Deciding on what t-shirts to get? Bella+Canvas and Gildan are two of our top-selling brands. They both make high-quality apparel that’s great for customizing. But they are not the same.
We put some of their top shirts in direct, side-to-side comparisons. This article breaks down the differences, giving you the expert advice you need to make an informed decision based on your purposes.
We compared their most popular T-shirts against each other in 5 categories:
- 100% Cotton: Bella+Canvas 3001C vs. Gildan Softstyle G640
- Cotton/Poly 50/50 Blend: Bella+Canvas 3650 vs. Gildan G800
- Women’s Tees: Bella+Canvas 6413 vs. Gildan G640L
- V-Neck: Bella+Canvas 3005 vs. Gildan Softstyle G64V
- CVC Blend: Bella+Canvas 3001CVC vs. Gildan Softstyle G670
Bella+Canvas vs. Gildan: Overall product comparison
Gildan is all about simple, budget-friendly tees and is competitive with its Softstyle line, but if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish and comfortable, Bella+Canvas is the way to go. They have a better fit, a super-soft feel, and a smoother printing surface.
When deciding between the two, think about how you’re planning to use the shirts. If it’s just for a one-time thing, go for Gildan. But if you want something for retail, workwear, or casual everyday wear, Bella+Canvas has you covered. Keep in mind that Bella+Canvas costs more than Gildan.
Bella+Canvas vs. Gildan: The brands
Gildan and Bella+Canvas are two big names in the t-shirt game. Gildan makes affordable and straightforward tees, while Bella+Canvas is all about quality and is a favorite among retailers, employers, and folks who want a bit more style. Let's dive into each brand a bit more.
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas is a leader in high-quality, fashion-forward wholesale apparel, and its exclusive use of Airlume cotton (cleaner, with fewer stray fibers) marks a commitment to quality and innovation. The brand is known for striving to perfect shirt materials, and its insistence on side-seamed garments makes for a superior fit. Every year, it releases fresh products and distinctive fabrics.
The company started in 1992 with two guys printing T-shirts in their garage, who soon recognized the market needed more women’s garments. Bella was established first, and after adding men’s styles, the company became Bella+Canvas in 2002. Since then, it has become one of the most successful and pioneering companies in wholesale apparel.
Bella+Canvas is especially popular among fashion-conscious consumers and those looking for the softest t-shirt material. They are a favorite of our customers and staff, and we always recommend them.
Gildan
Gildan is a leading wholesale apparel company specializing in t-shirts, sport shirts, and other basics. The company was founded in 1984, is headquartered in Canada, and is one of the largest t-shirt manufacturers in the world.
Known for producing high-quality, lower-cost t-shirts and other standard apparel, its products are often used for promotional purposes, uniforms, and team sports. The company's products are sold in various channels with a solid customer base, including mass merchants, retailers, and e-commerce.
Gildan is a popular choice for bulk orders and those for whom budget is a bigger factor than quality and fit. That being said, the company makes some soft, high-quality, fashion-forward styles that compete with Bella+Canvas. Let's look at those particular styles and see how they measure up.
Bella+Canvas vs. Gildan: T-shirt comparisons
We looked at five of the top competing products from each company for our side-by-side comparisons to tell you exactly how they match up in terms of quality of construction, sizing and fit, softness of the material, colors available, and affordability. Here are the results.
1. Bella+Canvas 3001C vs. Gildan G640
Classic 100% cotton is our first category. It’s a favorite fabric for a reason: soft, breathable, and great for nearly any kind of printing. The 100% cotton tee is always a safe choice.
Shared features: These shirts are lightweight and feature combed ring-spun cotton for exceptional softness and a smooth surface. Both are pre-shrunk and have shoulder-to-shoulder taping and tear-away tags.
Which is better?
✅ G640: The Gildan Softstyle T-Shirt is also soft, with a great fit, all while coming in at a significantly lower price point. We’re giving this one to Gildan for its affordability and competitive quality.
3001C: The Bella+Canvas Soft Cotton T-Shirt has a great fit thanks to its retail cut, is slightly lighter (4.2 oz vs. 4.5 oz), and its Airlume cotton surface is super soft. It’s one of the best cotton t-shirts on the market, but the price is higher than Gildan’s.
Gildan Adult Softstyle Short Sleeve T-Shirt
- +73 colors
A 4.5 oz ringspun cotton jersey with high stitch density for a smoother print surface and a double-needle 3/4-inch collar, at a price that works for big runs. Print with no minimum.
458 reviews
2. Bella+Canvas 3650 vs. Gildan G800
Our next comparison category is the cotton/poly blends. This fabric combination adds greater breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it a great shirt for warm outdoor activities.
Shared features: These are very different shirts, but both are made with roughly half cotton and half polyester.
Which is better?
