How We Became a Leading Apparel Company
“Over the last thirty-eight years, we’ve collectively built a Company we can all be proud of, known as much for the quality of our products as how they are made. ”
Glenn Chamandy
President and CEO
The Gildan Story
Born in Canada. Raised in the U.S.
Today, Gildan is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of apparel, socks and legwear, with more than three decades of developing a large-scale manufacturing base and specialized skill set.
Explore the journey that led to this success:
Joseph Chamandy starts Harley Inc., a basic children’s apparel manufacturing company, which produces activewear, apparel, and sleepwear in Montreal, Canada.
Joseph Chamandy’s grandsons, Greg and Glenn Chamandy, take over the Company’s leadership.
The Company becomes a vertically-integrated manufacturing company as it acquires a knitting mill with circular machines. The knitting manufacturing business is called Gildan Textiles Inc.
The name Gildan combines the names of two salesmen that worked for the company at the time.
Gildan continues its vertical integration by acquiring a dyeing facility in Valleyfield, Canada. With this acquisition, the Company controls all aspects of its manufacturing process after yarn-spinning.
The children’s wear company, Harley Inc., is closed in order to focus energy and resources on the growth and expansion of what has become Gildan Activewear Inc. At this point, Gildan is focusing on expanding in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Gildan’s first vertically-integrated off-shore sewing plant is opened in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
In June, Gildan initiates its initial public offering and becomes publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX).
In January, Gildan opens its international sales office in Barbados and in September, Gildan Activewear Inc. successfully implements a follow-on share offering to complete its initial equity financing and transfers its U.
S. listing from AMEX to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Gildan enters the European market for imprinted activewear.
Gildan becomes the number one brand of 100% cotton t-shirts in the U.S. printwear industry, and the Company opens its first large-scale distribution center in Eden, North Carolina.
Gildan’s first vertically-integrated textile facility starts operations in Honduras. Gildan also launches its proprietary Biotop system, which treats its wastewater completely naturally using sunlight, gravity, and bacteria to return clean water to the environment.
Gildan becomes the number one overall t-shirt company in the U.S. (Based on the S.T.A.R.S. report).
The Company forms a 50%/50% owned yarn-spinning joint venture company with Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc. in Cedartown, Georgia, to support Gildan’s integrated fabric manufacturing operations.
Gildan becomes the first Canadian company and the first manufacturer with operations in Honduras to become a participating Company of the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
In February, Gildan announces the conversion of class B multiple voting shares, effective March 1st, into class A subordinate voting shares of the Company on a one-for-one basis without any conversion premium.
Gildan obtains the Oeko-Tex 100 Certification, the most internationally recognized eco-label designation in the textiles supply chain.
Gildan enters the Australian market for imprinted activewear and opens its first sewing facility in Nicaragua.
Gildan opens a new fully-integrated facility in the Dominican Republic with knitting, dyeing and cutting operations. The Company also announces a second joint-venture yarn-spinning facility with Frontier Spinning in Clarkton, North Carolina.
A comprehensive labour practice code that integrates the Gildan, FLA and WRAP codes of conduct, as well as incorporates current best practices, is developed and implemented.
Gildan starts production in the Dominican Republic and acquires Kentucky Derby Hosiery to enter the retail channel as a full-line supplier of socks, underwear and activewear.
The Company continues the expansion of its manufacturing footprint through two acquisitions of sock manufacturers and the construction of a sock manufacturing facility in Honduras.
The Fair Labor Association accredits the Company’s social compliance program.
Gildan launches its biomass steam generation facility that helps generate the company’s total energy through renewable resources.
Gildan is recognized for the first time as one of the companies demonstrating leading practices related to environment, social and governance (ESG) in Honduras by the FUNDAHRSE CSR Seal.
Gildan places first in the annual Globe and Mail Corporate Governance rankings of all Canadian public companies.
Gildan acquires a distribution center in Charleston, South Carolina to support sales growth to North American retailers.
Gildan expands into Bangladesh with the acquisition of an integrated textile facility, followed by an investment to bring the building up to structural and fire safety standards.
The Company also starts production in the RN4 hosiery facility in Honduras.
The Company completes the acquisition of Gold Toe Moretz, one of the largest branded sock suppliers to U.S. retail.
Gildan acquires Anvil Knitwear as well as the remaining 50% of CanAm Yarns, its yarn-spinning joint venture.
Gildan starts production in the RN5 facility, one of the world’s largest textile facilities.
Gildan is included on the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook for the first time.
The Company announces major investment in U.S.- based yarn-spinning operations to support future growth. Gildan also acquires New Buffalo Shirt Factory’s screen-printing operations.
