Buying Bulk? 
Canadian vs US fabric weights, explained
Shopping for blanks in Canada, you will often see two very different weights for the same shirt. The Gildan 5000 is "5.3 oz" on US sites and "8.8 oz" in Canadian catalogues. Nothing is wrong — they are measured differently.
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Two different measurements
US weights are ounces per square yard (oz/yd²): the weight of a 36" × 36" piece of fabric.
Canadian catalogues usually use ounces per linear yard (oz/L yd): the weight of one yard of fabric off a roll of a standard width, which is wider than 36". Because that piece is larger, the number is higher.
For the knit fabrics used in t-shirts and fleece, the Canadian figure works out to roughly 1.67 × the US figure. To convert Canadian to US, divide by about 1.67; US to Canadian, multiply by about 1.67.
Common blanks, both ways
Gildan 5000: 5.3 oz/yd² (US) = 8.8 oz/L yd (CA). Gildan 64000: 4.5 = 7.5. Gildan 2000: 6 = 10. BELLA + CANVAS 3001: 4.2 = 7. Next Level 3600: 4.3 = 7.2. Comfort Colors 1717: 6.1 = 10. Gildan 18500 hoodie: 8 = 13.5. Independent Trading Co. SS4500: 8.5 = 14.1.
When comparing two shirts, make sure both numbers use the same unit. Our compare tool converts everything to US oz/yd² so the comparison is like-for-like.
Which weight should I choose?
Under about 4.5 oz/yd² (US) is lightweight and drapey — fashion and summer tees. Around 5–5.5 oz/yd² is the classic midweight tee. 6 oz/yd² and up is heavyweight — durable, structured and popular for streetwear and vintage looks.
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FAQ
Why is the Gildan 5000 8.8 oz in Canada and 5.3 oz in the US?
Canada lists ounces per linear yard (oz/L yd) and the US lists ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). Same shirt, different measurement: 8.8 oz/L yd ≈ 5.3 oz/yd².
How do I convert oz/L yd to oz/yd²?
For t-shirt and fleece knits, divide the Canadian oz/L yd figure by about 1.67 to get the US oz/yd² figure.
What weight is a heavyweight t-shirt?
Roughly 6 oz/yd² (US) or more — about 10 oz/L yd in Canadian terms — such as the Gildan 2000 or Comfort Colors 1717.