but most customers will machine dry, so plan accordingly.
Is the Gildan 5000 the same as the Gildan 64000?
No. The Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton) is a 5.3 oz tubular-construction shirt with open-end yarn. The Gildan 64000 (Softstyle) is a 4.5 oz side-seamed shirt with ring-spun yarn. The 64000 is softer, more fitted, and shrinks less. They are different products at a similar price point.
Why does my Gildan 5000 feel different from my Bella Canvas 3001?
The Gildan 5000 uses open-end yarn, which is coarser and less smooth than the BC 3001's ring-spun Airlume cotton. It is also heavier (5.3 oz vs 4.2 oz), boxier (tubular vs side-seamed), and less pre-shrunk. The price difference reflects these material and construction differences.
What sizes and colors are available in 3XL–5XL?
Extended sizes are only available in core colors: Black, White, Navy, Red, Royal Blue, and Sport Grey. 3XL is available in more colors than 4XL and 5XL. Always check your fulfillment provider's inventory for specific color-size combinations before listing them.
Is the Gildan 5000 good for DTG printing?
Yes. The 5.3 oz cotton takes DTG ink well and the midweight fabric provides a solid base for prints. However, the open-end yarn creates a slightly textured surface that may show fine details less crisply than ring-spun alternatives. For bold graphics, text, and standard designs, the quality is excellent for the price.
Should I include a shrinkage warning in my Etsy listing?
Absolutely. This is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce returns and negative reviews. A simple note like "We recommend sizing up if you're between sizes, as this 100% cotton shirt may shrink slightly after the first wash" sets realistic expectations and protects your shop rating.
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 Gildan 5000. Available under "Free Listing Images" for all users, no subscription required.