✅ 3650: The Bella+Canvas Poly-Cotton T-Shirt is much lighter (3.6 oz vs. 5.5 oz), has a retail fit, and uses combed and ringspun cotton for softness. However, the price point is higher. Recommended for retail, company shirts, and those who prefer quality.
G800: The Gildan DryBlend T-Shirt is heavier, has a coarser surface, and isn’t as comfortable a fit. However, its DryBlend fabric wicks moisture, and the much lower price point makes it a popular choice for promotional use, one-time events, or team sports.
Bella + Canvas Poly-Cotton T-Shirt
- +38 colors
Look for the specialty finishes, including marble, acid wash, slub, and speckled colors, each with its own weight and blend, for a retail look. Print with no minimum.
20 reviews
3. Bella+Canvas 6413 vs. Gildan G640L
Our third category is women’s tees. Bella+Canvas goes with a tri-blend here (50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon), which is soft, lightweight, and drapes nicely, while Gildan’s women’s Softstyle tee sticks with cotton.
Shared features: Both are lightweight, women’s-cut tees made for everyday wear and easy printing.
Which is better?
✅ 6413: The Bella+Canvas Women’s Relaxed Tri-Blend T-Shirt is lighter (3.8 oz vs. 4.5 oz), has side seams for a flattering silhouette, and its tri-blend fabric gives it extra softness and drape. The higher price point is worth it.
G640L: The Gildan Women’s Softstyle T-Shirt is a 4.5 oz, 100% preshrunk cotton tee (heather colors are a 65/35 poly-cotton blend). It’s a solid pick at a lower price point, but it doesn’t have the tri-blend’s drape or softness.
Bella + Canvas Women's Relaxed Tri-Blend T-Shirt
- +16 colors
Each shirt goes through a specialized washing process, so every tee is slightly unique, with a relaxed fit and side seams for a flattering drape. Print with no minimum.
12 reviews
4. Bella+Canvas 3005 vs. Gildan G64V
For this category, we cover the 100% cotton V-neck. It combines the soft, natural feel of cotton with the V-neck style, which has become increasingly popular to wear out to bars, clubs, and social functions.
Shared features: These shirts are lightweight and feature combed ring-spun cotton for exceptional softness and a smooth surface. Both are pre-shrunk and have shoulder-to-shoulder taping.
Which is better?
✅ 3005: The Bella+Canvas Jersey V-Neck T-Shirt is slightly lighter (4.2 oz vs. 4.5 oz), has a slim, retail fit, and its combed ringspun cotton is super soft. Although it has a higher price point, this is the shirt for those with discerning taste.
G64V: The Gildan Softstyle V-Neck T-Shirt is also soft, with a decent fit and a smooth print surface thanks to its high stitch density. It has a lower price point, but the overall quality and fit don’t quite measure up to Bella+Canvas.
Bella + Canvas Jersey V-Neck T-Shirt
- +22 colors
A coverstitched V-neck and hemmed sleeves give it a clean finish, and the heather and neon colors switch to a poly-cotton blend. Print with no minimum.
64 reviews
5. Bella+Canvas 3001CVC vs. Gildan G670
Our final category is CVC, which stands for "chief value cotton”. It's a popular alternative to tri-blend; it just lacks the rayon. But they are still super soft and breathable with a comfortable fit.
Shared features: Both shirts are lightweight and made with at least 50% cotton. They are also both pre-shrunk, with shoulder-to-shoulder taping and tear-away tags.
Which is better?
✅ 3001CVC: The Bella+Canvas Unisex Heather CVC T-Shirt has side seams for a more flattering fit, weighs just 4.2 oz, and its Airlume cotton blend makes it softer.
G670: The Gildan Softstyle CVC T-Shirt is soft and comes in at a lower price point. Although the fit and comfort aren’t quite as good, it’s a reasonable budget alternative.
Bella + Canvas Unisex Heather CVC T-Shirt
- +79 colors
Prism colors are 99% cotton, and Athletic and Black Heather are 90/10, so you can mix textures across one order. Print with no minimum.
82 reviews
Summary of t-shirt comparisons
A direct comparison of Bella+Canvas and Gildan t-shirts is difficult because each brand is the best choice for a different application. It comes down to what you’re using the t-shirts for.
Bella+Canvas tees are higher quality, with softer, smoother material, a more flattering fit, and a better selection of modern colors, but at a higher price point. Gildan tees, although competitive, have lesser overall quality, softness, and fit, with a coarser print surface and a more basic color selection. Their price point, though, is significantly lower across the line.
Check out our other comparisons of Bella+Canvas vs. Next Level, Hanes vs. Gildan, or our look at the top Gildan shirts. Once you've made your choice, jump into our easy-to-use Design Studio and get started.
About the Author
A graduate of the Multimedia program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Imri Merritt is an industry veteran with over 20 years of graphic design and color separations experience in the screen printing industry.