When it comes to choosing blank apparel for your brand, the debate of Bella Canvas vs Gildan is one you can't ignore.
Bella Canvas is soft, trendy, and perfect if you want your designs to feel premium and modern. Gildan, on the other hand, is durable, budget-friendly, and a solid choice if you're looking to keep costs low while still offering reliable quality.
In this guide, we'll break down the differences so you can see which brand fits your style, your business, and your audience best. Whether you're creating a boutique clothing line or stocking your POD store, you'll know exactly which tee to pick.
What is Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas comes from Los Angeles and focuses on blank clothing ready for your prints. You find tees, sweatshirts, tanks, and more built for custom work.
The key difference lies in their Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. They clean the fibers thoroughly, removing short bits and impurities for a lighter, softer feel that lasts through washes.
Cuts lean toward a modern retail fit—tapered with side seams—so shirts drape better and suit various shapes without looking boxy.
You get a wide range of colors, including deep shades and blends, for precise brand matching. They also cut water waste in production and reuse scraps. If your brand needs apparel that stands out in comfort and detail, this option gives noticeable quality gains.
What is Gildan
Gildan is a big name in blank apparel, based in Canada with factories around the world. You get basics like tees, hoodies, polos, and fleece items—all plain and ready for your screen printing or embroidery.
They use 100% cotton or blends that keep things simple and strong. The fabric holds up well to heavy use, so your custom shirts stay looking good even after lots of wears and washes.
The fit is classic—roomy and straight, which works great for layering or if you need something that runs true to size for all body types.
Colors come in plenty of options, from bright solids to neutrals, making it easy to match your brand's vibe. Gildan keeps costs low by producing in bulk, and they work on cutting down waste in their plants. If your brand focuses on volume orders without fancy extras, this brand gives you solid, no-fuss performance.
Bella+Canvas vs Gildan: Complete Comparison
Fabric and Feel
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas uses Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. They clean the cotton multiple times to pull out short fibers and dirt. This process leaves the fabric much softer and lighter.
Your shirts feel smooth from day one. Prints sit on a flat surface, so colors look sharp and details stay clear. The material resists shrinking and keeps its gentle touch after repeated washes.
Gildan
Gildan builds most pieces with open-end spun yarn. The method twists fibers quickly, creating a stronger, denser fabric.
You end up with shirts that stand up to rough handling and heavy laundry cycles. They pill less over time and maintain thickness. The feel is solid and substantial, which many people prefer for daily work or active days.
Fit and Style
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas designs with a modern retail cut. Side seams shape the body, and the shoulders drop just right. The result is a slimmer, tailored look that follows your shape without clinging. Length hits at the hip for most sizes.
This style suits streetwear brands or anyone wanting shirts that photograph well and feel current on customers.
Gildan
Gildan keeps the traditional straight cut. Tubular construction means no side seams, so the body runs wider and the sleeves sit fuller. You gain room to move comfortably all day.
The classic shape works for uniforms, team gear, or oversized trends. It hides imperfections better and fits a wide range of body types without adjustments.
Color Options
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas offers an expanded palette with true solids, tri-blends, and subtle heathers. Their dyeing method locks in deep, even tones that fade slowly.
You can find unique shades like peach or olive that help your brand stand out. Color matching between batches stays tight, which matters when you reorder for the same design.
Gildan
Gildan sticks to proven core colors that print shops know well. Bright whites, true blacks, and standard primaries stay consistent across huge runs.
You rarely face shade differences in large orders. The selection covers most needs without extras you might never use, keeping inventory simple and costs down.
Price and Volume
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas runs smaller production batches with finer cotton and detailed finishing. The higher material and labor costs raise the price per shirt.
You invest more for noticeable quality upgrades that customers feel right away. Smaller minimums suit new brands testing designs or running limited drops.
Gildan
Gildan produces millions of pieces across global factories. Massive scale drops the cost significantly. You can buy in bulk at low unit prices that fit tight budgets for events, fundraisers, or high-volume resale.
The savings grow larger as your order size increases, making restocks predictable and affordable.
Suitability as Blank Apparel
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas works well as a blank base for printing because of its smooth surface and soft fabric. The combed cotton creates a flat printing area that helps ink bond evenly. Colors show up vibrant without bleeding.
Minimal shrinkage means your printed design stays in place after washing. Screen printers and DTG users often choose it for cleaner results and a higher-end final product.
Gildan
Gildan serves as a dependable blank for high-volume printing jobs. The dense fabric provides a sturdy base that handles thick ink layers and multiple passes. It absorbs ink well and keeps costs down for large runs.
Print shops rely on its consistent sizing and weight across orders. The durable build makes it ideal for bold designs that need to survive heavy use and frequent cleaning.
Thick vs Thin T-Shirts: What Should You Choose?
For me, thin t-shirts usually feel a bit cheap. They're soft, but they don't hold their shape and can look wavy after a few washes. I personally prefer thicker shirts—they feel sturdier and last longer. For example, I have a Gildan t-shirt I've had for years, and it still hasn't shrunk or torn.
That said, thin t-shirts like the Bella Canvas 3001 aren't bad at all. They're very comfortable and breathable, so I like wearing them at home or for sleeping. On warm summer days around 80–85°F (27–29°C), they feel cooler than thick shirts.
Thick shirts are better if you want your t-shirt to hold its shape and show prints clearly when going out.
