Gildan 64000 vs Gildan 2000 is one of the most interesting comparisons in the Gildan lineup — two ringspun cotton tees at different ends of the weight and fit spectrum. Both use ringspun cotton — putting them both a step above the standard Gildan 5000 in terms of softness and print surface quality. But they serve very different purposes and understanding the difference will help you choose the right blank for your decorated apparel program.
The Gildan 64000 Softstyle is Gildan’s lightest, softest, most fashion-forward tee — 4.5 oz ringspun cotton with a semi-fitted modern silhouette. The Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton is Gildan’s heaviest, most durable tee — 6 oz ringspun cotton with a classic boxy fit built for uniforms, workwear, and programs where substance matters.
Both are available through Fabrik Apparel at wholesale pricing with domestic Canadian shipping. Both decorate well with DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery. But choosing the wrong one will leave your customers either feeling overdressed or underwhelmed.
What is the Gildan 64000?
The Gildan 64000 — also known as the Gildan Softstyle T-Shirt — is Gildan’s premium fashion tee. Launched in 2018 as a more modern silhouette option, the 64000 uses 100% ringspun cotton at just 4.5 oz — the lightest tee in Gildan’s cotton lineup.
The ringspun construction makes all the difference. Regular cotton fibres are processed into standard yarns — producing the slightly fuzzy, less aligned surface of the Gildan 5000. Ringspun cotton takes those same fibres and twists them around a ring mechanism — aligning the fibres in the same direction and producing longer, smoother, softer strands. The result is a tee that feels noticeably softer and more refined than standard cotton blanks despite its light weight.
Gildan 64000 key specs:
- Product name: Softstyle T-Shirt
- Fabric: 100% ringspun cotton
- Weight: 4.5 oz — lightest in Gildan’s cotton lineup
- Fit: Semi-fitted — more tailored than classic Gildan styles
- Collar: Tear-away label
- Colours: 60+ colours
- Sizing: S to 3XL
- Available through Fabrik Apparel
What is the Gildan 2000?
The Gildan 2000 — also known as the Gildan Ultra Cotton T-Shirt — is Gildan’s heaviest and most durable tee. At 6 oz ringspun cotton it is the most substantial pure cotton option in Gildan’s lineup — built for programs where durability, weight, and a classic structured feel are the priority.
Despite both using ringspun cotton the 2000 and 64000 feel very different in the hand. The 2000’s extra weight produces a denser, more structured tee that holds its shape through years of repeated washing — the kind of tee that feels like it will last forever. The 64000’s lighter construction produces softness and drapability — the kind of tee that feels great against the skin from the first wear.
Gildan 2000 key specs:
- Product name: Ultra Cotton T-Shirt
- Fabric: 100% ringspun cotton — 18 singles
- Weight: 6 oz — heaviest in Gildan’s cotton lineup
- Fit: Classic — boxy, generous cut
- Collar: Tear-away label
- Colours: 60+ colours
- Sizing: S to 5XL
- Available through Fabrik Apparel
Gildan 64000 vs Gildan 2000 — Side by Side
| Gildan 64000 Softstyle | Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% ringspun cotton | 100% ringspun cotton |
| Weight | 4.5 oz — lightweight | 6 oz — heavyweight |
| Feel | Soft, light, drapey | Dense, substantial, structured |
| Fit | Semi-fitted — modern | Classic — boxy, generous |
| Sizing | S to 3XL | S to 5XL |
| Colours | 60+ | 60+ |
| DTF printing | Very good | Excellent |
| Screen printing | Good — lighter fabric | Excellent — smooth heavy surface |
| Embroidery | Good — use proper backing | Excellent — dense fabric |
| Best for | Fashion brands, retail merch, lifestyle | Uniforms, workwear, durability programs |
| Price point | Mid-range | Mid-range |
The Ringspun Difference — Why Both Beat the 5000
Both the 64000 and 2000 use ringspun cotton — which immediately puts them both above the Gildan 5000’s carded open-end (COE) cotton in terms of softness and print surface quality.
