When it comes to high-quality blank t-shirts, the Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt and the Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey T-Shirt are two of the most popular options. Whether you’re looking for shirts for custom printing, everyday wear, or bulk wholesale orders, choosing the right one can make a big difference.

Both t-shirts have unique strengths, but which one suits your needs best? In this detailed Gildan 5000 vs. Bella Canvas 3001 comparison, we’ll cover everything from fabric, fit, and durability to pricing, color variety, and printing quality to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re interested in the Gildan 5000 review, exploring the Bella Canvas 3001 color chart, or comparing Bella+Canvas 3001 vs. Gildan 5000 for your next bulk order, this guide will break it all down for you.

Gildan vs. Bella+Canvas: An Overview

Gildan and Bella+Canvas are two leading brands in the blank apparel industry, each catering to different preferences and needs. Gildan is known for its affordability, durability, and suitability for bulk orders, making it a top choice for screen printing, promotions, and everyday wear. In contrast, Bella+Canvas offers premium-quality fabrics, a modern retail fit, and superior printability, making it ideal for high-end fashion, detailed designs, and retail brands.

The Gildan 5000 is a cost-effective, classic-fit t-shirt that works well for large-scale printing and budget-conscious buyers. Meanwhile, the Bella+Canvas 3001 provides a softer feel, stylish fit, and excellent DTG print results, making it the preferred option for those seeking a more polished look. Whether you prioritize affordability or premium quality, both brands deliver reliable and versatile options for customization.

Gildan 5000 vs. Bella+Canvas 3001: Which T-Shirt is Right for You?

Feature	Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton	Bella+Canvas 3001 Jersey Tee
Material	100% Heavy Cotton (5.3 oz)	100% Airlume Combed & Ring-Spun Cotton (4.2 oz)
Fit	Classic, boxy fit	Modern retail fit (slimmer)
Softness	Standard cotton feel	Ultra-soft, premium feel
Neckline	Tighter ribbed collar	Relaxed collar
Printing Quality	Good for screen printing & DTF	Excellent for DTG, sublimation & screen printing
Shrinkage	May shrink slightly after wash	Pre-shrunk, minimal shrinkage
Seams	Standard tubular construction	Side seams for a better fit
Colors Available	70+ colors	50+ colors
Price	Budget-friendly	Higher price for premium quality
Best For	Bulk orders, workwear, basic tees	Retail brands, fashion-forward apparel

Material & Fabric Quality

The first noticeable difference between these t-shirts is the fabric quality and feel.

Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt

• Made from 100% heavy cotton (5.3 oz) for a thicker, more durable feel.
• Features a standard cotton texture with a slightly rougher finish.
• Holds up well after multiple washes but may shrink slightly.
• Best suited for screen printing, heat transfers, and DTF printing.
• Available in a wide range of Gildan 5000 colors, including Gildan 5000 black.

Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey T-Shirt

• Made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (4.2 oz) for a super-soft, smooth feel.
• More breathable and lightweight, ideal for everyday wear.
• Minimal shrinkage due to pre-shrunk fabric.
• Best suited for DTG (direct-to-garment), sublimation, and screen printing.
• Available in a variety of Bella+Canvas 3001 colors, including Bella+Canvas 3001 black, Bella+Canvas 3001 white, and Bella+Canvas 3001 soft cream.

Which One Should You Choose?

If softness and premium quality are your priorities, go with Bella+Canvas 3001.
If you prefer a thicker, more durable cotton at a budget-friendly price, Gildan 5000 is the better option.

Fit & Sizing

The way a t-shirt fits can determine its overall style and comfort. You can check our brand size chart for a perfect fit.

Gildan 5000 Fit & Sizing

• Classic, boxy fit that is more relaxed and traditional.
• Tubular construction (no side seams) for a looser feel.
• Runs true to size but may shrink slightly after washing.
• Available in S to 5XL, making it more inclusive for all body types.
• Check the Gildan size chart.

Bella+Canvas 3001 Fit & Sizing

• Retail fit is slightly tapered at the waist and sleeves for a modern, stylish look.
• Side-seamed construction provides better shape and structure.
• Runs slightly slimmer than the Gildan 5000, so size up if you prefer a looser fit.
• Available in XS to 3XL, focusing more on fashion-forward sizing.
• Check the Bella + Canvas size chart.

Which one is better?

If you prefer a roomy, relaxed fit, go with Gildan 5000.
If you want a trendy, fitted style, choose Bella+Canvas 3001.

Color Options

Both brands offer a great variety of colors, but their palettes differ slightly.

