Getting Gildan sizing right matters more than most POD sellers realize. A customer who orders a medium and receives something that fits like a large leaves a bad review. A customer who has to return a shirt costs you the reprint, the return shipping, and the replacement — plus whatever trust you just lost.
This guide covers sizing for the four Gildan styles POD sellers use most: the G5000 Heavy Cotton, G640 Softstyle, 18000 crewneck sweatshirt, and 18500 hoodie. Real measurements, shrinkage expectations, and practical advice for writing size guidance in your listings.
How Gildan Sizing Works
Every Gildan size chart shows flat garment measurements, not body measurements. This trips up a lot of sellers and their customers.
When a size chart says a medium is "20 inches wide," that's the width of the shirt laid flat on a table, measured straight across from armpit to armpit. To get the actual chest circumference — what a customer would measure around their body — double the width. A 20-inch width means 40 inches of chest circumference.
Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder (next to the collar) straight down to the bottom hem.
The good news: Gildan sizing is remarkably consistent across styles. A medium in the G5000 Heavy Cotton will measure almost identically to a medium in the G640 Softstyle. This means once your customers know their Gildan size, they can order any Gildan product with confidence.
How to Measure for Gildan Shirts
The most accurate way to find the right size is to measure a shirt that already fits well — not the person's body.
- Lay the shirt flat on a table, smoothing out wrinkles
- Width: Measure straight across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam
- Length: Measure from the top of the shoulder (where the collar meets the shoulder seam) straight down to the bottom hem
- Compare those measurements to the size chart below
If your customer doesn't have a well-fitting shirt to measure, they can measure their chest circumference with a tape measure (around the fullest part of the chest, just under the arms) and divide by two to match against the width column.
Include a size chart image in every Gildan listing. It reduces returns, builds buyer confidence, and fills one of your 10 Etsy image slots with useful content. Seller Mockups offers free downloadable size chart images for all major Gildan styles — available in the Studio at no cost, no subscription required.
Gildan G5000 / 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
The G5000 is Gildan's classic workhorse — 5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk cotton, classic fit. It's the most widely used Gildan tee in print on demand due to its low cost and reliable quality.
Fit: Classic/traditional. Boxy through the torso with a straight cut from chest to hem. Not slim, not oversized — a standard American t-shirt fit.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | |------|-----------|------------| | 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 increases by 2 inches in width and 1 inch in length — a consistent, predictable pattern.
For detailed specs, color options, and printing advice, see our Gildan 5000 complete guide. For visual color reference, check the Gildan 5000 color chart.
Gildan G640 / 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt
The G640 is Gildan's more modern, retail-fit shirt — 4.5 oz, 100% ring-spun cotton, with a softer hand feel than the G5000. It's positioned as a step up in quality while staying in Gildan's budget-friendly range.
Fit: Retail/semi-fitted. Slightly narrower through the body than the G5000, with a more tapered silhouette. Closer to a Bella Canvas 3001 fit than the boxy G5000, though still not as slim as the BC 3001.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | |------|-----------|------------| | S | 18 | 28 | | M | 20 | 29 | | L | 22 | 30 | | XL | 24 | 31 | | 2XL | 26 | 32 | | 3XL | 28 | 33 |
The flat measurements are nearly identical to the G5000 in width and length, but the G640 feels different on the body because of its softer fabric and slightly more contoured cut. The G640 is generally available up to 3XL — more limited than the G5000's 5XL range.
Reddit users note the G640 has a "premium feel, similar to a Bella Canvas 3001 but slightly lighter weight, looser fit" — while the G5000 is described as more utilitarian. If your customers care about fabric softness, the G640 is the better option at a similar price point.
Gildan 18000 (G180) Crewneck Sweatshirt
The 18000 Heavy Blend crewneck is the most popular POD crewneck sweatshirt. 8.0 oz, 50/50 cotton-polyester, with a brushed interior and spandex in the ribbing.
Fit: Classic/unisex. Boxy through the torso. Women who typically wear women's sizing often find it runs large — many size down one.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve Center Back (in) | |------|-----------|------------|------------------------| | S | 20 | 27 | 33.5 | | M | 22 | 28 | 34.5 | | L | 24 | 29 | 35.5 | | XL | 26 | 30 | 36.5 | | 2XL | 28 | 31 | 37.5 | | 3XL | 30 | 32 | 38.5 | | 4XL | 32 | 33 | 39.5 | | 5XL | 34 | 34 | 40.5 |
Note: Heather Sport colors use a 60/40 polyester-cotton blend instead of the standard 50/50.
For the full G18000 breakdown — colors, printing compatibility, pricing — see our Gildan 18000 size chart page.
Gildan 18500 (G185) Hooded Sweatshirt
The 18500 Heavy Blend hoodie is the companion to the 18000 crewneck. Same 8.0 oz 50/50 blend, same brushed interior, plus a double-lined hood with color-matched drawcord and a double-needle pouch pocket.
Fit: Classic/unisex. Same boxy cut as the 18000 crewneck. The hood adds perceived bulk at the neckline. Oversized styling is popular — many Etsy buyers intentionally size up 1-2 sizes for the oversized look.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve Center Back (in) | |------|-----------|------------|------------------------| | S | 20 | 27 | 33.5 | | M | 22 | 28 | 34.5 | | L | 24 | 29 | 35.5 | | XL | 26 | 30 | 36.5 | | 2XL | 28 | 31 | 37.5 | | 3XL | 30 | 32 | 38.5 | | 4XL | 32 | 33 | 39.5 | | 5XL | 34 | 34 | 40.5 |
The 18500 and 18000 share nearly identical measurements — the key differences are the hood, drawcord, and kangaroo pocket, not the sizing.
