Gildan’s Ultra Cotton and Heavy Cotton tees look pretty much the same on a hanger, but their textures and durability levels are worlds apart. The real difference between Gildan Ultra Cotton vs Gildan Heavy Cotton lies in how much cotton is packed into each square yard and the fabric composition.
Ultra Cotton has ringspun cotton at 6.0 ounces per square yard, giving it a softer feel and making the fabric stronger, especially for printing. Heavy Cotton comes in at 5.3 ounces, which makes it more affordable but comparatively lower in quality.
Let’s take a closer look at the clear differences between Gildan Ultra Cotton vs Gildan Heavy Cotton before making a final choice.
Gildan Ultra Cotton vs Gildan Heavy Cotton: Key Difference
The things that really set Gildan Ultra and Gildan Heavy tees apart are fabric texture, durability, cotton quality, and how well they handle printing. To make it easy for wholesalers, retailers, and bulk buyers, we’ve laid out a clear breakdown so you can spot the differences and make the right choice without second-guessing.
Fabric Texture and Cotton Quality
Gildan Heavy Cotton is made from standard open-end preshrunk cotton. The texture feels slightly coarse, delivering that classic cotton feels with durability. While, Gildan Ultra Cotton has ringspun preshrunk cotton. The ringspun process spins the fibers tighter, creating a softer, smoother, and stronger fabric. This makes Ultra Cotton more comfortable to wear and more appealing to customers who want a soft and comfortable tees.
Fabric Weight:
Weight is one of the biggest difference in Gildan shirts. The Gildan Heavy Cotton weighs 5.3 oz per square yard (180 GSM). This weight makes it both durable and comfortable. It stays light enough for daily wear but strong enough to handle regular washing.
The Gildan Ultra Cotton is heavier at 6.0 oz per square yard (203 GSM). The extra weight gives it a more solid, premium feel.
Durability
While both styles feature double-needle stitching at stress points, their durability differs based on fabric composition. Heavy Cotton, with 5.3 ounces per square yard, maintains its original fit after 20-30 washes with minimal shrinkage (approximately 2-3%). Ultra Cotton’s tighter fiber construction reduces shrinkage to less than 2%, with better collar and hem retention after 50+ wash cycles.
Printing
If you’re ordering blank tees for custom printing, fabric texture becomes especially important. The smoother the surface, the sharper your designs will appear. Heavy Cotton handles basic screen printing well, but the slightly rougher texture may blur fine details. However, Ultra Cotton’s smooth ringspun surface makes designs sharper and keeps prints looking new longer.
Quick Comparison: Gildan Ultra Cotton vs Heavy Cotton
Both tees have distinct advantages in durability, texture, and more, but sometimes it takes forever to figure out what is the best gildan t shirt that fits your needs. If that’s you, skip the deep dive and check this quick, clear breakdown of Heavy Cotton vs Ultra Cotton, so you can pick the one that makes the most sense for your orders.
| Feature | Gildan Heavy Cotton | Gildan Ultra Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Open-end cotton | Ringspun cotton |
| Preshrunk | Yes | Yes |
| Texture | Slightly coarse, classic tee feel | Softer, smoother, premium feel |
| Weight (oz/yd²) | 5.3 oz (180 GSM) | 6.0 oz (203 GSM) |
| Durability | Strong and stable; holds shape well | More durable overall due to stronger ringspun fibers |
| Print Quality | Good for basic prints; texture may reduce fine detail sharpness | Excellent print clarity; smooth surface keeps prints crisp |
| Comfort Level | Everyday comfort | Higher comfort, softer against skin |
| Best Use | Budget-friendly bulk orders, promotions, everyday wear | Premium retail, uniforms, high-quality merchandise |
| Price Range | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Shrinkage Control | Good | Better shape retention over time |
While our technical analysis shows Ultra Cotton’s superior composition, customer experiences vary based on use case. On platforms like Reddit, one user mentioned that Ultra Cotton seemed to fade faster over time, while another said it looked great right out of the wash but expected some color drop after a few wears.
Several users noted that Heavy Cotton kept its color and consistency better, without the “washed-out” look that some saw in Ultra. Overall, the UGC feedback leans slightly toward Heavy Cotton for durability and quality.
