Bella Canvas vs Gildan: Which blank t-shirt do people actually prefer? When choosing a t-shirt, most buyers look at fabric and price first. But for print-on-demand sellers, print quality and sellability often matter more. Both Bella Canvas and Gildan are widely favored by customers and sellers alike. In this guide, Merchize offers a practical perspective on why these shirts make it into product listings and why shoppers are willing to pay for them.
Bella Canvas vs Gildan Overview
To help you decide whether Gildan or Bella Canvas is a better fit, take a closer look at fabric quality, sizing, color range, and durability. Even if you’re still unsure which one to sell, these factors are worth considering.
Fabric type
Bella Canvas fabric
Bella Canvas uses 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (4.2 oz), offering a soft, smooth feel with a slight stretch — ideal for premium apparel that requires higher quality. The Airlume process also removes impurities from the cotton fibers, resulting in a cleaner surface for better print results.
To enhance durability, softness, stretch, and expand the color range, Bella Canvas also uses blended fabrics when needed, such as:
- Heather CVC: 52% cotton / 48% polyester
- Tri-Blend: 50% polyester / 25% cotton / 25% rayon
Gildan fabric
The most noticeable difference between Gildan and Bella Canvas lies in fabric quality and how the shirts feel when worn.
Gildan uses 100% COE (Carded Open-End) cotton, with a weight ranging from 5.3 oz to 8 oz. The fabric is pre-shrunk to minimize distortion after washing.
Since COE cotton has a coarser texture compared to combed cotton, it offers a more structured feel but less softness. The tighter knit construction provides greater stability, making it a practical choice for high-volume printing.
Gildan also offers blended fabric options to increase durability and reduce wrinkles, such as:
- Cotton-polyester blend: 50% cotton / 50% polyester
- Heather Sport Dark Navy: 60% cotton / 40% polyester
According to Reddit user feedback, Gildan is often considered more suitable for budget items and uniforms, as it lacks the premium feel that Bella Canvas offers.
Color palette
Bella Canvas offers over 80 color options, including pastel, neon, and heather tones that align well with a youthful, fashion-forward aesthetic. Notably, the Heather CVC and Tri-Blend fabrics produce unique shades that stand out in the retail space, thanks to their distinct texture and color variation.
Gildan provides a broader palette of more than 140 colors, ranging from core basics to trendy picks. This variety makes it a strong choice for promotional campaigns or large-scale printing needs. While Bella Canvas focuses on on-trend colorways, Gildan stands out for its range and depth in color selection.
Sizing and fit
Bella Canvas features a retail fit with a unisex cut that contours the body for a modern, tailored look. The side seam construction helps the shirt retain its shape after repeated washes, giving it a clean and polished appearance. Available in sizes from XS to 4XL, it is a popular choice for style-conscious customers and premium retail brands looking to make a distinctive impression.
Gildan leans toward a classic fit with a looser, more relaxed silhouette. Its tubular knit design lacks side seams, offering flexibility in form. This makes it ideal for uniforms, group shirts, or event wear. With sizes ranging from S to 5XL, Gildan is more accessible to a wider range of body types, especially those who prefer a roomier fit.
Target customer segments
Depending on the intended use, the customer segments for Bella Canvas and Gildan shirts follow two distinct paths.
Bella Canvas appeals to younger audiences and POD sellers on platforms like Shopify and Etsy, thanks to its soft fabric and fashionable design. This line fits well within the premium retail segment, where customers value comfort and quality. In contrast, Gildan targets promotional campaigns and corporate uniforms due to its affordable pricing and durability.
In short, Bella Canvas attracts customers seeking refinement in their apparel, while Gildan remains a go-to option for bulk orders where cost-efficiency is the priority.
Durability
In terms of durability and fabric quality, Bella Canvas uses Airlume cotton, known for its softness, shape retention after multiple washes, and overall comfort. One thing to keep in mind is that the thinner fabric may attract pet hair or lint more easily.
On the other hand, Gildan shirts are made from heavier materials, ranging from 5.3 to 8 oz, making them a better fit for outdoor use or labor-intensive environments. Thanks to their weight and sturdy construction, Gildan fabrics handle wear and tear well, especially under tough conditions. However, the material may become stiffer over time if not properly maintained.
