Navigating size charts can be trickier than it seems. Even experienced print shops and custom apparel businesses sometimes struggle because sizing charts aren't as straightforward as they appear. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Gildan's sizing system to help you make confident ordering decisions and get the right fit every time.
Table of contents
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Why the Gildan Size Chart Matters
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Tips for Measuring Your Size Correctly
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Gildan Size Charts
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Adult T-Shirt Sizing
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Youth and Toddler Sizing
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Polo and Fleece Sizing
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Activewear Sizing
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Understanding Gildan Styles
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Understanding Gildan Fits
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Tips for Choosing the Right Size
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Conclusion
Why the Gildan size chart matters
With annual activewear revenue reaching $3.196 billion in 2023, Gildan is one of the largest clothing manufacturers globally. They're not just big-they're a behemoth of the custom apparel industry, producing everything from t-shirts and sweaters to socks and underwear. They also own major brands like American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and more while supplying Under Armour and New Balance products.
Gildan's sizing standards matter because their products are among the most widely used blanks for custom printing and decoration. The G200 Ultra Cotton T-Shirt and G125 DryBlend Hooded Sweatshirt have become industry standards. Understanding Gildan's sizing system gives you a solid foundation for working with most apparel brands (though it's always smart to check individual size charts when switching between manufacturers).
How to measure your shirt size correctly
Most t-shirt size charts show measurements taken with the garment laid flat-not body measurements like chest circumference. This can confuse buyers who try to match their body measurements directly to the chart. For example, a size chart showing a 20-inch width is measured from armpit to armpit with the shirt laid flat. The actual circumference, when worn, would be double that (40 inches).
The simplest way to find your ideal size is to measure a shirt that already fits well. Lay it flat on a table, smoothing out any wrinkles. For width, measure straight across the chest from armpit to armpit. For length, measure from the highest point of the shoulder near the collar straight down to the bottom hem. Compare these measurements to Gildan's size chart to find a matching size.
Gildan size charts
While every Gildan product page includes specific sizing information for that item, these general size charts will help you understand their overall sizing approach. Let's look at the measurements for their most popular categories. Keep in mind that measurements can vary slightly between different styles within each category-always check the product-specific chart for final confirmation.
Adult t-shirt size chart
Gildan's adult t-shirts follow a standard sizing pattern across most styles, with measurements shown in width × length (in inches) when laid flat. Men's sizes range from Small to 3XL in most styles, with select products available up to 5XL. Ladies' styles, marked with an "L" prefix (LS, LM, LL, etc.), typically run 1-2 inches smaller in width and length than corresponding men's sizes.
Here's what makes Gildan's t-shirt sizing reliable: a medium in one style will generally match a medium in another. This consistency helps when ordering different products or restocking familiar styles. However, it's worth noting that size availability becomes more limited in the upper ranges; while many styles offer 3XL, fewer extend to 4XL or 5XL.
Youth and toddler size chart
Gildan's youth sizing covers a wide age range, from toddlers to teens. The smallest sizes start at 2T and progress through 3T, 4T, and 5/6T for toddlers. From there, sizes transition into youth categories: extra small (YXS), small (YS), medium (YM), large (YL), and extra large (YXL).
Like adult sizes, youth measurements remain consistent across different Gildan styles - a YM in one product line will match a YM in another. The size increments are smaller than adult sizing, typically increasing by just an inch or two between sizes to match children's natural growth patterns.
Note that not every style is available in every size, particularly in the toddler range. You'll find the most options in standard youth sizes (YXS through YXL), while specialty items might have more limited size ranges.
Polo and fleece size chart
Gildan's polos and fleece products use a unified sizing system that aligns adult, ladies, and youth sizes (for example, XS/LXS/YXS). While the basic width × length measurements follow similar patterns to t-shirts, these garments are cut differently to accommodate their unique features and materials.
Expect slightly different proportions in these items compared to standard tees. Polos need room for collars and plackets, while fleece products are designed with heavier fabrics and often include features like zippers or pockets. Despite these differences, the size increments remain consistent, typically increasing by 1-2 inches between sizes.
Like other Gildan products, these items maintain size consistency across different styles; a medium polo should match other medium polos in the same category. Some fleece styles extend to 4XL or 5XL, though availability may be limited in these larger sizes.
Activewear size charts
Activewear sizing works differently than standard apparel. While regular t-shirts use flat measurements, performance wear sizing is based on body measurements since these garments need to move with you. The focus shifts from garment dimensions to actual body circumference, which is particularly important for working effectively with moisture-wicking and stretch properties.
Here's how to use these charts: Use a tape measure (or a piece of string) to measure the circumference of your chest, waist, and hips (for bottoms), then find the size range that matches your measurements. This approach helps ensure your performance wear isn't too loose (which can interfere with moisture-wicking) or too restrictive (which limits movement).
