Gildan youth sizes run true and slightly boxy compared to other brands. If you have ordered Gildan before, the youth line follows the same philosophy: generous fit, durable fabric, consistent sizing from batch to batch. Here is every Gildan youth size broken down with exact measurements.
Gildan Youth Size Chart: Every Size
| Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Sleeve Length (in) | Fits Ages | Fits Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 24-26 | 18 | 5.5 | 4-5 | 35-45 |
| YS | 28-30 | 20 | 6 | 6-7 | 45-55 |
| YM | 30-32 | 22 | 6.5 | 8-10 | 55-75 |
| YL | 32-34 | 23 | 7 | 10-12 | 75-95 |
| YXL | 34-36 | 25 | 7.5 | 14-16 | 95-120 |
Gildan is the most widely used blank in the custom apparel industry. Their youth line includes the 5000B (Heavy Cotton Youth), the 64000B (Softstyle Youth), and several other styles. The measurements above apply to the Heavy Cotton, which is the standard for screen printing.
How Gildan Compares to Other Brands
| Brand | Youth XL Chest (in) | Youth XL Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | 34-36 | 25 | Boxy, generous |
| Bella+Canvas | 32-34 | 24.5 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors | 34-36 | 25 | Relaxed, garment-dyed |
| Next Level | 32-34 | 24 | Slim, fashion-forward |
| Hanes | 34-36 | 25 | Traditional, similar to Gildan |
Gildan and Hanes run almost identically in youth sizes. Comfort Colors runs the same chest width but the garment-dyed fabric can shrink slightly after the first wash, so some people size up. Bella+Canvas and Next Level run noticeably slimmer.
Who Should Order Gildan Youth
Gildan youth is the right pick for events, team orders, fundraisers, school spirit wear, and any situation where you need a reliable, affordable blank that prints well. The Heavy Cotton holds screen print ink better than most blanks on the market.
If you are ordering for retail or brand merchandise and want a softer feel, the Gildan Softstyle (64000B) is a step up. It uses a lighter fabric with a slightly more fitted cut. Same size chart, different hand feel.
Which Gildan Youth Size to Order
Measure the chest. That is the most reliable indicator. Lay a shirt that fits well flat on a table, measure across the chest from armpit to armpit, and double that number. Match it to the chart above.
If a kid falls between sizes, go up. Gildan does not shrink dramatically in a normal wash cycle, but a shirt with room to grow gets more wear than one that fits perfectly today and is too tight in three months.
For the crossover between Gildan youth XL and adult small, the numbers are closer than you think. Our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide breaks down exactly where Gildan youth ends and Gildan adult begins.
What size is Gildan youth XL?
Gildan youth XL measures 34 to 36 inches in the chest with a 25-inch body length. It fits most kids ages 14 to 16 weighing 95 to 120 pounds. It is the largest size in the Gildan youth range before transitioning to adult sizing.
How does Gildan youth sizing run?
Gildan youth runs true to size with a slightly boxy, generous fit. It is wider through the chest than Bella+Canvas or Next Level but similar to Hanes. The fit is consistent from batch to batch, which makes it reliable for repeat orders.
Is Gildan youth large the same as adult small?
No. Gildan youth large measures 32 to 34 inches in the chest with a 23-inch body length. Gildan adult small measures 34 to 36 inches in the chest with a 28-inch body length. Adult small is wider and 5 inches longer. Check the Youth XL Size Chart for the full comparison.
Related Sizing Guides
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Hanes Youth Sizing Guide
- Next Level Youth Sizing Guide
- Nike Youth Sizing Guide
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- What Size Shirt for a 10 Year Old?
- How Many Shirts to Order for a Team
Ordering Gildan Youth for Your Team or Event?
We print on Gildan more than any other brand. We know the sizing, we know the fabric, and we know how to get the best print on it. Start your order here and tell us what you need. We will handle the rest.