Gildan vs Fruit of the Loom: Which Blank T-Shirt Brand Is Best for Printing?
When it comes to blank T-shirts, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom are two of the most recognised names in the UK print and embroidery industry. Both brands have earned loyal followings among printers, schools, charities and trade buyers — but which one is right for your next project?
In this guide, we’ll compare Gildan vs Fruit of the Loom across price, quality, fit and printing performance to help you make an informed choice.
1. Brand Overview
Gildan
Canadian-based manufacturer known for value and consistency.
Offers one of the widest ranges of blank apparel in the world.
Popular with screen printers and promotional companies for bulk orders.
Fruit of the Loom
A long-established US brand with decades of reputation in everyday wear.
Focuses on soft cotton fabrics and comfortable fits.
Especially popular in education and workwear sectors.
Both brands offer excellent print-ready garments, but they target slightly different priorities.
2. Fabric & Feel
| Feature | Gildan | Fruit of the Loom |
| Fabric Weight | 150–200gsm options | 135–195gsm options |
| Materials | Ringspun & open-end cotton | Softer cotton blends |
| Touch | Slightly thicker, structured feel | TouchSmooth, everyday softness |
If you want a durable, slightly heavier shirt that holds shape well after printing, Gildan is ideal.
For a light, comfortable tee suitable for casual wear or school events, Fruit of the Loom wins on softness.
3. Print & Embroidery Results
Both brands work great for screen printing, DTF, and embroidery, but with subtle differences:
Gildan Ultra Cotton (2000) gives a crisp print finish, making it perfect for bold logos.
Fruit of the Loom Valueweight handles detailed prints well but offers a lighter base for summer or charity events.
For embroidery, Gildan’s tighter weave gives slightly cleaner stitching.
Try: Gildan Ultra Cotton™ Adult T-Shirt (2000)
Or: Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T-Shirt
4. Price & Bulk Ordering
Gildan is generally the more cost-effective option for bulk buyers.
Fruit of the Loom offers competitive pricing but often comes at a small premium for its name recognition and comfort.
If you’re ordering for promotional giveaways, charities, or large events Gildan’s value is hard to beat.
For corporate or retail use, Fruit of the Loom provides a slightly more polished retail finish.
5. Range & Colours
Both brands offer a huge selection of colours and sizes, including ladies’ and kids’ fits.
Gildan: over 50 colours in popular styles like Heavy Cotton, Softstyle, and Ultra Cotton.
Fruit of the Loom: 30+ colours with a focus on core shades and smooth fabric finishes.
If you want the widest choice for print campaigns, Gildan takes the lead.
6. The Verdict
Lowest cost per unit – Gildan
Soft, comfortable feel – Fruit of the Loom
Sharp print results – Gildan
Lightweight summer or school wear – Fruit of the Loom
Heavy-duty workwear – Gildan
✨ Final Thoughts
Both Gildan and Fruit of the Loom deliver dependable quality for bulk printing and embroidery projects. Your choice depends on your priorities — cost and durability (Gildan) or comfort and softness (Fruit of the Loom).
At T-ShirtsDirect.co.uk we stock a wide range from both brands with bulk discounts, fast UK delivery, and full print & embroidery services.
Browse our collections today: