T-Shirt Sizing Guide — Bella+Canvas, Gildan, and More
T-Shirt Sizing Guide — Bella+Canvas, Gildan, and What to Expect
Getting the size right on a custom t-shirt matters more than most people think. A shirt that fits well gets worn; a shirt that doesn't fit gets stuffed in a drawer. This guide covers the two blanks we use most at PVD Tees — Bella+Canvas 3001 and Gildan 5000 — with actual measurements, fit notes, and guidance on how to choose.
If you've ever ordered a t-shirt online and been surprised by how it fit, this page is for you.
The Two Blanks We Use Most
We print on a variety of blanks, but two account for the majority of our orders:
- Bella+Canvas 3001 — A fitted, modern-cut unisex tee. Runs true to size with a tapered silhouette. Soft, lightweight (4.2 oz), and the most popular blank in DTG custom printing for a reason.
- Gildan 5000 — A classic, roomy unisex tee. Runs slightly large. Heavier (5.3 oz), structured, and the standard for everyday wear. Familiar to anyone who's worn a staff shirt or a band tee.
When in doubt about which to choose: Bella+Canvas if you want a modern, fitted look; Gildan if you want the traditional boxy t-shirt feel.
Bella+Canvas 3001 — Size Chart
All measurements in inches. Measure the shirt laid flat, not stretched.
| Size | Chest (across) | Length (front) | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 16.5" | 26" | 7.5" |
| S | 18" | 27" | 8" |
| M | 20" | 28" | 8.5" |
| L | 22" | 29" | 9" |
| XL | 24" | 30" | 9.5" |
| 2XL | 26" | 31" | 10" |
| 3XL | 28" | 32" | 10.5" |
Fit notes: The 3001 runs true to size with a slightly tapered body. It's designed to fit close without being tight. If you're between sizes, size up — the fit is slim enough that going up a size reads as "relaxed fit" rather than baggy. If you're buying for a gift and don't know the recipient's exact measurements, sizing up is the safer call.
Gildan 5000 — Size Chart
All measurements in inches. Measure the shirt laid flat, not stretched.
| Size | Chest (across) | Length (front) | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18" | 28" | 8.25" |
| M | 20" | 29" | 8.5" |
| L | 22" | 30" | 9" |
| XL | 24" | 31" | 9.5" |
| 2XL | 26" | 32" | 10" |
| 3XL | 28" | 33" | 10.5" |
Fit notes: The Gildan 5000 runs slightly large — many people size down one from their usual. The body is boxy with a straight cut from shoulder to hem. If you normally wear a medium in a fitted tee, you may prefer a small in the Gildan. If you like the roomy, classic t-shirt look, go with your regular size.
How to Measure Yourself
The two measurements that matter most for t-shirt fit are chest and length.
Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Divide by two to get the flat chest measurement to compare against the size charts above.
Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder (at the base of your neck, near the collar seam) straight down to where you want the shirt to end. Most people prefer a shirt that falls about 3–4 inches below the waistband.
Alternatively: Grab a t-shirt you already own and love. Lay it flat. Measure the chest across and the length from shoulder seam to hem. Match those numbers to the size chart above — that's your size.
Sizing for Groups and Events
Ordering for a bachelorette party, a family reunion, or a group event? A few notes that will save you headaches:
- Ask for measurements, not guesses. "I think she's a medium" leads to returns. Ask people to check their current shirts against a size chart before you finalize quantities.
- Order one extra in the most common size. If most of your group is a medium, order one extra medium. Someone will realize they ordered the wrong size, someone will spill something, or you'll end up keeping one for yourself. The no-minimum policy means adding one shirt to your order costs exactly what that shirt costs — nothing more.
- When in doubt, go up. A shirt that's slightly too big gets worn. A shirt that's too small doesn't.
- Unisex vs. fitted. The Bella+Canvas 3001 is technically unisex but runs fitted — many women prefer it because the tapered cut is more flattering. The Gildan runs true-unisex, which tends to mean boxy. For mixed-gender groups, the Bella+Canvas 3001 often works better across body types.
Sizing for Kids
We primarily print on adult blanks, but if you're looking for youth sizing, reach out — we can accommodate youth sizes on select blanks on a per-order basis.
Print Area and Design Placement
Sizing affects how your design looks on the shirt, not just how the shirt fits. A few things worth knowing:
- Standard front chest print area: approximately 12" x 14". This is the most common placement for custom designs.
- Full front print area: up to 14" x 17" depending on the blank size. Available on larger shirt sizes; smaller shirt sizes have a proportionally smaller print area.
- Design scale by size: When you order multiple sizes, your design prints at the same file dimensions — it doesn't automatically scale up or down with the shirt size. A design that looks right on a medium may appear slightly smaller on an XL or slightly larger on an XS. For most designs this doesn't matter. For very detailed or very large designs, it's worth previewing on the intended size.
Washing and Care
DTG prints last best when you treat them right:
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron directly on the print
Both the Bella+Canvas 3001 and Gildan 5000 are pre-shrunk, so you shouldn't see significant shrinkage after the first wash. Some minor shrinkage is normal with any 100% cotton garment.
Still Not Sure What Size to Order?
Reply to your order confirmation or reach out before you place your order — we're real people, and we're happy to help you figure out what size is right.
Ready to order? Start your custom design here — or browse our ready-made Rhode Island designs in the RI Collection.