Gildan were founded in 1984 in Quebec, Canada, and by 2001 had become the number one distributor of cotton T-shirts in the US. In recent years Gildan have become more prominent in Europe and today, with over 50,000 employees, they are one of the world's leading wholesale manufacturers of T-shirts and activewear for the garment printing and embroidery industry.

Gildan products are split into different styles based on the fabrics used in construction:

Key Features:

• Fabric:  Lightweight, ring-spun cotton which is a type of cotton yarn made through a spinning process that twists and thins the cotton fibers, making them stronger, finer, and softer than regular (open-end) cotton

• Feel & Fit:  Made with a "Euro” or modern classic fit—sleeker shoulders and sleeves - some wearers like to size up for a looser fit. Available in unisex, ladies’, youth sizes from S through at least 3XL or even 5XL 

• Sizes:  Available in unisex, ladies’ and youth sizes from S through to 5XL (depending on colour)

Durable, midweight T-shirts made for everyday wear and custom printing. Known for its sturdiness, classic fit and excellent printability, making it a go-to choice for events, workwear, and promotional use.

Key Features:

• Fabric:  Typically made from 100% preshrunk cotton (some heather and specialty colours contain polyester blends). Weight: 180 g/m² – heavier than Softstyle, offering more structure

• Feel & Fit:  Classic fit with a boxier cut—looser around the body. Feels thicker and more substantial than lightweight tees. Slightly less soft than Softstyle due to open-end cotton yarn

• Perfect for:   screen printing, heat transfer, and DTG. Great for team uniforms, giveaways, schools, and everyday wear

• Sizes:  Available in unisex, ladies’ and youth sizes from S through to 5XL (depending on colour)

• Fabric:  100% preshrunk cotton (heather colours include polyester blends), Gildan Light Cotton T-Shirts feature a light-to-midweight fabric at 145-150 gsm

• Feel & Fit:  the material offers a soft, breathable feel ideal for warm climates or layering. A tubular body (no side seams) gives a smooth printing surface and a clean fit

• Perfect For:  the smooth cotton surface works well for screen-printing and making them popular for events, merch, and promotions without breaking the budget

Gildan Heavy Blend is a popular line of midweight, durable apparel known for its blend of comfort, warmth, and value—most notably in hoodies, sweatshirts, and sweatpants.

Key Features:

• Fabric:  50/50 cotton-polyester blend, Gildan Heavy Blend garments offer the softness of cotton with the durability and moisture-wicking properties of polyester. The air jet yarn process gives the fabric a softer feel and helps reduce pilling over time

• Feel & Fit:  a classic fit that provides roomy comfort without being overly baggy

• Perfect For:   casual wear, school leavers’ hoodies, team kits or merch

• Sizes:  Available in unisex, ladies’ and youth sizes from S through to 5XL (depending on colour)

Gildan's DryBlend® line is designed for active comfort, blending cotton softness with moisture-wicking performance. Available in T-shirts polos, sweatshirt and a hoodie.

Key Features:

• Fabric:   a 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend, Gildan DryBlend fabric offers the best of both worlds: breathable cotton comfort and the moisture control of polyester

• Feel & Fit:  engineered with DryBlend technology, which wicks sweat away from the skin to keep you feeling cooler and drier during activity

• Perfect For:   uniforms and PE, sports events, workwear or casual branded apparel Gildan DryBlend is a go-to for anyone needing a cool, quick-drying, low-maintenance garment that still looks sharp after multiple washes

• Sizes:  Available in unisex, ladies’ and youth sizes from S through to 5XL (depending on colour)