We print on six different shirt blanks across our stores, and picking the right one comes down to two things: how heavy the fabric is (its GSM) and what kind of finish you're after. Here's a breakdown of each one, plus some direct comparisons if you're deciding between two.
Gildan 5000 — 180 GSM
A classic, sturdy tee. It's the "standard" shirt most people already picture in their head — not as soft as a ringspun blank, but durable and structured. The open-end cotton gives it a slightly rougher texture, but it prints cleanly and holds its shape wash after wash. Best for: everyday wear, screen printing, and bulk orders.
Gildan 5000B — 180 GSM (Youth)
Same fabric and the same feel as the adult 5000, just sized for kids. Still that classic midweight, durable cotton. Best for: youth tees that need to hold up to actual kid activity.
Gildan 64000B — 150 GSM (Youth)
A lighter, softer ringspun cotton. It feels smoother and more flexible than the 5000 series — more "fashion tee" than "heavy-duty tee." Best for: softer-feel youth shirts and summer wear.
Comfort Colors C1717 — 207 GSM
Thick, soft, garment-dyed cotton with a heavier, more premium feel than a standard tee. It has that washed, vintage, relaxed look, but with enough structure that it doesn't feel sloppy. Best for: premium retail, streetwear, oversized fits, and that garment-dyed aesthetic.
Heavyweight Washed Tee — 250 GSM
This is the heaviest blank we carry. Dense, thick, and structured — it's almost sweatshirt-like in the hand. The washed finish keeps it from feeling stiff despite the weight. Best for: high-end streetwear, oversized fits, and that "premium heavy" look.
O-neck Short Sleeve Tee — 180 GSM
A standard midweight cotton tee, similar in weight to the Gildan 5000. Exactly how it feels depends a bit on the cotton batch, but it's generally a basic, everyday tee weight. Best for: general wear, basic merch, and budget-friendly printing.
Lightest to heaviest
| Blank | GSM | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Gildan 64000B | 150 GSM | Light, soft, flexible |
| Gildan 5000 / 5000B / O-neck | 180 GSM | Classic midweight, sturdy, everyday |
| Comfort Colors C1717 | 207 GSM | Thick, soft, premium garment-dyed |
| Heavyweight Washed Tee | 250 GSM | Very thick, structured, luxury streetwear |
How they feel in real life
At 150 GSM, a shirt feels like a lightweight summer tee — soft, breathable, and easy to drape. At 180 GSM, you're in standard-shirt territory — the kind of tee you'd get at an event or pick up in a store, with more structure and durability. At 207 GSM, the fabric feels noticeably thicker and softer, with that "premium vintage" vibe Comfort Colors is known for. And at 250 GSM, a shirt feels like a true streetwear heavyweight — dense and substantial, almost like a thin sweatshirt.
Head-to-head comparisons
Gildan 5000 vs. Gildan 64000B — the 5000 is heavier, rougher, and more durable; the 64000B is lighter, softer, and more fashion-forward. Go 64000B for softness, or 5000 for durability.
Gildan 5000 vs. Comfort Colors C1717 — the 5000 is a basic midweight with no special finish; the C1717 is thicker, softer, garment-dyed, and more premium. Go Comfort Colors for a premium feel, or Gildan 5000 if you're printing on a budget.
Comfort Colors C1717 vs. Heavyweight Washed Tee — the C1717 is thick but soft and relaxed; the 250 GSM tee is very thick, structured, and built for a luxury streetwear look. Go Comfort Colors for softness, or the Heavyweight Washed Tee for a heavier streetwear aesthetic.
O-neck vs. Gildan 5000 — both sit around 180 GSM, so the feel is close. The O-neck's quality depends more on the specific cotton batch, while the Gildan 5000 is more consistent shirt to shirt. Go Gildan 5000 for consistency, or the O-neck if price is the priority.
Quick recommendation
If you're just trying to pick one: the Gildan 64000B is our softest lightweight option, the Gildan 5000 is the best all-around basic, the Comfort Colors C1717 is the best premium feel, and the Heavyweight Washed Tee is the heaviest streetwear option we carry.