Ringspun cotton fibres are twisted together in the same direction — producing a smoother, softer yarn with fewer loose fibres than COE cotton. The practical results are:
- Smoother print surface — ink and DTF transfers bond more cleanly to ringspun cotton
- Softer hand feel — noticeably softer against the skin than COE alternatives
- Better durability — tighter fibre construction is more resistant to pilling and breakdown
- Cleaner decoration edges — particularly important for fine-detail screen printing and DTF
For any decorated apparel program where print quality, softness, or durability matters — both the 64000 and 2000 are superior to the 5000. The question is which ringspun option is right for your specific application.
Weight — 4.5 oz vs 6 oz — The Defining Difference
The 33% weight difference between the 64000 and 2000 is the most important distinction — and it affects everything about how each tee performs.
Gildan 64000 at 4.5 oz:
A 4.5 oz tee is lightweight — noticeably lighter than most wholesale blanks. It drapes beautifully, breathes well in warm weather, and feels contemporary and fashion-forward. This is the tee for programs where the end user wants to feel comfortable and stylish — retail merchandise, lifestyle brands, and any program where the tee will be worn as a fashion item rather than a uniform.
The lighter weight does have tradeoffs — it is less suited to heavy print applications (thick plastisol deposits can overwhelm the lighter fabric) and may not hold its shape as consistently through years of heavy use as heavier alternatives.
Gildan 2000 at 6 oz:
A 6 oz tee is substantial — you feel the weight when you put it on. It holds its shape through years of washing and heavy use, holds up to demanding print applications, and conveys a sense of quality and durability that lighter tees simply can’t match.
For programs where the tee needs to hold up through regular daily wear — trades uniforms, volunteer identification, staff apparel — the 2000’s extra weight is not just acceptable, it’s actively desirable.
Fit — Semi-Fitted vs Classic
The fit difference between the 64000 and 2000 is significant and often the deciding factor for many programs.
Gildan 64000 — semi-fitted:
The 64000 has a more contemporary, slightly tailored silhouette — narrower through the body and sleeves than classic Gildan styles. It is not as aggressively fitted as the Next Level 3600 or Bella+Canvas 3001 — but it is noticeably less boxy than the 2000. For programs targeting younger demographics, fashion-conscious buyers, or retail merchandise — the semi-fitted silhouette is a significant advantage.
Gildan 2000 — classic:
The 2000 has a classic boxy fit — generous through the body with a traditional silhouette. For programs that need to fit a wide range of body types consistently — trades crews, volunteer teams, large corporate programs — the classic fit’s generous cut is more inclusive and practical than a semi-fitted alternative.
Note the sizing difference: the 2000 goes up to 5XL while the 64000 tops out at 3XL. For programs that need extended sizing — the 2000 is the clear choice.
Decoration Compatibility
Both tees use ringspun cotton — which means both produce better decoration results than the Gildan 5000’s COE cotton. But the weight difference creates meaningful distinctions in how each performs under decoration.
DTF printing:
DTF printing works well on both tees. The 2000’s heavier weight and denser fabric surface produces slightly better adhesion and wash durability for DTF transfers. The 64000’s lighter weight produces clean DTF results but requires attention to pressing parameters — lighter fabric responds differently to heat and pressure than heavier alternatives.
Screen printing:
Screen printing is where the 2000 has a clear advantage for demanding applications. The heavier fabric absorbs ink coverage more consistently and handles thick plastisol deposits without distortion. The 64000 produces excellent screen printing results for lighter ink deposits and simple designs — but is not recommended for heavy all-over print applications where ink weight can overwhelm the lighter fabric.
Embroidery:
Embroidery on the 2000 produces excellent results — the dense 6 oz fabric provides stability for stitching without puckering. The 64000 embroiders well for standard left-chest logos and simple designs but requires appropriate backing to prevent distortion on the lighter fabric weight — particularly for dense or large embroidery designs.
The Price Comparison — Is the 64000 Worth More Than the 2000?
