When I started my print-on-demand business seven years ago, the first decision I had to make was what shirts to use. It might seem like a small detail, but let me tell you – it’s everything.

Your choice of blank shirts can make or break your business. Two of the biggest players in the game are Gildan and Bella Canvas. Here’s how they stack up, based on years of testing and running POD campaigns.

Why Choosing the Right Apparel Matters

The shirts you pick directly affect your profit margins, customer satisfaction, and even your store’s brand image. If you’re selling to budget-conscious buyers, price might be your priority. But if you’re targeting a premium audience, you can’t cut corners on quality.

The question is: Do you go for Gildan’s affordability or Bella Canvas’s premium feel? Let’s break it down.

Gildan: Affordable and Dependable

Price: Gildan is known for being budget-friendly, and for good reason. Their shirts often cost between $2 to $5 wholesale, which is great if you’re just starting out or need to keep upfront costs low.

Strengths:

• Durability: Gildan shirts are built to last, making them a solid choice for workwear, events, or anything that needs longevity.
• Availability: Gildan’s size range and colour options are massive, so you’ll rarely run into stock issues.
• Versatility: They work well for screen printing and heat transfers.

Weaknesses:

• The fabric isn’t the softest. It’s heavier and has a more “basic” feel, especially compared to Bella Canvas.
• Darker colours can be inconsistent for DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing.

Best For:

• Budget-focused stores, charity campaigns, and events where affordability is key.

Bella Canvas: Premium and Trendy

Price: Bella Canvas sits on the higher end, with wholesale costs typically between $5 to $10 per shirt. But trust me, that extra cost can pay off if you’re aiming for quality.

Strengths:

• Soft Fabrics: Bella Canvas shirts feel amazing. They’re made from Airlume combed, ring-spun cotton, which gives them a smooth, premium texture.
• Modern Fit: These shirts have a trendy, slim fit that’s perfect for fashion-conscious customers.
• Eco-Friendly: Bella Canvas’s production process uses solar energy and conserves water, which is a big selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
• DTG Printing: Their smooth fabric makes designs pop, especially with detailed or vibrant prints.

Weaknesses:

• Higher costs can eat into your margins if you’re not pricing your products correctly.
• Slightly fewer colour options compared to Gildan.

Best For:

• Premium niches, boutique brands, and customers who value quality and sustainability.

Print Quality Comparison

Here’s where things get interesting.

Gildan: Great for screen printing and heat transfers. But when it comes to DTG printing, you’ll notice slight inconsistencies, especially on darker shirts.

Bella Canvas: Hands down the winner for DTG. Their smooth fabric ensures that prints come out crisp and vibrant every time.

Pricing and Profit Margins

This is where you have to think strategically. If you’re selling a basic design on Gildan, you can price the shirt at $15-$20 and still make a decent margin. With Bella Canvas, you’re looking at a $25+ price point to justify the cost. The good news? Customers are often willing to pay for quality.

Offerings from Printful and Printify

If you’re using services like Printful or Printify, both Gildan and Bella Canvas are popular options. Here’s how these platforms handle these brands:

Printful:

Gildan Products: Printful offers a variety of Gildan options, including the Gildan 5000 (a heavy cotton classic) and Gildan 64000 (a softstyle shirt). Prices for Gildan shirts on Printful start at around $7 to $9, making them an affordable choice for beginners.

Bella Canvas Products: Printful carries Bella Canvas 3001, one of the most popular premium tees in the POD world. Prices range from $12 to $15. While it’s pricier, you get access to Printful’s high-quality DTG printing for Bella Canvas, which ensures vibrant and durable prints.

Printify:

• Gildan Products: Printify lists Gildan shirts like the 5000 and 64000 through multiple print providers, with prices starting as low as $5.50, depending on the supplier. This flexibility lets you shop around for the best production cost.
• Bella Canvas Products: Printify also offers Bella Canvas 3001, with base prices starting at $8.50 to $11, depending on the supplier. The pricing is slightly more competitive compared to Printful, but quality may vary between providers.

Key Takeaway: If you’re running a Printful store, Bella Canvas is perfect for a premium vibe, while Gildan offers reliable affordability. On Printify, you’ve got more flexibility to find cheaper Gildan or Bella Canvas options through different suppliers.

Sustainability: A Big Win for Bella Canvas

If sustainability matters to your brand, Bella Canvas is the obvious choice. Their eco-friendly practices include solar-powered factories and reduced water waste. Gildan isn’t too far behind, though. They’ve got Oeko-Tex certifications and use water treatment systems in their manufacturing process. Still, Bella Canvas takes the crown here.

Who Should Choose Gildan?

• You’re on a tight budget.
• Your target market prioritizes price over premium quality.
• You’re running large campaigns (e.g., charity events or bulk orders).

Who Should Choose Bella Canvas?

• You’re targeting fashion-conscious buyers or premium niches.
• You want to create a sustainable, high-quality brand.
• You’re focused on DTG printing and want designs to look flawless.

Real-Life Examples

Gildan Case Study: A non-profit ordered 10,000 Gildan shirts for a charity run, spending just $3.50 per shirt. The shirts were durable and affordable, leaving more funds for their cause.

Bella Canvas Case Study: A Shopify store switched from Gildan to Bella Canvas to target eco-conscious millennials. They raised their prices by 40% and saw an increase in customer retention thanks to the premium quality.

FAQs

Which brand is better for DTG printing?
Bella Canvas. Their smooth fabric produces vibrant, detailed prints.

Can I mix Gildan and Bella Canvas in my POD store?
Absolutely. Use Gildan for budget lines and Bella Canvas for premium collections.

Are Bella Canvas shirts worth the higher price?
Yes, if you’re targeting customers who value quality and sustainability.

How do both brands handle shrinkage?
Gildan tends to shrink more after washing. Bella Canvas holds its shape better, thanks to higher-quality fabric.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Gildan vs. Bella Canvas, the choice depends on your business goals. If you’re just starting or targeting budget buyers, Gildan is a no-brainer.

But if you’re building a premium brand or need top-notch print quality, Bella Canvas is worth every penny.

The best advice I can give? Order samples of both. Test them out. See what fits your brand and what your customers love. That’s how I found my winning formula.

Good luck out there, and keep building!