Overview
The Gildan 640L Ladies' SoftStyle Fitted T-Shirt represents Gildan's answer to demand for softer, more modern women's blanks. It takes the reliability Gildan is known for and upgrades it with ringspun cotton and a contemporary fitted silhouette that women actually want to wear.
In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Gildan 640L - from the ringspun cotton construction to fit and sizing, print performance, and how it compares to alternatives in the market.
Fabric & Construction
The Gildan 640L uses 4.5 oz (153 gsm) ringspun cotton - a significant departure from the standard open-end cotton in the 5000L. Ringspun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning cotton strands, creating a finer, stronger yarn that results in a noticeably softer fabric.
Key Construction Features
- 100% ringspun cotton - Softer hand feel than standard cotton (heathered colours are poly-cotton blends)
- Side-seamed construction - Better fit and shape retention than tubular knit
- Tapered fit with cap sleeves - Modern, fitted silhouette designed for women
- Double-needle sleeves and hem - Durable finishing details
- Tear-away label - Easy rebranding for custom merchandise
Ringspun vs Standard Cotton
The difference between ringspun and standard (open-end) cotton is immediately noticeable. Ringspun cotton produces a smoother, softer fabric with a slight sheen. It's more comfortable against the skin and has a more refined appearance that customers perceive as higher quality.
Fit & Sizing
The Gildan 640L features a fitted silhouette - more body-conscious than the traditional Missy Fit. The tapered waist and cap sleeves create a flattering shape that follows the natural contours of a woman's body without being restrictive.
Available in sizes S through 3XL, the 640L offers a decent size range for a fitted style. Here's our sizing guidance:
- For the intended fitted look: Order your normal size
- For a more relaxed fit: Size up one
- Between sizes: Size up if you prefer any ease; size down for maximum fitted effect
- Extended sizes (2XL-3XL): Maintain proportionally fitted cut
Note: The 640L may shrink 3-5% after washing, particularly if machine dried on high heat. Factor this into your sizing recommendations, especially for customers who prefer a looser fit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Noticeably softer ringspun cotton
- Modern fitted silhouette women prefer
- Side-seamed construction for better shape
- Extended sizing up to 3XL
- Affordable step up from basic blanks
- Excellent print surface
- Tear-away label for easy rebranding
Cons
- Very limited colour selection (~8 colours)
- Stock availability can be inconsistent
- Not preshrunk - expect some shrinkage
- Fitted cut may not suit all body types
- Slightly higher price than 5000L
Print Performance
The Gildan 640L provides an excellent canvas for custom printing. The smooth ringspun cotton surface produces crisp, vibrant prints with excellent detail reproduction.
Screen Printing
The tight weave of ringspun cotton creates a smooth, consistent surface ideal for screen printing. Inks lay down evenly, colours appear vibrant, and fine details come through clearly. The 4.5 oz weight is substantial enough to prevent ink bleed-through while remaining comfortable.
DTF & DTG Printing
The 640L responds beautifully to DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing. The smooth fabric surface allows for excellent adhesion and colour reproduction. The soft cotton also provides good flexibility, so transfers move with the fabric without cracking.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
The cotton construction and smooth surface make the 640L compatible with heat transfer vinyl applications. The fitted cut means you'll want to ensure proper placement to account for the body-conscious shape.
Best Uses
Gildan 640L vs Alternatives
How does the Gildan 640L compare to other popular women's fitted t-shirts? Here's a comparison:
| Feature | Gildan 640L | Gildan 5000L | Bella+Canvas 6004 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.5 oz | 5.3 oz | 4.2 oz |
| Cotton Type | Ringspun | Standard | Ringspun/Airlume |
| Construction | Side-seamed | Tubular | Side-seamed |
| Fit | Fitted | Missy Fit | Slim Fitted |
| Colours | ~8 | 35+ | 90+ |
| Price Point | $$ | $ | $$$ |
| Best For | Value + Quality | Budget Projects | Premium/Retail |
When to Choose the 640L
The Gildan 640L is the right choice when you want to upgrade from basic blanks without jumping to premium pricing. It delivers noticeable quality improvements that customers appreciate while keeping costs manageable for bulk orders.
When to Choose Alternatives
- Need specific colours? The 5000L offers 35+ options; Bella+Canvas 6004 offers 90+
- Maximum budget stretch? Stick with the 5000L
- Premium retail quality? Consider Bella+Canvas 6004 or Next Level 3900
- Need roomier fit? The 5000L's Missy Fit offers more ease
Care Instructions
To maintain the 640L's softness and shape:
- Machine wash cold with like colours
- Tumble dry low - avoid high heat to minimize shrinkage
- Do not bleach
- Iron on low heat if needed (avoid prints)
- Turn inside out when washing to protect prints
Our Verdict
The Gildan 640L Ladies' SoftStyle Fitted T-Shirt occupies a valuable middle ground in the women's blank market. It delivers the softness and modern styling that customers expect from premium blanks while maintaining Gildan's reputation for reliability and value.
We recommend the Gildan 640L for:
- Corporate apparel programs wanting quality women's options
- Retail merchandise where perceived value matters
- Brand ambassadors and customer-facing staff
- Any project where you need a step up from basic blanks
Consider alternatives if:
- You need specific colours not in the limited palette
- Budget is the absolute priority (go with 5000L)
- You need maximum colour selection (try Bella+Canvas)
- You prefer a looser, less fitted silhouette
The main limitation is the restricted colour selection. If the colours work for your project, the 640L delivers excellent value with its combination of ringspun softness, modern fitted styling, and reasonable pricing.