At current Fabrik Apparel wholesale pricing the 64000 and 2000 sit at comparable price points — making this a decision based purely on application rather than budget.
When to choose the 64000: The 64000 costs no more than the 2000 and delivers a noticeably softer, more fashion-forward garment. For programs where fit and feel are the priority — the 64000 delivers more perceived value per dollar for style-conscious end users.
When to choose the 2000: The 2000 delivers more weight, more durability, and a wider size range at the same price point. For programs where substance and longevity matter — the 2000 delivers more practical value per dollar.
Neither is definitively “better value” — the right choice depends entirely on your application.
Which Tee is Right for Your Order?
Choose the Gildan 64000 Softstyle if:
- Fashion brands, lifestyle programs, and retail merchandise
- Younger demographics who prefer a modern fitted silhouette
- Warm weather programs where lightweight breathability matters
- Programs where softness is the primary selling point
- Boutique decoration programs with lighter ink coverage
- Corporate casual programs targeting a fashion-conscious audience
- Sizing up to 3XL is sufficient for your program
Choose the Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton if:
- Staff uniforms, volunteer identification, and workwear programs
- Programs where the tee will be worn daily through heavy use
- Extended sizing is required — up to 5XL
- Heavy screen printing applications with thick ink deposits
- Embroidery programs where fabric stability matters
- Cold weather programs where a heavier tee is appropriate
- Programs where durability over years of washing is the priority
Frequently Asked Questions — Gildan 64000 vs Gildan 2000 Canada
What is the difference between the Gildan 64000 and Gildan 2000? Both use ringspun cotton — but the 64000 is lighter at 4.5 oz with a semi-fitted modern silhouette. The 2000 is heavier at 6 oz with a classic boxy fit. The 64000 prioritizes softness and fashion fit. The 2000 prioritizes durability and substance.
Which Gildan tee is softer — the 64000 or 2000? The 64000 Softstyle feels softer due to its lighter weight and semi-fitted construction. Both use ringspun cotton — but the 64000’s lighter 4.5 oz construction produces a noticeably softer, more drapey hand feel than the denser 2000.
Which is better for screen printing — the 64000 or 2000? The 2000 is better for demanding screen printing applications — the heavier fabric handles thick ink deposits without distortion. The 64000 produces good screen printing results for lighter designs but is not recommended for heavy all-over print applications.
Does the Gildan 64000 come in extended sizes? The 64000 goes up to 3XL. The 2000 goes up to 5XL. For programs requiring extended sizing — the 2000 is the better choice.
Where can I buy the Gildan 64000 and 2000 in Canada? Both are available through Fabrik Apparel at wholesale pricing with domestic Canadian shipping — no cross-border duties and fast turnaround from Canadian warehouses.
Can Kode Garment decorate both the Gildan 64000 and 2000? Yes. Kode Garment sources both direct and decorates them in our Newmarket, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec facility using DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery. Contact us for a quote.
How long does production take? Standard production at Kode Garment is 7 to 10 business days from proof approval. We source blanks through Fabrik and decorate in-house — one point of contact from blank to finished garment.
Ready to Order Decorated Gildan Tees in Canada?
At Kode Garment we source both the Gildan 64000 and Gildan 2000 direct and decorate them in our Newmarket, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec locations. Tell us your application and we’ll recommend the right tee for your program.
📍 Based in Newmarket, Ontario · Shipping Canada-wide 📞 905-235-9444 · Toll free 1-877-788-5633 ✉️ info@kodegarment.com
Browse Gildan at Fabrik Apparel →
The Gildan 64000 Softstyle and Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton are two of the most popular ringspun cotton tees in Canada — both available through Fabrik Apparel at wholesale pricing. Kode Garment decorates both the Gildan 64000 and Gildan 2000 in Newmarket, Ontario using DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery for businesses, teams, and organizations across Canada. The Gildan 64000 Softstyle delivers lightweight softness and a modern semi-fitted silhouette. The Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton delivers heavyweight durability and a classic fit built to last.
Leave a Reply