Looking for a reliable, budget-friendly t-shirt? You can’t go wrong with Gildan—a staple brand in the custom apparel world. But when choosing between their top-selling tees—Ultra Cotton (G200), DryBlend 50/50 (G800), and Heavy Cotton (G500)—it’s easy to get confused.
They might look similar on the surface, but there are key differences that can make one a better fit for your needs.
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each, compare them side by side, and help you pick the best shirt for your next project.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Gildan G200 (Ultra Cotton) | Gildan G800 (DryBlend 50/50) | Gildan G500 (Heavy Cotton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% preshrunk cotton | 50% cotton / 50% polyester | 100% cotton (blends in some colors) |
| Weight | 6 oz (heavyweight) | 5.5 oz (midweight) | 5.3 oz (lightweight) |
| Feel | Soft, smooth (ringspun) | Soft with a poly feel | Less smooth (carded cotton) |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal to moderate |
| Moisture-Wicking | No | Yes | No |
| Print Surface | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Best Use | Everyday wear, retail-quality tees | Sports, outdoor work, uniforms | Large group orders, giveaways |
| Price (est.) | $6.69 | $6.82 | $6.06 |
In-Depth Look at Each Tee
⭐ Gildan G200 – Ultra Cotton® T-Shirt
- Material: 100% preshrunk USA ringspun cotton
(Heathers/Safety: 50/50 cotton/poly) - Weight: 6 oz (heavier weight)
- Fit: Classic fit with durable construction
- Colors: 62+ in unisex / 24 in women’s (G200L)
- Sizes: S–5XL unisex / XS–3XL women’s / available in tall, kids, toddler
- Estimated Price: $6.69 (100 white tees, 1-color print)
Why choose it?
The G200 is a go-to for anyone looking for a premium budget tee with a soft feel and a great surface for screen printing. Thanks to its heavier weight and ringspun cotton, it offers a quality that rivals more expensive brands—without the higher price.
✅ Best for: Team shirts, events, retail merch, and anyone wanting a step up from basic.
📄 [G200 product page] | 📏 [G200 sizing chart]
💧 Gildan G800 – DryBlend® 50/50 T-Shirt
- Material: 50% polyester / 50% USA cotton
(Sports colors: 65/35 poly/cotton) - Weight: 5.5 oz (midweight)
- Fit: Classic with light stretch
- Colors: 41+
- Sizes: S–5XL unisex / Youth sizes available (G800B)
- Estimated Price: $6.82 (100 white tees, 1-color print)
Why choose it?
The G800 stands out for its moisture-wicking fabric, making it perfect for activewear, food service, and outdoor jobs. The polyester blend also helps with wrinkle resistance, stain resistance, and longevity.
The feel may not be as soft as 100% cotton, but the performance benefits are a big win for high-activity settings.
✅ Best for: Sports teams, workers, or warm-weather uniforms.
📄 [G800 product page] | 📏 [G800 sizing chart]
💸 Gildan G500 – Heavy Cotton™ T-Shirt
- Material: 100% preshrunk cotton
(Heathers/Antiques: cotton/poly blends) - Weight: 5.3 oz (lightweight)
- Fit: Basic classic fit
- Colors: 70+ unisex / 48+ in women’s (G500L)
- Sizes: S–5XL / Kids and women’s sizes available
- Estimated Price: $6.06 (100 white tees, 1-color print)
Why choose it?
Despite the name, the G500 is actually the lightest of the three. It uses a carded, open-end knit, which results in a slightly rougher print surface compared to ringspun styles.
Still, it’s one of the most affordable t-shirts in our entire catalog—making it ideal for bulk orders, giveaways, or events where price matters more than longevity.
✅ Best for: Giveaways, one-time events, large group orders.
📄 [G500 product page] | 📏 [G500 sizing chart]
Gildan Sizing Charts
Looking for the perfect fit? Check the size charts before you order:
- 👕 [G200 size chart]
- 👕 [G800 size chart]
- 👕 [G500 size chart]
- 👚 [G200L (Women’s) size chart]
- 👚 [G500L (Women’s) size chart]
Which Gildan Tee Should You Choose?
Each Gildan shirt serves a different purpose:
- Want the best print quality and softest feel? Go with G200 Ultra Cotton.
- Need moisture-wicking performance? Choose the G800 DryBlend.
- Looking to keep your costs ultra-low? The G500 Heavy Cotton is your winner.
No matter which one you choose, Gildan shirts are known for consistency, comfort, and color variety—making them a safe bet for nearly any project.
Still Not Sure?
Our customer care team is happy to help you compare options, recommend the right tee for your needs, or assist with bulk orders and designs.