Climate and activity matter too. If you're working out or in a warm gym, thin shirts keep you from overheating. In cooler weather or air-conditioned spaces, thicker shirts feel more structured and comfortable.
It depends on what you value most—comfort or durability. I usually keep both types for different situations.
6 Best Bella Canvas and Gildan Blank T-Shirts
Best Bella Canvas Blank T-Shirts
Bella Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee
The 3001 tee is a favorite for a reason. It's made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, so it feels incredibly soft and smooth against your skin. The fit is modern but not tight, making it easy to wear for anyone.
Side seams give it a tailored look, while the shoulder taping keeps it strong and long-lasting. You'll also love that it's pre-shrunk, so the shirt holds its shape even after many washes.
- Fabric: Soft, high-quality cotton that works perfectly for printing
- Sizes: XS to 5XL, so it fits almost everyone
Bella Canvas 3413 Unisex Triblend S/S Tee
The 3413 tee feels like a lightweight dream. It's made from a soft triblend of polyester, cotton, and rayon, so it drapes nicely and moves with you. Unlike heavier shirts, it has a casual, almost airy feel, but it still looks polished thanks to the side seams and modern fit.
You'll notice it keeps its shape well, even after multiple washes, and the fabric surface is super smooth for printing.
- Fabric: Lightweight triblend that's soft, smooth, and comfortable
- Sizes: XS to 4XL, covering a wide range of body types
It's great for layering or for creating merch that looks high-end but stays soft and breathable.
Bella Canvas 6400 Women's Relaxed Jersey S/S Tee
The 6400 tee is all about comfort without sacrificing style. It has a looser, relaxed fit that gives you room to move, so it feels effortless whether you're running errands or lounging at home.
Made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, the fabric is soft, smooth, and perfect for bold DTG prints that pop.
- Fabric: Soft 100% Airlume cotton for all-day comfort
- Sizes: XS to XL, fitting a variety of body types
This shirt is ideal if you want a casual, stylish tee that works for layering, everyday wear, or making standout designs that customers will love.
Best Gildan Blank T-Shirts
Gildan 5000 Adult T-Shirt
The Gildan 5000 is a classic choice if you want a reliable, everyday tee. It feels comfortable and strong, and the ribbed collar keeps its shape after many washes. You'll notice the seams are neat and the shirt drapes nicely on most body types.
- Material: 100% U.S. cotton for a soft yet sturdy feel
- Sizes: S to 5XL, covering a wide range of fits
This shirt works well for printing your designs, and it's easy to style for casual wear or branded merch.
Gildan 2000 Adult T-Shirt
If you like your shirts a little heavier, the Gildan 2000 is worth checking out. It has a solid 6 oz cotton fabric that feels strong but not stiff.
The cut is classic, so it won't cling too much or shrink oddly after a few washes. You'll notice the shoulders and seams are reinforced, which helps it last longer than lighter tees.
- Fit: Classic fit keeps it simple and wearable for almost anyone
- Sizes: Runs S to 5XL, so it covers most body types
This shirt works well when you need something sturdy for printing or if your customers prefer a thicker, more durable tee. It's practical but still feels nice to wear.
Gildan 64000 Adult T-Shirt
The Gildan 64000 is lighter and softer than most, perfect if you want a tee that drapes nicely without feeling bulky. It's made from 100% ring-spun cotton, which gives it a smooth, almost silky feel on your skin.
The shoulders and neck are taped, so it keeps its shape even after multiple washes. You'll notice the modern classic fit looks good on almost anyone, making it easy to style for casual or branded wear.
- Weight: 4.5 oz, giving a lightweight and comfortable feel
- Sizes: XS to 5XL, so small and tall customers are covered
Read More:
Bella Canvas vs Gildan: Which Fits Your Brand Best?
When it comes to bella canvas vs gildan, there is no single winner. It depends on what your brand needs.
Choose Bella Canvas if you want soft, light shirts with a modern fit and premium feel. Your customers will notice the comfort and sharp prints.
Pick Gildan if you need tough, thick shirts that last through heavy use and come at a lower price. They work great for big orders and everyday wear.
Both brands deliver quality in their own way. Think about your style, budget, and audience. The right blank will help your designs shine and keep customers happy. You got this.
FAQs
Is Bella Canvas better than Gildan?
It depends on what you're looking for. Bella Canvas tends to be softer and lighter, while Gildan is thicker and more durable. Both have their strengths depending on comfort and usage.
Is the material of Bella Canvas good?
Yes, Bella Canvas uses high-quality cotton that feels soft and smooth. The fabric drapes well, maintains color, and doesn't easily shrink, making it a reliable choice for everyday wear or printing.
Why is Bella Canvas so popular?
Bella Canvas is popular because it combines comfort, modern fit, and quality. Many people like how it feels soft but still looks neat, and it works well for casual wear or customized prints.
What is the difference between Gildan and Bella Canvas?
Gildan shirts are usually thicker, heavier, and more durable, while Bella Canvas is softer, lighter, and more fitted. The choice depends on whether you prefer sturdiness or a more modern, comfortable feel.
Does Bella Canvas run small or big?
Bella Canvas generally fits true to size, but some styles are more fitted, especially around the chest and shoulders. Checking size charts before buying is a good idea to ensure the right fit.
Global Shipping
Made in USA
Free shipping