Women's Sizing
Gildan women's styles are marked with an "L" suffix — G500L, G640L, etc. They're cut differently from the unisex versions:
- 1-2 inches narrower in width than the corresponding unisex size
- 1-2 inches shorter in length
- More contoured through the waist and hips
A women's Large (LL) is roughly equivalent to a unisex Small (S) in width. If a customer typically wears unisex Gildan shirts, they'd generally size up one when switching to a women's style.
For sweatshirts (18000, 18500), Gildan only offers unisex sizing. Many women who wear a size 12 find a Large gives a classic fit, while those preferring a slimmer fit opt for Medium.
Youth Sizing
Gildan youth sizes run from YXS (extra small) through YXL (extra large), plus toddler sizes 2T through 5/6T.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Approximate Age | |------|-----------|------------|----------------| | YXS | 16 | 20.25 | 4-5 | | YS | 17 | 21.75 | 6-8 | | YM | 18 | 23 | 9-11 | | YL | 19 | 24.5 | 12-14 | | YXL | 20 | 26 | 15-16 |
Youth size increments are smaller than adult — typically 1-2 inches between sizes, matching children's natural growth patterns. A Youth Medium (YM) at 18" wide x 23" long fits most kids aged 9-11.
Not every Gildan style is available in every youth size. Standard youth sizes (YXS through YXL) have the broadest selection; toddler sizes are more limited.
Shrinkage: What to Expect
Gildan shirts are preshrunk, but "preshrunk" doesn't mean "won't shrink at all." Based on ShirtSpace data and seller reports:
- Expect 5-8% shrinkage in length after the first wash and dry cycle
- Width shrinkage is minimal — typically 1-3%
- 100% cotton styles (G5000, G640 solids) shrink more than the 50/50 blends (18000, 18500)
- Hot dryer settings increase shrinkage significantly
- Subsequent washes produce minimal additional shrinkage after the first cycle
For a medium G5000 with a 29-inch length, 5-8% shrinkage means losing about 1.5-2.3 inches in length after the first wash. That can push someone from a comfortable fit to too-short.
What this means for your listings: Always recommend customers wash cold and tumble dry low. If they're between sizes, suggest sizing up. Include this in your product description — it prevents returns and negative reviews.
Gildan vs Bella Canvas: Sizing Comparison
Many POD sellers offer both Gildan and Bella Canvas. The sizing difference matters for your product descriptions.
| Factor | Gildan (G5000/G640) | Bella Canvas 3001 | |--------|-------------------|-------------------| | Fit | Classic/boxy (G5000) or retail (G640) | Retail slim/fitted | | Width at Medium | 20" | 18" | | Length at Medium | 29" | 28.5" | | Overall | Runs slightly larger/boxier | Runs slimmer, more fitted | | Best recommendation | True to size for classic fit | Size up if between sizes |
A medium Gildan G5000 will feel noticeably roomier than a medium Bella Canvas 3001. Customers switching between brands should be aware — and your listing descriptions should note this. For a full comparison, see our Bella Canvas 3001 vs Gildan 5000 guide.
Practical Tips for POD Sellers
What to Include in Your Listings
Every Gildan listing should include:
- A size chart image — visual reference that buyers can check without reading the description
- Flat measurement note — explicitly state: "Measurements are taken with the garment laid flat. Double the width for chest circumference."
- Between-sizes recommendation — "If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a comfortable fit"
- Shrinkage warning — "Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Expect minimal shrinkage with proper care."
- Fit description — Specify whether it's a classic/boxy fit (G5000) or retail/modern fit (G640)
Common Customer Questions
"Is Gildan true to size?" — Yes, for classic American sizing. Gildan runs true to size but with a boxy, traditional cut. Customers used to slim-fit brands (Nike, H&M) may find Gildan roomier than expected at the same labeled size.
"Should I size up or down?" — For the G5000: true to size for a classic fit, size down for a slimmer look. For the G640: true to size for most people. For sweatshirts: women often size down one from unisex sizing for a fitted look, or keep their standard size for a relaxed fit.
"What's the difference between G5000 and G640?" — The G5000 is heavier (5.3 oz vs 4.5 oz), boxier, and made from open-end cotton. The G640 is lighter, softer (ring-spun cotton), and has a more modern cut. Flat measurements are similar, but the G640 feels more like a retail shirt. For the full breakdown, see our Gildan 5000 guide.
Size Availability
Not all Gildan colors are available in every size. Extended sizes (3XL-5XL) have more limited color options than the S-2XL range. Always confirm availability with your POD provider before creating listings for extended sizes in specific colors.
Also note: while T-shirts go up to 5XL in many styles, the G640 Softstyle typically maxes out at 3XL. If plus-size range matters for your shop, the G5000 has broader size coverage.
Keep Reading
- Gildan 5000 Size Chart — Detailed measurements for the G5000 Heavy Cotton
- Gildan 5000 Color Chart — Full color palette with hex codes
- Gildan 5000 Guide — Complete selling guide for the G5000
- Gildan 18000 Size Chart — Measurements for the Heavy Blend crewneck
- Best T-Shirt Blanks for Etsy — How Gildan stacks up against BC 3001, CC 1717, and more