Gildan Sizing Guide: Regular and Plus Sizes Explained
Gildan is the most widely used blank apparel brand in the decorating industry — which also means getting sizing right matters more, since customers compare against a brand they already know.
How Gildan Measures a Shirt
Gildan size charts are lay-flat measurements — garment width is measured side seam to side seam at the chest, and garment length from the shoulder to the hem. A "20-inch width" means roughly 40 inches around the body when worn.
Regular Sizing (S–3XL)
Most Gildan styles run true to size through the chest with a classic, slightly boxy fit — roomier in body length than fashion-fit brands. Softstyle styles like the G640 run a bit more fitted if your customers want a closer cut.
Plus Sizing (2XL–5XL)
Plus sizes aren't just a linear scale-up of the regular chart — chest width, sleeve length, and body length are graded proportionally to keep the fit looking intentional rather than oversized. Always check the specific style's plus-size chart rather than assuming it follows the same increments as the regular run.
Shrinkage: Plan for It
Gildan cotton isn't always fully preshrunk depending on the style, so expect a small amount of shrinkage after the first wash — especially on heavier cotton styles. If your customers care about exact fit post-wash, mention this in your product description.
A Quick Rule of Thumb
- Want a classic, roomy fit? G500 Heavy Cotton.
- Want a closer, softer fit? G640 SoftStyle.
- Need extended sizing? Confirm the specific plus-size chart for your chosen style before placing a bulk order — and order one sample piece first.
Order Your Full Size Range in One Place
Halo26 stocks Gildan tees across the full size range, including plus sizes, sold by the dozen with no minimums — so you can offer a complete size run without guessing on fit.
Shop Gildan Tees → · Shop Plus Size →
Shop the blanks in this guide: Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton Tee · Gildan G200 Ultra Cotton Tee · Gildan G640 SoftStyle Tee
Related reading: Gildan Plus Size T-Shirt Buying Guide · Why Plus Size Blanks Are a Business Opportunity