Gildan vs. Hanes: The Ultimate Blank Apparel Showdown

In the realm of apparel printing, two titans stand tall: Gildan and Hanes. These brands have dominated the blank apparel market for decades, offering a vast array of t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and more for customization. But with so many options, choosing between Gildan and Hanes can be a daunting task.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. We'll delve into the intricacies of each brand, comparing factors like fabric, fit, price, and sustainability. We'll also explore their most popular products and highlight some key considerations for your specific needs.

A Tale of Two Brands

• Gildan: Established in Canada in 1984, Gildan has carved a niche for itself with its focus on affordability and durability. Their garments are known for being heavyweight and long-lasting, making them ideal for everyday wear and bulk printing orders.
• Hanes: Founded in the USA in 1901, Hanes boasts a rich history in apparel innovation. Their commitment to comfort and quality has earned them a loyal following. Hanes offers a wider range of fabric blends and styles, catering to a more diverse customer base. 

Fabric Face-Off

• Gildan: Primarily uses 100% cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. Their 100% cotton options, like the Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt and Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton T-Shirt, are known for their heavyweight feel and long-lasting wear. However, they may shrink slightly after washing. The cotton-polyester blends, like the Gildan G800 Adult 50/50 T-Shirt, offer a softer feel and resist shrinking better.
• Hanes: Utilizes a wider variety of fabrics, including 100% cotton, cotton-polyester blends, and eco-friendly options made with recycled materials. Their 100% cotton tees, like the Hanes 5180 Unisex Beefy-T T-Shirt and Hanes 5250T Mens Authentic-T T-Shirt, are known for their exceptional softness and breathability. The cotton-polyester blends, like the Hanes 5170 Unisex 50/50 T-Shirt, offer a balance between comfort and durability. Their EcoSmart line, like the Hanes P170 Unisex Ecosmart 50/50 Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt, incorporates recycled materials for a more sustainable choice.

Fit Fight

• Gildan: Offers a classic, unisex fit that is comfortable and roomy. Their sizing tends to run slightly large, so consider sizing down for a more fitted look.
• Hanes: Provides a more tailored fit with a wider range of options, including relaxed, athletic, and vintage-inspired cuts. This allows for a better fit across various body types.

Price Punch

• Gildan: Generally considered the more budget-friendly option. Their focus on bulk production translates to lower prices per garment.
• Hanes: Typically falls in a slightly higher price range compared to Gildan. However, the price difference may be negligible depending on the specific product and features.

Sustainability Smackdown

• Gildan: Has taken steps towards sustainability by offering some recycled cotton options. However, their overall commitment to eco-friendly practices is less prominent compared to Hanes.
• Hanes: Champions sustainability with their Eco Smart line, which utilizes recycled materials in various garments. They also have a strong focus on reducing water usage throughout their manufacturing process.

Gildan Top Selling Products

• Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt: 

       A heavyweight champion, perfect for everyday wear and bulk printing. Offers exceptional durability and a classic fit.

• Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton T-Shirt: 

       Incredibly soft and comfortable, ideal for casual wear and printing designs that require a smooth surface. May shrink slightly after washing.

• Gildan G180 Adult Heavy Blend 50/50 Fleece Crew: 

       A warm and cozy option for colder weather. The cotton-polyester blend offers a comfortable fit and resists shrinking.

Hanes Top Selling Products

• Hanes P170 Unisex Ecosmart 50/50 Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt:

       A comfortable and eco-friendly choice made with recycled materials. Ideal for casual wear and printing logos or designs.

• Hanes  054 Adult 50/50 EcoSmart Jersey Knit Polo:

      A stylish and sustainable option for a more polished look. The cotton-polyester blend with recycled materials offers wrinkle resistance and comfort.

Choosing Your Champion: A Decision Matrix

Here's a quick reference guide to help you decide between Gildan and Hanes based on your priorities:

Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations

• Color Selection: Both brands offer a wide range of colors to choose from. However, Hanes may have a slight edge in color variety for some styles.
• Decoration Methods: Both Gildan and Hanes garments are suitable for various decoration methods like screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, and embroidery. However, the specific fabric and weight of the garment might influence the best decoration technique.
• Brand Reputation: Gildan is known for its affordability and bulk production capabilities. Hanes is recognized for its focus on comfort, quality, and sustainability. Consider the brand image that aligns with your project's goals.

The Final Round

Ultimately, the best choice between Gildan and Hanes depends on your specific needs. If affordability and durability are your top priorities, Gildan is a solid choice. If you prioritize comfort, fit options, or sustainable practices, Hanes might be the better fit.

Remember, you can always experiment with both brands! Order a few samples of different styles and fabrics to see which ones work best for your project.

Bonus Tip: Consider exploring other blank apparel brands as well. Independent manufacturers may offer unique styles, fabrics, or ethical production practices that cater to your specific requirements.

I hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to make an informed decision when choosing between Gildan and Hanes for your next apparel project. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!