Gildan is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the first time.
The Company acquires Doris Hosiery in Montreal, Canada, a leading supplier of sheer hosiery and legwear and owner of Secret®, Silks®, Therapy Plus® and Kushyfoot® brands.
Gildan acquires Comfort Colors® to add a vintage garment dye collection to its imprintables business.
Gildan is included on the Distintivo® ESR Award for the first time, recognizing the Company’s efforts to voluntarily undertake a commitment to implement socially responsible management.
Gildan acquires 100% of the equity of Alstyle®, a basic apparel manufacturer in the printwear channel, as well as of Peds®, a leading sock and legwear solutions company.
The Company completes the acquisition of the American Apparel® brand. The Company also adds two yarn-spinning facilities to its U.S. operations through the Swift Spinning acquisition and acquires Superior, a distributor in Australia, to support international growth.
Gildan signs a new AAFA/FLA Apparel and Footwear Industry commitment for responsible recruitment, a proactive industry effort to address potential forced labour risks for migrant workers in the global supply chain.
Gildan purchases a yarn-spinning facility in Eden, North Carolina, and plans to invest approximately U.S. $5 million to revamp the facility and upgrade it to Gildan’s standards.
Gildan is re-accredited by the Fair Labor Association.
Gildan joins the Ethisphere’s Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), a global community of companies who recognize the value of ethical leadership and who work together to move their businesses forward with ethics and integrity.
Gildan announces land purchase in Bangladesh as part of major south-east Asian capacity expansion initiative to support international growth.
Gildan is named one of the world’s most sustainably managed companies by The Wall Street Journal for the first time.
Gildan acquires 100% of the equity interests of Phoenix Sanford, LLC, the parent company of Frontier Yarns to further internalize yarn production.
Gildan unveiled its Next Generation ESG strategy and our future goals to achieve meaningful ESG advancements by 2030.
Gildan announced the Gildan Sustainability Growth plan with capacity driven growth, innovation, and ESG at the centre of the Company’s new business strategy.
Gildan also announced its first sustainability-linked loan.
More about the company
Comparing Their Top 5 T-Shirts
Hanes and Gildan are two of the biggest players in the blank apparel business, both producing quality apparel at affordable prices and competing directly with each other’s products in this space. With such similar items, how do you decide which one to use for your custom tees?
To help you decide, we put their top 5 T-shirts in head-to-head matchups. We evaluated the fabric, fit, construction, softness, drape, print surface, and overall quality. Then we checked prices, available sizes, and colors for each style, looking at these products from every angle.
Which ones are better than the other? Turn to the T-shirt nerds. We’ve got the results.
Hanes vs Gildan: the T-shirt matchups
We compared their most popular T-shirts against each other in 5 categories:
- The Classic Tee: Hanes “Authentic-T” vs.
Gildan “Ultra Cotton” - The Fitted Tee: Hanes “Perfect-T” vs. Gildan “SoftStyle”
- The Premium Tee: Hanes “Beefy-T” vs. Gildan “Hammer”
- The Budget Tee: Hanes “ComfortSoft” vs. Gildan “Heavy Cotton”
- The 50/50 Tee: Hanes “EcoSmart” vs. Gildan “DryBlend”
Gildan “Ultra Cotton”Overall, the competing shirts share many of the same qualities. These tees are closely matched. Oftentimes, these brands will follow each other’s moves. For example, they both now use pre-shrunk cotton and are currently transitioning to tear-away labels.
In most of these matchups, either is a solid choice. But there are some differences. Here’s a graphic showing you those at a glance, with our recommendations:
Classic T-Shirt: Hanes “Authentic-T” vs Gildan “Ultra Cotton”
The basic, the standard, the Classic Tee. When you’re not really picky, and you just want a straightforward, go-to T-shirt, you’re looking at T-shirts like these.
No bells, no whistles, just a solid, well-constructed T-shirt that prints great and won’t break the bank on larger orders.
The Classic Tees from Hanes and Gildan are both 100% cotton, 6 oz (medium/heavy) with a standard/classic fit, budget-to-mid-range price point, and available in sizes S-5XL. They compete with tees at a similar price point from brands like Fruit of The Loom, Anvil, and Jerzees.
Which is better? We recommend the Gildan “Ultra Cotton” (G200). While the Hanes “Authentic-T” (5250T) has a slightly better construction and feel, the Ultra Cotton comes very close in quality, has a bigger selection of colors (62), and a lower price point. It’s known for dependability with stock, and it also has a women’s version. For all those reasons, it’s our best-selling T-shirt. And our pick for this category.
How do these Classic Tees compare to the other categories?