Popular Gildan Ultra Cotton Tees
All around America, Gildan’s tees are known for their quality, durability, and affordability. Ultra Cotton is one of the tees in this lineup. The Gildan Ultra Cotton tees are made with 6 oz fabric. Their structure is tight and strong, so they do not lose their shape even after many washes. Plus, the tough fabric makes these tees suitable for printing. If you are looking for tees that last, Gildan Ultra Cotton is a good option for you.
Gildan G200 (Ultra Cotton 6.0 oz)
G200 is one of the most popular Gildan Ultra Cotton tees. It is made from a sturdy 6.0 oz fabric that makes it thicker and tougher than ordinary lighter tshirts. The smooth fabric not only wears well but also makes it ideal for screen printing and embroidery.
Features:
- 100% preshrunk Ultra Cotton (6.0 oz / 203 GSM)
- Classic fit with a slightly heavier feel
- Ribbed collar with single stitching
- Smooth surface for embroidery, DTG, and vinyl
- Wide color range and extended size availability
Gildan G200L (Ladies’ Ultra Cotton 6.0 oz)
Gildan G200L is a popular women’s tee. It has a narrow neck and a fitted-but-flowy shape. The 6.0 oz ringspun cotton makes it soft and breathable. It also works great for custom printing, helping your designs stand out.
Features:
- 100% preshrunk Ultra Cotton (6.0 oz / 203 GSM)
- Narrow ribbed neckline
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Smooth surface for screen printing or embroidery
- Multiple colors and sizes
Popular Gildan Heavy Cotton Tees
In the hot climate of Florida and Texas, most of the tees trap moisture. In this weather condition you need the Gildan Heavy Cotton tees that are cool and breathable. Plus, the lighter fabric also makes them more affordable than Gildan Ultra Cotton, without losing durability.
Gildan G500 (Heavy Cotton 5.3 oz)
Gildan G500 is one of the best-selling tees in Gildan’s Heavy Cotton lineup. It is slightly lighter than Ultra Cotton, around 5.3 oz, which makes it more breathable in warmer weather. The lighter fabric doesn’t mean it’s less durable, it still holds up well and feels sturdy.
Its cost-effectiveness and reliability make it a popular choice for promotional events and giveaways.
Features:
- 100% preshrunk Heavy Cotton (5.3 oz / 180 GSM)
- Classic fit with slightly coarser texture
- Tearaway label for comfort
- Durable fabric for repeated washes
- Good for screen printing and customization
- Multiple colors and sizes
Gildan G570 (Heavy Cotton 5.3 oz, Sporty Fit)
All Gildan Heavy Cotton tees are made from around 5 oz fabric. This makes them lighter and more breathable than Ultra Cotton. Among those lightweight heavy cotton tees, the G570 stands out for its versatility. It works well as a casual warm-weather tee and is also suitable for athletic wear. The fabric is durable, so prints stay clear even after frequent washing. This makes the G570 a popular choice for teams uniforms, and branded apparel.
Features:
- 100% preshrunk Heavy Cotton (5.3 oz / 180 GSM)
- Sporty, slightly tapered fit
- Durable and breathable fabric
- Tearaway label for comfort
- Smooth surface for screen printing
- Available in various colors and sizes
Which is Better Option Gildan Ultra Cotton vs Heavy Cotton?
There is no “better” between Gildan Ultra vs. Heavy Cotton. Heavy Cotton is affordable and perfect for bulk orders, while Ultra Cotton is ideal for those who value a softer, smoother texture.
If you want softness and comfort, then Ultra Cotton is good. Its ringspun yarn is tightly twisted, which gives a smoother, softer fabric.
Also, Gildan Ultra Cotton tees have tighter fabric that makes them good for printing.
For giveaways, promotions, or budget-friendly orders, Heavy Cotton is a solid choice. Its durability keeps your logo visible longer and ensures the shirts maintain their quality even after repeated use.
Heavy Cotton tees from Gildan are also lighter, breathable, and generally cheaper.
In short:
Pick Ultra Cotton when you want comfort, longevity, and high-quality printing.
Choose Heavy Cotton when you want affordability, lighter weight, or everyday casual tees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
