When comparing Gildan's most popular t-shirts — the Gildan 5000, Gildan 2000, and Gildan 64000 — the main differences come down to fabric type, weight, and fit.
Whether you're a business owner in Canada looking to buy wholesale blank tees, or a U.S.-based print shop searching for soft, modern fits, this guide will help you choose the right t-shirt based on your purpose, body type, budget, and print needs.
What’s the Difference Between Gildan 5000, 2000 and 64000?
The Gildan 5000 is a classic midweight t-shirt at 5.3 oz, made from 100% cotton — a go-to option for bulk orders, events, and everyday casual wear.
The Gildan 2000 (Ultra Cotton) is heavier at 6.0 oz and feels more durable and premium, making it ideal for uniforms or colder climates.
The Gildan 64000 (Softstyle) is the lightest at 4.5 oz and made from ring-spun cotton, offering a soft feel and slimmer modern fit — perfect for fashion brands and retail.
In this post, we’ll walk through each one in detail, so you can find the perfect Gildan t-shirt for your needs — whether you're printing in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
Gildan 5000: The Classic Choice
The Gildan 5000 stands as a timeless classic in the realm of budget-friendly t-shirts. Crafted from 100% cotton, it prioritizes comfort and breathability. Here are some noteworthy attributes of the Gildan 5000:
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Fabric Weight: With a fabric weight of 5.3 oz, the Gildan 5000 strikes a harmonious balance between being lightweight and robust. It falls neither too thin nor too heavy, rendering it an ideal choice for year-round wear.
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Fit: This t-shirt boasts a classic fit, offering roominess without veering into excessive bagginess. Its versatility accommodates a wide spectrum of body types, ensuring a comfortable fit for all.
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Color Variety: The Gildan 5000 boasts an array of colors, simplifying the task of finding the perfect shade to complement your style or promotional endeavors.
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Price: An alluring aspect of the Gildan 5000 is its affordability. It combines budget-friendly pricing with quality, making it an attractive choice.
Pro Tip: Because of its structure and durability, the 5000 is often used in Canadian winters as a layering piece under hoodies or jackets.
Gildan 2000: A Step Up in Quality
If you're willing to invest a bit more for a higher quality feel, the Gildan 2000 might be the right choice for you. Here's what sets it apart:
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Fabric Composition: The Gildan 2000 is also made from 100% cotton, but it's constructed using a finer yarn. This gives it a softer, more premium feel compared to the Gildan 5000.
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Fabric Weight: It has a slightly heavier fabric weight of 6 oz, which adds to its durability and lends it a more substantial feel.
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Fit: The Gildan 2000 offers a classic fit like the 5000, but some users find it to be slightly more fitted. It's still roomy but with a touch of extra style.
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Color Variety: It comes in a wide range of colors, just like the Gildan 5000, providing plenty of options for your wardrobe or branding needs.
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Price: While the Gildan 2000 is a bit pricier than the 5000, it's still an affordable option, especially considering the improved quality.
Pro Tip: If you're printing shirts for construction or warehouse employees in Canada, the Gildan 2000 offers better longevity without sacrificing comfort.
Gildan 64000: The Softstyle Choice
If you're after a t-shirt that feels incredibly soft and offers a more modern, fashion-forward fit, the Gildan 64000, part of the "Softstyle" line, is worth considering. Here's what makes it unique:
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Fabric Composition: The Gildan 64000 is made from a blend of 90% cotton and 10% polyester, which gives it a supremely soft feel. This fabric combination also minimizes shrinkage.
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Fabric Weight: It has a fabric weight of 4.5 oz, making it the lightest of the three options. This is great for those who prefer a lightweight, airy feel.
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Fit: Unlike the classic fit of the Gildan 5000 and 2000, the Gildan 64000 offers a more contemporary, Euro-style fit. It's slimmer through the body and sleeves, providing a more tailored look.
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Color Variety: While it doesn't have quite as many color options as the other two models, it still offers a decent variety.
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Price: The Gildan 64000 is slightly more expensive than the 5000 and 2000 due to its premium feel and tailored fit.
Pro Tip: The 64000's soft surface is excellent for detail-rich or color-intense designs, and many Canadian dropshipping brands use this as their default.
Not Sure Which Gildan Tee Suits You Best?
Remember that all three options provide excellent value for their respective price points, and Gildan is known for its consistent quality across its product range. Before making your final decision, here are a few additional tips to help you choose the perfect Gildan shirt:
1. Consider Your Body Type
Take your body type into account when selecting a fit. The Gildan 5000 and 2000 offer classic fits that work well for a variety of body shapes, while the Gildan 64000's slimmer fit may be more flattering for those with a trimmer physique.
2. Customization
If you plan to customize these shirts for promotional or branding purposes, think about the type of design you'll be adding. The fabric and fit can affect how your design looks and feels on the shirt. Discuss your customization needs with your printing or embroidery service to ensure compatibility with your chosen Gildan model.
3. Seasonal Considerations
Think about the climate in your region. If you live in a hot, humid area, the lightweight Gildan 64000 might be more comfortable during the summer months. On the other hand, the heavier fabric of the Gildan 2000 can provide extra warmth in cooler weather.
4. Personal Style
Your personal style and fashion preferences should also influence your decision. Are you someone who prefers a relaxed, loose-fitting tee, or do you lean towards a more tailored look? Your chosen Gildan shirt should align with your individual style.
5. Versatility
Consider how versatile you want your shirt to be. If you're looking for an all-around shirt that can be worn casually or dressed up, the Gildan 2000 might be your best bet. However, if you have a specific purpose in mind, such as workout apparel or promotional giveaways, the Gildan 5000 or 64000 may be more suitable.
Additional Tips Before You Buy
1. Consider Your Climate
- Cold winters (Toronto, Calgary): Go for Gildan 2000
- Warm/humid areas (Miami, Vancouver): Choose 64000
2. Match the Shirt to the Customer
- General public or events: Gildan 5000
- Staff uniforms: Gildan 2000
- Streetwear or retail: Gildan 64000
3. Printing Considerations
- All three accept screen printing well
- 64000 has best surface for digital printing
- Avoid oversized prints on slim-fit 64000 to prevent warping
4. Style Preferences
- Relaxed and roomy: 5000 or 2000
- Fitted and stylish: 64000
Why Trust This Comparison?
This guide was created by the Tsport.ca apparel experts, who help thousands of Canadian and U.S. customers choose the right blank apparel each month. We've worked with Gildan products for over a decade and know how each model performs in real-world use — from screen printing quality to fit retention after multiple washes.
Our insights are based not only on technical product specs but also on customer feedback, wholesale buying trends, and direct experience with bulk orders for events, corporate clients, and resellers across Canada and the U.S. As a trusted Canadian supplier of wholesale apparel, we ensure that our recommendations align with both performance and value, so you can make informed purchasing decisions with confidence.
Conclusion: Which Gildan Tee Is Right for You?
In the end, the choice between the Gildan 5000, Gildan 2000, and Gildan 64000 comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for an affordable and comfortable classic, the Gildan 5000 is a solid choice. For a slight upgrade in quality, the Gildan 2000 offers a softer feel and added durability. And if you prioritize softness and a more modern fit, the Gildan 64000 is the way to go.
Gildan offers a range of t-shirt options to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize comfort, quality, style, or budget, there's a Gildan model that can meet your requirements. It's important to weigh the factors mentioned above and determine which aspects are most important to you.
Still unsure which Gildan tee is the right fit for you?
Feel free to explore more from Gildan and other top apparel brands, or browse our full T-shirts category to compare cuts, weights, and colors that match your needs.