Style and design appeal
Bella Canvas features a modern design with side seams, a refined neckline, and a variety of styles like V-neck and tank top. It aligns well with streetwear fashion and the retail market. In contrast, Gildan sticks to a more traditional and straightforward design that focuses on practicality, making it ideal for basic printing or uniforms.
With a polished and trendy look, Bella Canvas is often favored for retail purposes or private label brands. Gildan, on the other hand, serves broader needs with affordable pricing and versatility across many use cases.
Eco-Friendliness
Bella Canvas stands out for its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, using recycled materials and operating eco-conscious facilities in the U.S (Bella+canvas eco friendly). This brand appeals to consumers who care about environmental impact and value a transparent supply chain.
Gildan, in contrast, places minimal emphasis on sustainability in its production process, focusing instead on cost-efficient manufacturing. (Gildan Sustainable)
Customization & print compatibility
Bella Canvas features a smooth fabric surface made from Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, delivering crisp and vibrant DTG prints. It is a popular choice for POD stores on platforms like Shopify and Etsy, especially for detailed designs and easy rebranding with tear-away labels.
Gildan, on the other hand, is better suited for screen printing thanks to its thicker and more structured fabric, making it cost-effective for bulk orders. While not ideal for DTG, many Gildan styles also include tear-away labels, allowing for basic brand customization.
Bella+Canvas vs Gildan Comparisons
1. Bella Canvas 3001 vs Gildan 5000
Both the Bella Canvas 3001 and Gildan 5000 are top-selling t-shirts on major global marketplaces. Each seller often has a unique way of reaching their niche audience, usually by focusing on a specific region or customer base. Take a look at the comparison below to better understand the strengths of each shirt and decide which one fits best with your store’s product lineup.
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | Gildan 5000 | |
| Brand Positioning | Premium positioning, geared toward the fashion retail market | Mass-market appeal, focused on affordability and basic use |
| Fit & Construction | Modern retail fit, side seams, neat neckline | Boxy fit, tubular construction, thicker collar |
| Fabric Weight | 4.2 oz, lightweight, soft | 5.3 oz, heavier, more structured |
| Material | Airlume cotton for a smoother, softer feel | Open-end cotton, coarser, optimized for large print runs |
| Color Options | 90+ choices including fashion-forward tones | 40+ basic, widely used colors |
| Size | XS–5XL | S–5XL |
| Primary Use Case | Retail, fashion brands, high-end POD | Uniforms, team shirts, budget-friendly merch |
| Best-Suited Printing | DTG, DTF | DTG, DTF |
| Best-Suited Printing | Higher, typically $15–$30 | Lower, easier to scale at $10–$20 |
2. Bella Canvas 3501 vs Gildan 18500
These two bestsellers highlight two contrasting styles in the custom apparel game — one sleek and stylish, the other tried-and-true for comfort and everyday wear. The Bella Canvas 3501 leans toward a lighter, fashion-forward look, while the Gildan 18500 offers a more classic, practical choice for everyday wear.
| Bella+Canvas 3501 | Gildan 18500 | |
| Product Type | Long sleeve t-shirt | Hoodie |
| Fabric Weight | 4.2 oz, lightweight and breathable | 8 oz, medium weight, good insulation |
| Primary Material | Premium Airlume cotton, cotton or cotton-poly depending on color | 50/50 cotton-poly or 40/60 depending on color |
| Fit & Construction | Unisex, retail fit, side seams | Unisex, relaxed fit, traditional hoodie style |
| Key Design Features | Crew neck, long sleeves, 2-inch cuffs, clean stitching | Drawstring hood, front pouch pocket, ribbed cuffs and hem |
| Best-Suited Printing | Smooth surface for DTG, sharp and crisp prints | Enhanced DTG for vibrant colors and good adhesion on thicker fabric |
| Color Options | 15 colors | 27 colors, from neutral to bold tones |
| Sizing | XL to 2XL | S to 5XL |
| Primary Use Case | Lightweight layering, streetwear, premium retail | Everyday wear, POD hoodies, bulk sales on platforms like Etsy |
3. Bella Canvas 3005 vs Gildan 6400
Although both belong to the unisex cotton t-shirt category, Bella+Canvas 3005 and Gildan 6400 take distinctly different directions. The V-neck offers a subtle touch of elegance for those who prefer a refined look, while the classic crew neck remains a safe, widely accepted choice across various markets.
