The Gildan G500 isn’t trying to be the softest shirt in the drawer — it’s trying to be the most reliable shirt on the planet at the lowest possible price, and it has been succeeding at that for decades. At 5.3 oz of 100% cotton with a seamless tubular body, it’s the blank that powers charity walks, family reunions, school spirit weeks, and every free shirt you’ve ever gotten at a corporate event and actually kept because it held up. The flat, thick surface takes plastisol ink like nothing else — heavy ink deposits lay clean, flash curing is a non-issue, and the lack of side seams means it loads onto a printing platen straight every time. Over 70 colorways means you can match nearly any brand, school, or team color without compromise. If you need 500 shirts by Friday and the budget is real, this is the answer.
Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Gildan G500 shrink after washing?
Care
Yes — it’s standard 100% cotton, so high heat in the dryer will cause shrinkage. Wash cold and tumble dry low to preserve fit. If you tend to dry on high heat, sizing up is a smart call. Antique, Sport Grey, Ash, Heather, and Safety colorways contain a poly blend, which resists shrinking better than the solid cotton colors.
How does the Gildan G500 fit compared to the G640 Softstyle?
Product
The G500 has a classic tubular fit — straight cut, no side seams, and a boxy silhouette that runs true to a traditional t-shirt. The G640 Softstyle is slimmer, softer, and more modern. If you’re outfitting a large group on a budget, the G500 is the call. If softness and fit matter as much as price, step up to the G640.
What custom decoration options are available for the G500?
Decoration
Screen printing is the G500’s home turf. The thick, flat 100% cotton surface handles heavy plastisol ink deposits cleanly, takes high flash dryer temps without issue, and loads onto a printing platen straight every time. Embroidery is also available for left-chest placement on select orders.
Can I order the G500 in bulk for an event or giveaway?
Bulk Orders
It’s built for exactly that. The G500’s price point makes high-volume event orders, charity runs, school programs, and promotional giveaways completely practical. Safari Sun has no order minimums, and tiered pricing drops significantly at 12, 24, 48, and beyond. The more you order, the better the per-unit cost gets.
Best custom shirt printing service for large bulk orders?
Custom Shirts
For high-volume orders, you need a decorator with the capacity and consistency to match. Safari Sun runs four automatic presses capable of printing 1,500+ shirts per hour, handles all production in-house with zero outsourcing, and provides a digital proof before any order goes to press. The G500’s flat surface and no-minimum ordering make it the easiest bulk job we run.
How long does production and shipping take?
Turnaround
Production is business days or less from proof approval. Shipping is flat-rate $12.98, free on orders over $99. Rush orders are available upon request — contact us as early as possible and we’ll work around your deadline.
