When it comes to comfortable, affordable, and durable clothing, two names often dominate the market: Gildan and Hanes. These brands are well-established in the world of blank apparel, with a wide range of options for wholesale t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and more. Whether you’re buying wholesale for a business, looking to customize apparel, or just seeking high-quality casual wear, the decision between Gildan and Hanes can be a bit challenging. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the features of each brand, comparing Gildan vs. Hanes in terms of material, fit, durability, style, and pricing, ultimately helping you make an informed choice.

Gildan vs. Hanes: Material and Fabric Quality

When it comes to choosing between Gildan vs. Hanes, the fabric quality plays a significant role. Both brands offer soft and durable materials, but there are some differences worth noting.

Gildan’s Fabric Quality

Gildan is renowned for offering a variety of fabrics, ranging from heavy cotton to lighter blends. Their products, like the Gildan Ultra Cotton (2000) and Gildan Heavy Cotton (5000), are typically made from 100% cotton. These Gildan t-shirts are thick, offering a robust feel, which makes them ideal for screen printing and customization. Gildan also offers blends such as the Gildan Softstyle, which features a more lightweight, softer fabric blend for a comfortable feel without compromising on durability.

• Gildan Ultra Cotton (2000): A 100% cotton shirt known for its thickness and durability.
• Gildan Softstyle: Made from a blend of cotton and polyester for a softer touch, great for everyday wear.

Hanes’ Fabric Quality

Hanes is known for using high-quality cotton and cotton blends as well. They offer several product lines like the Hanes Beefy-T and Hanes ComfortSoft that provide a softer, smoother feel compared to Gildan’s heavier cotton options. The Hanes T-shirt is a heavy cotton T-shirt, but it’s softer and more comfortable due to its premium cotton, making it a favorite among consumers who prioritize comfort. Hanes also offers eco-friendly options such as the Hanes EcoSmart, made from a mix of cotton and polyester, and the Hanes Nano-T, which is lighter, more breathable, and slightly more fitted.

• Hanes Beefy-T (5180): Known for its premium quality cotton, offering durability and softness.
• Hanes ComfortSoft: A collection of soft cotton shirts, ideal for those looking for casual comfort.
• Hanes Nano-T: A lightweight, modern-fit shirt made from a blend of cotton and polyester.

Verdict: Hanes offers the smoothest, most comfortable feel. However, Gildan may be the better option if you’re looking for a heavier fabric for screen printing or workwear.

Fit and Sizing Comparison: Gildan vs. Hanes

A perfect fit can make or break your experience with an apparel brand. Let’s explore how Gildan and Hanes compare in terms of sizing and fit.

Gildan Fit and Sizing

Gildan offers a wide variety of sizes, from small to 5XL, ensuring a size option for almost every body type. However, their products, especially the Ultra Cotton and Heavy Cotton lines, tend to have a more boxy fit. This can be great for those who like a looser, relaxed feel. Their Softstyle range offers a more modern, fitted cut, perfect for those who prefer a slimmer look.

• Boxier Fit: Common in most Gildan heavy cotton options.
• Modern Fit: Found in the Gildan Softstyle range, which has a more tailored fit.

At The Apparel Factory, we provide a Gildan size chart to help you find the perfect fit for any apparel.

Hanes Fit and Sizing

On the other hand, Hanes shirts tend to be more fitted than Gildan’s, especially in the Hanes Nano-T and Hanes Beefy-T lines. The Hanes Beefy-T provides a more flattering fit for those who like a premium, comfortable feel without it being too tight. The sizing is also consistent and available in a broad range, but overall, Hanes products cater to a more body-conscious fit, perfect for casual, everyday wear.

• Slim Fit: Hanes Nano-T is slightly slimmer than Gildan’s typical cuts.
• Relaxed Fit: The Hanes Beefy-T and ComfortSoft provide a more relaxed fit compared to Gildan’s heavier options.

Verdict: If you want a looser, more casual fit, Gildan is ideal. But if you prefer a slimmer, more modern cut, Hanes may be the better choice. Find your perfect fit with our Hanes size chart, available at The Apparel Factory for all apparel styles.

Durability: Which Brand Lasts Longer?

Durability is key, especially if you plan to wear or wash your t-shirts regularly. Let’s break down how Gildan and Hanes compare in terms of long-term wear.

Gildan Durability

Gildan shirts, especially their Ultra Cotton and Heavy Cotton options, are built for durability. They hold up well over time, even after multiple washes, though they may shrink slightly, especially if not properly cared for. Gildan’s cotton fabric tends to soften with each wash, but it doesn’t wear out easily, making it a great choice for bulk orders, promotional wear, and businesses that want long-lasting products.

• Strong Fabric: Holds up well in heavy-duty use.
• Potential Shrinkage: Gildan shirts can shrink after washing, but they retain their durability.

Hanes Durability

Hanes products are generally very durable as well, particularly the Beefy-T and ComfortSoft lines. The Hanes Beefy-T is made from premium cotton, which makes it resistant to wear and tear, while the Hanes EcoSmart collection has gained attention for being eco-friendly yet tough enough for daily use. Hanes shirts also tend to keep their shape longer due to their pre-shrunk treatment.