- The cotton is not ringspun like the Fitted Tees (a superior printing surface), but the price point is lower.
- The fit is a standard/classic fit, which is boxier than Fitted Tees and without the tapered sleeves.
- Thicker fabric than the Budget Tees, and a slightly higher quality and price point.
- No polyester like the 50/50 Tees, and so a little more prone to shrinkage and wrinkles.
Fitted T-shirt: Hanes “Perfect-T” vs Gildan “SoftStyle”
Stepping up to a higher price point and quality, we have the Fitted Tee category, also known as fashion fit, slim fit, retail fit, or semi-fitted. When you want a more lightweight, soft, modern, merch-ready look, go with Fitted Tees.
These are both 4.5 oz ringspun cotton, available in XS-4XL, and share the same price. They both have women’s versions and compete with other fashion-fit T-shirts from brands like Bella+Canvas and Next Level but at a slightly lower price point.
Which is better? We recommend the Hanes “Perfect-T” (4980). This one was close– almost a toss up. On overall quality, fit, and price, both shirts are comparable.
While the Gildan “SoftStyle” (G640) has more colors available (65 vs 46), the Hanes Perfect-T has slightly better construction and print surface–and without a higher price tag. The Perfect-T is not totally perfect, but it’s our pick for this category.How do these Fitted Tees compare to the other categories?
- The fit is slimmer and tailored than all the rest, with tapered, more flattering sleeves.
- Lower price point than Premium Tees, but higher than Classic, 50/50, and Budget Tees.
- These tees and the Premium Tees feature ringspun cotton, which makes for a smoother print surface.
- Lighter weight fabric than all the rest.
Premium T-shirt: Hanes “Beefy-T” vs. Gildan “Hammer”
The highest price point of the five categories, these Premium Tees feature heavier weight material, higher-quality construction, classic fit, and a superior print surface, combined with name-brand recognition. When you want top-shelf, durable T-shirts that demonstrate value, go with Premium.
These are both 6.1 oz, 100% combed ringspun cotton and come in sized S-5XL. They compete with other Premium T-shirts like Champion and American Apparel.
Which is better? We recommend the Hanes “Beefy-T” (5180). While the Gildan “Hammer” (H000) is a quality T-shirt, it’s the new kid on the block. The Hanes Beefy-T is at a higher price point, but there’s no denying its name recognition, popularity, and trust. A pioneer of ringspun cotton, it’s been around since the early days of custom printing, and has twice as many colors than the Hammer (53 vs 27), making it an easy pick for this category.
How do these Premium Tees compare to the other categories?
- A heavier-weight fabric than all the rest.
- The standard/classic fit is not as fashion-forward as the Fitted Tees.
- Overall higher quality, durability, and print surface than the rest.
Budget T-shirt: Hanes “ComfortSoft” vs. Gildan “Heavy Cotton”
The Budget T-shirt category is self-explanatory.
The question is, how much quality can you get for the lowest prices on custom tees? These are the ones you look to when you have a large order of promotional T-shirts or have a one-off event featuring souvenir T-shirts that may not get much use.
Both are 100% cotton and mid-weight range (5.2 oz for Hanes and 5.3 oz for Gildan) and come in sizes S-5XL. They compete with other Budget Tees from Jerzees, Anvil, and Delta.
Which is better? We recommend the Gildan “Heavy Cotton” (G500). While the Hanes “Comfort Soft” (5280) is a quality T-shirt for the price, so is the Gildan Heavy Cotton, and with many more colors to choose from (70 vs 46). Plus, it’s significantly more affordable. The most bang for your buck, and one of the most popular tees in our catalog for bulk orders. For those reasons, it’s our pick for the Budget category.
How do these Budget Tees compare to the other categories?
- The lowest price point of all the tees we looked at.
- The standard/classic fit is not as fashion-forward as Fitted Tees.
- Not ringspun cotton, so the print surface is not as smooth as Premium and Fitted Tees.
50/50 T-shirt: Hanes “EcoSmart” vs Gildan “DryBlend”
Finally, we look at 50/50 Tees, also known as cotton/poly blends. These T-shirts combine the softness of cotton with the more flexible, wicking, and anti-wrinkle properties of polyester– at a price point close to Budget. When you want the best of both worlds, you go with a 50/50.
Both of these are classic/standard fit, in the mid-range of fabric weight (5.2 for Gildan, 5.5 for Gildan), and come in S-4XL. They compete with other 50/50 Tees from brands like Jerzees, Anvil, and Delta.
