Port & Company PC54 vs Gildan 5000: Which Budget Tee Should You Print On?

Short answer: the Port & Company PC54 and the Gildan 5000 are nearly the same size and cost within pennies of each other at wholesale. A medium in either one measures 20″ across the chest and 29″ long. Our shop prints on the PC54 first. We think it is the better shirt for the money, it runs one size bigger (to 6XL), and it has matching youth, long-sleeve, pocket, tank and women's versions in the same family. We still print the Gildan 5000 when a customer asks for it or needs to match an older order.

Size Chart Side by Side

Chest is measured flat, one side. Length is measured at the back. Numbers come from the SanMar spec sheet for the PC54 and Gildan's spec sheet for the 5000.

Sleeves differ a little. The PC54 sleeve is about an inch longer in a small (16 3/4″ vs 15 5/8″ from center back) and about the same from L up. Full charts: Port & Company size chart and Gildan size chart.

Price

At wholesale, the two are priced within a few cents of each other in S to XL, and both step up in price at 2XL and again at 3XL. On a printed order, the blank is a small part of the total. The decoration and setup matter more, so pick the shirt you want people to wear. See our pricing page for what printing adds.

Size Range and Matching Styles

For a group order, that family matters. One design can run across adult, youth, long-sleeve and women's PC54 versions with the colors lining up, which keeps a team or event order looking consistent.

Why We Reach for Port & Company First

• We like the shirt better. After printing a lot of both, Port & Company is our go-to budget blank.
• Bigger sizes. The PC54 runs to 6XL, so crews with bigger guys do not need a different shirt.
• One family for every person. Youth, women's, long sleeve, pocket and tank all come from the same line.
• Same price. There is no savings in going with the other one.

When the Gildan 5000 Still Makes Sense

• You are reordering and want shirts that match an older Gildan run.
• Your art or brand guide calls for a specific Gildan color.
• You want the Gildan Softstyle 64000 instead. It is a softer, lighter shirt and a different comparison. See best blank t-shirts compared.

FAQ

Is Port & Company better than Gildan? For budget printed tees, we think so. The PC54 and Gildan 5000 measure and cost about the same, and we prefer the PC54 for its feel, its 6XL size and its matching youth and women's styles.

Is the PC54 the same size as the Gildan 5000? Yes, through 3XL. A medium in both is 20″ across the chest and 29″ long.

Who makes Port & Company? Port & Company is SanMar's own brand, sold through decorators and promotional product shops.