Overview
The Gildan 64000 Softstyle t-shirt is widely available from multiple print-on-demand suppliers. All three of the suppliers I’ve been using in this research project – Printful, Printify, and Gooten – carry it in varying combinations of color and size options.
I purchased my samples for this shirt model from Printful in early 2021. The starting price has gone up about $2.00 from them in that time, but it is still one of the more affordable options in this space. You’ll need to look around among the various suppliers at the time you order if you’re aiming for the lowest price.
Overall, the Gildan 64000 Softstyle is a solid option for POD. It’s available in a nice range of colors – although it varies a lot among different suppliers – and offers good quality for the cost. I’m also impressed with how well it takes to printing with clear colors and design details.
This post is part of a research project into the best print-on-demand t-shirt options. I’ve summarized my findings in a separate post and am also providing more detailed reviews of the individual options.
I’ve sewed and enjoyed a variety of needlework for almost my entire life, having a solid background in textiles and garment construction. I’ve relied on this lifetime of experience as I evaluated each sample.
Methodology
In order to better compare all of the styles, I used the following approach:
- Unisex size XL
- Two colors: 1 black, 1 white (or closest equivalent)
- Same design file. I did have to resize for one or two shirts depending on the vendor, but I was starting with an Illustrator file and so could keep the same resolution.
- Measured 3 points on each shirt upon receipt:
- Center back from base of collar to hem
- Chest width just below the arm hole
- Sleeve length from shoulder seam to hem along the top center
- Washed each shirt twice using the label instructions and then remeasured along the same points.
I examined the construction and fabric quality of each sample. The print quality was part of my evaluation, but I considered it a secondary factor for this particular project.
Certain parts of my conclusions – such as about the fabric quality – are a bit subjective. But I’ve tried to balance that out by describing the specific elements that went into my judgment.
Fabric and Construction
Fabric Content
The colors I purchased (black and white) are 100% ring-spun cotton. A few of the colors – primarily the “heather” versions – include up to 65% polyester. Check the specifications for specific colors if fiber content is important for your product line.
The fabric is a lightweight jersey knit (4.5oz) with a soft hand. Considering this is one of the lower-priced options, I’m impressed with the quality feel.
Colors
According to the manufacturer’s website, they offer this shirt in 61 colors. The most I found at any supplier, however, is 18 from a company based in Canada. As of this writing (March 2022), the most colors I’ve found so far from a USA-based vendor is 17 at Printify.
The color range includes a nice selection of classic colors in solid and heather variations. So this style offers multiple options if you’re looking for something beyond the basic black and white.
Construction
These shirts have tubular construction, meaning they don’t have side seams on the body. Unlike with some other shirt samples, I don’t see any problems with the design being crooked.
Both samples are well made with neatly finished seams, double-needle hems, and taped shoulder and collar seams. The stitching and tape around the neckline are puckered more than average, however, particularly on the white shirt. This issue seems related to shrinkage from washing, which I discuss more below.
Styling
This t-shirt option has fairly standard unisex styling. All measurements were right around average within the test group.
Measurements – Before and After Washing
When I first received the shirts – before washing them – they were very similar in measurements between the two colors. After the two wash & dry cycles, however, they are much different, particularly in length.
Shrinkage was significantly greater with the white shirt. The black one actually shrank less (on a percentage basis) than average within the tested options. The white one, however, shrank the most out of the group. This difference could point to varied suppliers by the manufacturer.
Interestingly, you can see this varied shrinkage rate when you compare the designs side-by-side. The print on the white shirt has been pulled noticeably higher (even when you take into account the fact I slightly misaligned the tops of the collars).
All measurements in inches.
Before Washing
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 29.25″ | 23″ | 9.5″ |
| White | 30″ | 23.25″ | 9.625″ |
After 2nd Wash
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 28.125″ | 23.25″ | 8.75″ |
| White | 26.875″ | 22.875″ | 8.75″ |
Shrinkage After 2 Washes
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 3.8% | -1.1% | 7.9% |
| White | 10.4% | 1.6% | 9.1% |
When averaging the two shirts (a small sample, I admit), this style is slightly shorter but wider in the body than average within the test group.
Print Quality
The print quality on both shirts is one of the best in the test group. The colors really pop on the white one far more than on most other samples.
I haven’t noticed any meaningful deterioration in the print job on either shirt after two washings. And even though an underlayment has been used on the black shirt before printing the actual design, the fabric has remained pretty soft. Overall, I’m very pleased with how the design turned out on both shirts.
Pricing and Suppliers
The manufacturer labels this as an Adult t-shirt, and they use a male model on their site. The three POD vendors I looked at market the style a couple different ways:
- Printful: Under both Men’s and Women’s
- Printify: Under both Men’s and Women’s
- Gooten: Under Unisex (the only one of the three with this specific category)
The unisex sizing ranges from XS to 5XL (limited colors for XS, 4XL, and 5XL) according to the manufacturer. Availability from POD suppliers seems to only be S-4XL, however. The most common range I’ve seen is S-3XL.
Color availability caps at 18 from one of the Printify providers. Most seem to offer around 10-12. Interestingly, Printful – one of the biggest players in the space – has only 5 available.
Without any volume or other discounts, the base prices from USA-based suppliers start at $7.34 per shirt for a small – depending on the POD supplier – when checked on March 13, 2022. Larger sizes (2XL and higher) can cost more.
This pricing is below average for the shirts I’ve looked at so far.
Conclusion
The Gildan 64000 Softstyle offers excellent value. The quality for the price is great, and it takes well to printing. There do seem to be some quality control issues on the manufacturer side based on the different rates of shrinkage from washing, but most people will probably not notice.
While there’s a solid color range available, you will probably have to check multiple suppliers if you’re looking for a particular shade. The size range is similar: theoretically broad but with highly variable availability from the different POD suppliers.
But overall, I think this style is a strong contender for the value-oriented product line.