Gildan 5000 Colors

With over 70+ colors, some popular options include:

• Basic colors: Black, White, Navy, Sports Gray
• Bright options: Red, Royal, Yellow, Lime
• Earthy tones: Military Green, Sand, Heather Colors

Bella+Canvas 3001 Colors

With around 50+ colors, some standout shades include:

• Fashion-forward shades: Bella+Canvas 3001 soft cream, Mauve, Heather Dust
• Vintage & pastel colors: Heather Prism Blue, Heather Sunset
• Standard basics: Bella+Canvas 3001 black, Bella+Canvas 3001 white

Which One Should You Choose?

If you need a wider variety of colors, go with Gildan 5000.
If you prefer trendy, modern shades, choose Bella+Canvas 3001.

Printing Quality

Printing quality is a crucial factor in customizing t-shirts, as it directly impacts the final look and durability of the design. 

Gildan 5000 for Printing

The Gildan 5000 is a reliable choice for screen printing, DTF, and heat transfers, making it a popular option for bulk orders. However, its slightly rougher fabric can affect the quality of DTG prints, leading to less sharp details. Despite this, the Gildan 5000 excels in producing bold, solid designs, making it a great choice for simpler graphics and cost-effective printing.

Bella+Canvas 3001 for Printing

The Bella+Canvas 3001 is an excellent choice for DTG printing, sublimation, and screen printing. Its smoother fabric provides a superior surface for ink application, resulting in sharper, high-quality prints. This makes it ideal for detailed and full-color designs, allowing for vibrant and intricate artwork to stand out. Whether for custom branding or artistic prints, the Bella+Canvas 3001 ensures a premium finish with exceptional clarity and color accuracy.

Which One is Better for Printing?

Bella+Canvas 3001 is superior for DTG and high-detail printing.
Gildan 5000 is better for screen printing and budget-friendly bulk orders.

Price & Affordability

Price is a major factor when choosing between these two shirts.

Gildan 5000 Review: Affordable & Durable

Price is a major factor when choosing between the Gildan 5000 and Bella+Canvas 3001 t-shirts. The Gildan 5000 stands out as the more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on costs without sacrificing durability. Its affordability makes it ideal for bulk orders, such as event merchandise, promotional giveaways, and large-scale printing projects. For budget-conscious buyers, the Gildan 5000 provides a cost-effective solution while still delivering reliable performance for various printing methods.

Bella+Canvas 3001 Review: Premium Quality

The Bella+Canvas 3001 comes at a slightly higher price point, but its premium quality justifies the cost. It features a higher-quality fabric that feels softer and smoother, making it ideal for those seeking a more comfortable and stylish option. Additionally, it offers a better retail fit, giving it a modern and tailored look compared to standard t-shirts. With its premium feel and superior printability, the Bella+Canvas 3001 is a great choice for brands, fashion-forward designs, and anyone looking for an upgraded t-shirt experience.

Which One Should You Buy?

For a budget-friendly, bulk option, choose Gildan 5000.
If you want a premium, fashion-forward tee, choose Bella+Canvas 3001.

The Best Place to Buy T-Shirts

The Apparel Factory is your go-to source for bulk, wholesale, and custom t-shirts. We offer blank t-shirts, soft-style, and heavy cotton options, along with customization services like embroidery,  laser etching, screen printing services, appliqué service, and heat transfer. Enjoy exclusive bulk discounts and top-quality products at competitive prices with fast, reliable service.

Conclusion: 

Both the Gildan 5000 and Bella+Canvas 3001 are great blank t-shirts, but the best choice depends on your needs. The Gildan 5000 is budget-friendly, durable, and ideal for bulk orders, work uniforms, and everyday wear. Meanwhile, the Bella+Canvas 3001 offers premium softness, a modern fit, and excellent printability, making it perfect for retail brands and high-quality customization. If affordability is key, go with Gildan 5000; for style and comfort, Bella+Canvas 3001 is worth the investment. Both provide quality, reliability, and great customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is softer, Gildan 5000 or Bella+Canvas 3001?

Bella+Canvas 3001 is much softer due to its ringspun cotton, while Gildan 5000 has a more structured, thicker feel.

Is Bella+Canvas 3001 good for screen printing?

Yes! Bella+Canvas 3001 works well with soft ink screen printing and DTG, but be aware that the lightweight fabric may not hold plastisol inks as well as heavier cotton.

Does Gildan 5000 shrink after washing?

Since it’s preshrunk cotton, shrinkage is minimal, but it can still shrink slightly if washed in hot water or dried on high heat.