| Bella+Canvas 3005 | Gildan 6400 | |
| Neckline | V-neck with a refined look | Crew neck with a narrower collar |
| Fabric Weight | 4.2 oz/yd², lightweight | 4.5 oz/yd², medium weight |
| Material | Airlume combed cotton | Ring-spun cotton or cotton-poly blend depending on the color |
| Fit | Retail fit, slightly tailored | Classic unisex fit, easy to wear for all body types |
| Sizing | S – 2XL | XS – 5XL |
| Colors | 16 colors | 24 colors |
| Side Seams | Yes | No |
| Print-on-Demand Use | DTG, DTF | DTG |
| Intended Use | Ideal for fashion brands with minimalist designs | Best for mass-market campaigns with a wide range of print ideas |
4. Bella Canvas 3480 vs Gildan 5200
Bella+Canvas 3480 and Gildan 5200 are both unisex tank tops made from 100% cotton, but they offer distinctly different experiences. Bella+Canvas leans toward a lightweight, modern feel ideal for casual wear, while Gildan emphasizes durability and broad appeal, making it a smart option for budget-friendly printing campaigns.
| Bella+Canvas 3480 | Gildan 5200 | |
| Material | Cotton-Poly or Tri-blend | Durable 100% Cotton |
| Sizing | XS – 2XL | S – 3XL |
| Colors | 14 colors | 2 colors |
| POD Compatibility | DTG, DTF | DTG, DTF |
5. Bella Canvas 6008 vs Gildan 64200L
Women’s tank tops are a go-to choice for summer and physical activities. Bella+Canvas 6008 leans toward comfort, softness, and a refined look, while Gildan 64200L stands out for its lightweight feel, structured fit, and broad appeal in large-scale POD campaigns.
| Bella+Canvas 6008 | Gildan 64200L | |
| Neckline / Hem | Refined merrowed hem with a sleek, stylish finish | Thick ribbed neck and armholes for a secure fit |
| Fabric Weight | 7 oz/yd², heavyweight | 4.5 oz/yd² (150gsm), lightweight |
| Material | 100% Airlume combed cotton (32 singles) or triblend | 100% ring-spun cotton or cotton/polyester blend |
| Fit | Relaxed fit, soft and flexible | Fitted style, body-hugging and flattering |
| Sizing | XS – 2XL | S – XL |
| Colors | 9 colors | 4 colors |
| POD Printing Methods | DTG, DTF | DTG |
| Target Use | Premium women’s fashion, layering, retail streetwear | Basic tank tops for short-run, budget POD campaigns |
FAQs
1. Which is more preferred for t-shirts: Gildan or Bella Canvas?
It really depends on your audience. Many POD sellers on Reddit say they started with Gildan because it’s cheap and reliable — you can get a G500 or G640 for around $3–$5, and it holds up well for bulk orders or giveaways. But once they shifted to targeting fashion-conscious buyers or running their own brand, they moved to Bella Canvas 3001. The feel of the Airlume cotton is noticeably softer, and the retail fit looks better in product photos. One seller even mentioned their return rate dropped after switching to Bella. So if you’re selling to younger customers who care about comfort and aesthetics, Bella is usually the better pick.
2. What’s the best brand for custom t-shirt printing?
For DTG, Bella Canvas 3001 is often preferred thanks to its smooth fabric that delivers sharp, vibrant prints. Many POD sellers on Reddit said their print quality noticeably improved after switching. For bulk or screen printing, Gildan G500 or 64000 is more cost-effective and holds ink well. If you’re prioritizing print detail and soft feel, go with Bella. For affordability and solid results, Gildan is a reliable choice.
3. What’s the best fabric option for Bella Canvas sweatshirts?
Most POD sellers on Reddit recommend Bella Canvas 3945 made with sponge fleece (52% Airlume cotton, 48% poly). It’s warm, soft, and prints beautifully with DTG, especially for brands focused on quality and comfort. One seller noted that after testing both sponge fleece and triblend, their customers consistently preferred the heavier feel and cleaner prints of the 3945. It also holds shape well after washing, making it ideal for premium or streetwear niches. If you’re aiming for a cozy, retail-quality sweatshirt, sponge fleece is the top pick.