• Pre-Shrunk: Many Hanes products are pre-shrunk, ensuring they won’t lose shape.
• Long-Term Comfort: Maintains softness and comfort even after multiple washes.

Verdict: If you’re looking for premium durability and minimal shrinkage, Hanes edges out Gildan due to their pre-shrunk options. For bulk, tough apparel, Gildan is still a strong contender.

Pricing: Gildan vs. Hanes for Value

Pricing is often a deciding factor when purchasing apparel, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Let’s compare the costs of Gildan and Hanes t-shirts.

Gildan Pricing

Gildan is known for offering affordable options. Their budget-friendly pricing makes them a popular choice for businesses and custom orders. Gildan’s cost-effective pricing allows you to get high-quality apparel at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. If you’re planning to buy in large quantities or start a custom printing business, Gildan is a solid choice due to its low cost per unit.

• Affordable: Great for bulk orders and screen printing.
• Wholesale Prices: Gildan offers significant discounts for bulk purchases, making them ideal for businesses.

Hanes Pricing

Hanes products are generally more expensive than Gildan. However, for the additional cost, you get a premium feel, with softer, more comfortable materials. Hanes shirts like the Beefy-T and Nano-T are priced higher but offer a superior quality that some consumers find worth the investment. For high-quality, comfortable casual wear, Hanes justifies its pricing.

• Slightly Higher: Hanes products cost a bit more due to the premium fabric used.
• Great for Personal Wear: If you’re after comfort and quality, the price difference may be worth it.

Verdict: For affordable, bulk purchases, Gildan is the better option. If you’re looking for premium comfort and are willing to pay a little more, Hanes is worth the investment.

Customization and Printing: Gildan vs. Hanes

Both Gildan and Hanes are great options for custom t-shirts. However, their suitability for screen printing, embroidery, and other customization techniques may depend on your specific needs.

Gildan Customization

Gildan is one of the most popular brands for custom printing. Its heavier cotton options, like the Ultra Cotton (2000), are ideal for screen printing, making it a popular choice for business logos, team jerseys, or events. Gildan shirts provide a sturdy base for customization and hold up well after multiple washes, which is crucial for long-lasting promotional products.

• Great for Printing: Holds ink well and works well with screen printing, heat transfer, and embroidery.
• Wide Range of Styles: Perfect for custom designs and large orders.

Hanes Customization

Hanes also offers great products for custom t-shirt printing, particularly their Beefy-T and ComfortSoft collections. While these are a bit more premium, they offer fantastic printing results. The fabric is soft and smooth, which gives your prints a polished, high-quality finish.

• Premium Printing: Great for quality prints, especially when aiming for a high-end look.
• Eco-Friendly Options: If you’re considering eco-conscious customization, Hanes EcoSmart products are a great option.

Verdict: If you’re looking for budget-friendly custom apparel, Gildan is the best option. For a premium, high-quality finish, Hanes takes the crown.

Hanes vs. Gildan: Sweatshirts, Hoodies, T-Shirts, and More

When comparing Hanes vs. Gildan sweatshirts, both brands offer high-quality, durable options suited for different needs. 

Gildan vs. Hanes hoodies also show key differences—Gildan hoodies tend to be thicker and better for screen printing, while Hanes hoodies are softer with a more premium feel.

 For Gildan vs. Hanes t-shirts, Gildan provides cost-effective choices ideal for bulk orders and customization, whereas Hanes t-shirts focus on comfort and everyday wear. 

Whether choosing a Hanes vs. Gildan hoodie or a Hanes vs. Gildan tank top, the decision depends on whether you prioritize affordability and durability or softness and fit.

 Similarly, Hanes vs. Gildan t-shirts and Gildan vs. Hanes sweatshirts cater to different preferences, with Gildan offering a sturdier build and Hanes emphasizing superior comfort.

Lastly, a Hanes vs. Gildan crewneck t-shirt comparison highlights that Gildan’s crewnecks are budget-friendly and durable, while Hanes crewneck t-shirts provide a softer and more premium-feeling option.

 

The Best Place to Buy Gildan and Hanes Apparel

For bulk purchases, wholesale pricing, and top-notch customization, The Apparel Factory is the best choice. Offering a wide selection of Gildan and Hanes products, they make it easy to buy in bulk and get custom designs with services like screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, applique, and laser etching. Whether you’re outfitting a business, team, or event, their competitive prices and expert services ensure you get high-quality apparel at a great value, with regular discounts available to make your order even more affordable.

Gildan vs. Hanes: Which Brand is Right for You?

Gildan is perfect for affordable, durable options for bulk printing, while Hanes offers premium comfort and a more refined fit. Both brands provide excellent customization possibilities at The Apparel Factory, making it easy to find the right apparel for your needs.

Conclusion

When choosing between Gildan and Hanes, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If affordability, durability, and bulk purchasing are your main concerns, Gildan is an excellent choice, offering a sturdy build and ideal fabric for screen printing and customization. On the other hand, if you prefer premium comfort, a softer feel, and a more refined fit, Hanes is worth the investment. Both brands provide high-quality apparel, making them reliable options for casual wear, business promotions, and custom printing. At The Apparel Factory, you can find a vast selection of Gildan and Hanes products at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your apparel needs. Whether you choose Gildan or Hanes, you’ll be getting quality, style, and performance tailored to your preferences.