Men's activewear tops
Men's activewear bottoms
Women's activewear tops
Women's activewear bottoms
An important note: activewear should fit closer to the body than standard apparel. If you typically wear a large t-shirt, you might want a medium in activewear wear for optimal functionality. When in doubt, consult the measurements rather than relying on your usual size.
Understanding Gildan styles
When shopping for Gildan products, you'll encounter several distinct product lines. Each has specific fabric compositions and weights that make them suitable for different uses. Here's a straightforward breakdown of each line's characteristics:
SoftStyle®
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Made from ring-spun cotton or tri-blends
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Lightweight (4.2-5.3 oz) with a smooth printing surface
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Available in 100% cotton, tri-blend (50/25/25), and CVC (60/40) options
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Popular for retail-quality custom apparel
Hammer™
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Premium ring-spun cotton construction
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Heavier weight (6.0-6.5 oz) with high stitch density
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Enhanced durability and structure
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Ideal for streetwear and premium printing
Heavy Cotton™
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Standard 100% cotton
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Mid-weight (5.3 oz)
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Double-needle construction
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Most popular line for everyday custom tees
Ultra Cotton®
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Heavyweight 100% cotton (6.0-6.3 oz)
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Classic fit and durability
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Wide color selection
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Standard choice for promotional wear
DryBlend®
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50/50 cotton/polyester blend
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Mid-weight (5.5-6.0 oz for tees, 9.0 oz for fleece)
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Moisture-wicking properties
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Great for work uniforms and team wear
Performance®
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100% polyester construction
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Lightweight (5.0 oz)
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Features moisture-wicking and odor control
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Designed for athletic and active wear
Heavy Blend™
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50/50 cotton/polyester fleece
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Heavyweight (8.0 oz)
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Anti-pilling treatment
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Popular for sweatshirts and hoodies
Understanding Gildan fits
Beyond size and style, Gildan offers several distinct fits that affect how their garments drape on the body. Here's a clear breakdown of each fit type:
Adult Modern-Classic Fit
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Dropped shoulder construction
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Curved armholes for better mobility
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Longer sleeves that sit closer to arms
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Wide hems for a clean finish
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Popular for retail-style blanks
Adult Classic Fit
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Traditional dropped shoulder
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Relaxed, roomy sleeves
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Straight armholes for easy movement
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Standard choice for promotional wear
Women's Semi-Fitted
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Shorter sleeve length
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Tailored armholes
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Contoured silhouette
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Designed to flatter feminine curves
Women's Classic Fit
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Traditional round neckline
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Comfortable, relaxed sleeves
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Straight body cut
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More generous fit than semi-fitted
Youth Modern-Classic Fit
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Similar to adult version but scaled down
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Dropped shoulders
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Close-fitting sleeves
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Wide hems for durability
Youth Classic Fit
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Traditional youth construction
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Roomy sleeves
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Straight armholes
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Allows room for growth
Tips for choosing the right size
Selecting the right size involves more than just matching numbers on a chart. Here's what to consider for the best fit:
Understanding fit styles
Modern Classic Fit (also called semi-fitted) provides a slimmer, more tailored silhouette. Classic Fit offers a traditional, relaxed cut with more room throughout. Neither is "better" - it's about your preference and intended use. For retail-style custom apparel, Modern Classic often looks more current. For promotional wear or comfort-focused items, Classic Fit is a reliable choice.
Fabric and shrinkage
100% cotton garments can shrink up to a full size after washing, even in cold water. If you're ordering cotton shirts, consider sizing up unless the product specifically states it's pre-shrunk. Blends and performance fabrics typically hold their size better. DryBlend and Performance lines maintain their dimensions well, while Heavy Cotton might need shrinkage allowance.
Gender-specific sizing
Women's styles run 1-2 inches smaller than corresponding men's/unisex sizes and feature more tailored cuts. If ordering unisex styles for women, going down one size often works better. Youth sizes follow their own progression - don't try to correlate them directly with adult sizes.
Style preferences
Current trends favor oversized fits, but this varies by market and use case. For retail apparel, consider stocking both fitted and relaxed options. For layering pieces like hoodies, many customers prefer a looser fit. Athletic wear typically works best in a closer fit for proper moisture-wicking.
Remember: when in doubt, check the specific product's size chart and consider ordering samples before making bulk purchases. Also, check out our matchup comparing Gildan and Hanes.
Get the perfect fit with Gildan
Understanding Gildan's sizing system helps you make smarter buying decisions for your custom apparel business. Take time to measure carefully, consult product-specific size charts, and consider the available fits and styles. Order samples to test the fit before making large purchases; this small investment can prevent costly sizing mistakes later.
At Ninja Blanks, we stock a comprehensive selection of Gildan products across all their style lines, from Ultra Cotton to Performance Wear. Once you've found your perfect fit, bring your designs to life with DTF transfers from Ninja Transfers. They work beautifully on all Gildan fabrics and deliver exceptional print quality that lasts.