Which is better? We recommend the Gildan “50/50 DryBlend” (G800). While the Hanes “EcoSmart” (5170) is a decent shirt, the Gildan 50/50 has the same qualitites for a lower price point, and features the proprietary DryBlend fabric for moisture-wicking action. It also has more colors available and is a slightly heavier fabric weight (5.
5 oz vs 5.2 oz). For those reasons, the Gildan is our pick for this category.How do these 50/50 tees compare to the other categories?
- The price point is lower than most and not much higher than Budget Tees.
- The polyester adds properties of flexibility, anti-wrinkle, anti-stain, wicking, etc.
- Not ringspun cotton, so the print surface is not as smooth as Premium and Fitted.
- Standard/classic fit, so the sleeves flare like all the others except for Fitted.
Hanes vs. Gildan: Conclusion
T-shirts from Hanes and Gildan are evenly matched in quality, price, and fit. Overall, Hanes has a slightly higher quality and price point, while Gildan has better availability of colors and sizes. If quality and name brand are important, choose Hanes. If you’re more concerned with your budget, choose Gildan.
If you’re looking for premium tees with a fashion fit, check out Bella+Canvas vs. Next Level: Comparing Their Top 5 T-shirts.
Hope this was helpful information. Now that you understand the difference between these brands, it’s time to create your own custom tees. As always, reach out with any questions!
Gildan – futbolki.net
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Price from 145.32 UAH.
Soft T-shirt for women Gildan
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Women’s pique polo shirt Gildan
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Men’s pique polo cotton Gildan
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Price from 424.20 UAH.
Men’s thick sweatshirt Gildan
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Price from 654.36 UAH.
Gildan hoodie
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Price from 638.
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F800 Hummer Gildan fleece jacket
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Price from 142.80 UAH.
Gildan Softstyle T-shirt
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Price from 165.06 UAH.
T-shirt soft premium Gildan 185
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Gildan Heavy T-shirt
Gildan is a Canadian-American manufacturer of promotional clothing. We present cotton T-shirts, polo shirts, ruffles and sweatshirts for screen printing and thermal transfer. Excellent quality at the most competitive price.
Founded in 1984 in Canada. Founder Glenn Shamandy, Greg Shamandy. Market leader in the world. We represent this brand in Ukraine. Direct deliveries from a warehouse in Europe.
Gildan with logo in Kyiv / ProGifts.com.ua
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20749
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T-shirt Softstyle 153
161.45 UAH
Out of stock
From: 3000.00 UAH
Min.: 20 pcs.
Material
100% Cotton
5932
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Polo SoftStyle 177
341.
50 UAH
Out of stock
From: 3000.00 UAH
Min.: 20 pcs.
Material
100% Cotton
775
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Raglan Heavy Blend 271
540.14 UAH
Out of stock
From: 3000.00 UAH
Min.: 5 pcs.
Material
50% polyester, 50% cotton
1931
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Polo PREMIUM Cotton 223
418.50 UAH
Out of stock
From: 3000.00 UAH
Min.: 20 pcs.
Material
100% Cotton
918
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Raglan Hammer 280
764.09 UAH
Out of stock
From: 3000.00 UAH
Min.
: 5 pcs.
Material
Microfleece
Gildan is a Canadian brand with worldwide popularity
Gildan is a clothing manufacturer known in 55 countries. The company specializes in the production of casual clothing for the whole family, as well as products for active sports. The company has become famous for its vertically integrated approach to work. This means that the control of the production of products begins at the stage of spinning the fabric and ends with its distribution. Products of TM “Gildan” are perfect for applying a logo, inscription, drawing, it can become a corporate gift or promotional item.
From a family business to a major corporation
The brand started its journey in 1946. At first it was a small production, but in a short time it has grown into the largest clothing manufacturer in the world market. All kinds of t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos and sweatshirts are available in different colors and sizes. They are based on high-quality material, which is made here.
The color palette of shades is constantly expanding. All products are developed in accordance with the highest quality standards, controlled at every stage of production.
In 2020, the brand entered the TOP of sustainable managed brands in the world. This has been made possible by environmental, social and governance principles. Today, T-shirts (fitted and free cut), men’s and women’s polo shirts, fleece with a zipper, with a hood of various densities and colors, children’s clothing for application are available.
Branding method will differ depending on the selected product. A cotton t-shirt can be printed with a logo by pad printing or silk screen printing. For warm fleece-based clothing, embroidery is suitable. On the polo in any convenient place, you can put a logo or company name in any of the above ways. No matter what product you choose to apply, it will be a useful corporate gift and an effective way to promote your brand.
Features of selection and ordering
To order products of TM “Gildan” on our website, you can use the request form, call us directly or send a letter to the mailbox.