Regarding t-shirts, two giants dominate the scene: Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. Both brands have earned their spot in our wardrobes, offering quality, comfort, and affordability for decades. But when it comes to choosing the right one, which brand truly reigns supreme? 

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down Hanes vs. Fruit of the Loom by analyzing their styles, quality, comfort, durability, pricing, customization options, and sustainability efforts. Whether you’re looking for custom tee shirts, wholesale t-shirts, or the best men’s t-shirts, this guide covers you. Let’s dive in!

A Brief History of Hanes and Fruit of the Loom

Before we compare their t-shirts, let’s take a quick look at the history of these two clothing giants.

Hanes

Hanes was founded in 1901 in North Carolina by John Wesley Hanes. The brand originally started as a manufacturer of men’s underwear but soon expanded into the broader clothing industry. Over the years, Hanes became a household name for comfortable Hanes t-shirts, Hanes hoodies, and Hanes undergarments.

Today, Hanes is one of the largest clothing manufacturers in the world, with a strong reputation for quality, softness, and durability. Their ComfortSoft, Beefy-T, and EcoSmart lines are some of the most well-known in the market.

Fruit of the Loom

Fruit of the Loom has an even longer history, dating back to 1851. It was founded in Rhode Island by brothers Benjamin and Robert Knight. Originally a textile company, it became one of the first brands to mass-produce cotton underwear and t-shirts.

Fruit of the Loom is best known for its affordable pricing and durability, making it a go-to choice for schools, businesses, and promotional Fruit of the Loom t-shirts. The brand’s iconic fruit-themed logo has become instantly recognizable worldwide.

Hanes vs. Fruit of the Loom: T-Shirt Comparison

Now that we know their backgrounds, let’s compare Hanes and Fruit of the Loom t-shirts based on quality, comfort, styles, pricing, durability, and customization options.

1. T-Shirt Quality & Fabric Comparison

When it comes to fabric quality, both Hanes and Fruit of the Loom offer 100% cotton t-shirts as well as cotton-polyester blends. But there are some key differences:

• Hanes: Hanes t-shirts, especially the Hanes ComfortSoft and Beefy-T, are thicker and softer compared to Fruit of the Loom. The fabric feels smoother on the skin, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
• Fruit of the Loom: Fruit of the Loom t-shirts tend to be lighter and more breathable, which makes them ideal for sportswear or outdoor use. However, some customers find that their cotton tees feel a bit rougher than Hanes.

Shrinkage and Wear Over Time

• Hanes t-shirts hold their shape better after washing, thanks to pre-shrunk cotton and better stitching.
• Fruit of the Loom t-shirts may shrink slightly more, but they have excellent durability against wear and tear.

2. T-Shirt Styles & Fit Options

Both brands offer a variety of styles, including:

• Basic crew neck t-shirts
• V-neck t-shirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• Performance t-shirts
• Tank tops

Hanes Fit & Style

Hanes t-shirts tend to have a relaxed, true-to-size fit. Their Beefy-T collection offers a heavier, premium feel that is excellent for layering.

Fruit of the Loom Fit & Style

Fruit of the Loom t-shirts generally have a boxier, slightly tighter fit. They are often preferred for promotional t-shirts and uniforms due to their consistency in sizing and affordability.

3. Comfort & Softness

If comfort is your priority, Hanes is the better choice. Hanes’ ComfortSoft and Beefy-T lines feature extra-soft, ring-spun cotton, making them feel smoother against the skin.

Fruit of the Loom t-shirts are not as soft as Hanes, but they do get softer after multiple washes. However, for immediate comfort, Hanes wins in this category.

4. Durability & Longevity

When comparing longevity, both brands hold up well, but:

• Hanes t-shirts last longer, especially the Beefy-T and ComfortSoft lines, which maintain their structure even after multiple washes.
• Fruit of the Loom t-shirts resist pilling and stretching, but they may show wear and tear a bit sooner than Hanes.

5. Price & Affordability

Price is an important factor, especially for bulk orders and wholesale t-shirts.

• Hanes t-shirts are generally priced slightly higher due to their better quality and softness.
• Fruit of the Loom t-shirts are more budget-friendly, making them a better option for large orders, promotional events, or work uniforms.

If you’re looking for affordable, good-quality t-shirts, Fruit of the Loom is the better deal. If you want long-lasting, ultra-soft t-shirts, Hanes is worth the extra cost.

6. Customization & Printing

Both brands are great for custom t-shirt printing, including:

• Screen printing
• Heat transfer printing
• Embroidery printing

Hanes for Customization

• The Hanes Beefy-T is one of the best shirts for screen printing due to its thicker, smoother fabric.
• Works well for high-quality branded merchandise and fashion prints.

Fruit of the Loom for Customization

• Fruit of the Loom T-shirts are widely used for promotional giveaways, event t-shirts, and bulk orders.
• Their lighter fabric makes them cheaper to print on, which is great for low-cost customization.

7. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing

With growing concerns about sustainability, both brands have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Hanes Sustainability Efforts

Hanes is committed to sustainability with its EcoSmart line, which incorporates recycled polyester fabrics, reducing the environmental impact of production. The company also prioritizes ethical labor practices, ensuring fair working conditions across its supply chain.

 Additionally, Hanes is dedicated to sustainable cotton sourcing and supporting eco-friendly farming practices. Hanes has implemented water-saving technologies to minimize its environmental footprint, significantly reducing water usage in its production processes.

Fruit of the Loom Sustainability Efforts

Fruit of the Loom has adopted a Zero Waste Initiative, aiming to minimize waste during production and improve recycling efforts within its facilities. The company operates energy-efficient manufacturing plants, contributing to lower carbon emissions and reduced energy consumption. Fruit of the Loom also focuses on fair labor practices, ensuring safe and ethical working conditions for its employees.

 Furthermore, the brand uses environmentally friendly dyes, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious production methods.

Both brands are making progress in sustainability, but Hanes takes the lead with its EcoSmart initiative.

Which Brand is Best for You?

Feature	Hanes	Fruit of the Loom
Softness & Comfort	More comfortable	Less soft but breathable
Durability	Lasts longer	More prone to shrinkage
Fit & Style	Relaxed fit	More fitted
Customization	Best for high-quality prints	Best for budget printing
Price	Expensive	More affordable
Sustainability	EcoSmart line	Zero Waste Initiative

Conclusion 

• If you want ultra-soft, long-lasting t-shirts, go with Hanes.
• If you’re looking for affordable, durable t-shirts for bulk orders, go with Fruit of the Loom.
• For custom t-shirts and wholesale orders, both brands are great, but Hanes is better for high-quality prints, while Fruit of the Loom is best for budget-friendly printing.

For the best deals on Hanes and Fruit of the Loom t-shirts, check out The Apparel Factory, your go-to for wholesale t-shirts, custom printing, and bulk apparel orders.

Now that you have all the details, which brand will you choose?