Gildan Vs. Fruit of the Loom: Who Makes the Best T-Shirt

by jacky chou
Updated on

To make printed t-shirts, you need to consider a few things. One of the things is the material quality of the t-shirts. Given Gildan vs. Fruit of the Loom, two of the most popular t-shirt printing brands, which one do you choose?

Choosing the right t-shirt brand is critical to the overall finish of your tees and how the print appears. Besides, keep in mind that these two brands offer something new to the table, from different fits to weights and print quality. Let's get to know each brand to determine who makes the best t-shirts.

What is Gildan

Gildan is a Canadian branded clothing company founded by Glenn and Greg Chamandy in 1984. The company specializes in manufacturing and distributing blank activewear like T-shirts, sports shirts, and fleece, which screen printing firms then decorate with designs and logos.

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Gildan also supplies branded and private-label sports, casual, and dress socks to retail companies in the US, including SilverToe, Auro, Gold Toe Brands, PowerSox, All-Pro, and the Gildan brand. Besides, the company also manufactures and distributes New Balance and Under Armour brand socks. This makes the company popular for producing high-quality, affordable garments for individuals and businesses.

  • Pros
  • The company offers a wide range of color options, with over sixty shades to choose from
  • The company provides a large selection of sizes, from XS to 5XL, and youth sizes.
  • A versatile brand that suits a wide range of individuals
  • The clothing is made from cotton, offering an ultra-soft and comfortable fit.
  • The Gildan shirt fabrics are pre-shrunk, so you don't have to worry about your t-shirts becoming unwearable after washing them.
  • Cons
  • Some t-shirt colors aren't 100% cotton but a cotton-polyester blend.
  • Gildan t-shirts are a bit liberal in size, so they run a little larger than standard t-shirt sizes.

What is Fruit of the Loom

Fruit of the Loom is an American clothing company specializing in manufacturing and distributing underwear, activewear, and casual wear for men, women, and children. The name Fruit of the Loom is derived from an old textile company in Rhode Island that made textiles and products such as bed sheets, curtains, and clothing items that used fruit-based themes in their branding. Besides, the company is known for producing high-quality, affordable clothes that are comfortable to wear.

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The company's headquarters is in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. Since 2002 Fruit of the Loom has been a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Products manufactured by Fruit of the Loom and through its subsidiaries include sports equipment (basketballs and softballs) and clothing (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, shorts, jackets, and lingerie) manufactured and sold by Spalding.

  • Pros
  • Fruit of the Loom t-shirts washes well without shrinking or fading.
  • T-shirts come in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL and kids' sizes.
  • T-shirts have a contemporary fit and are pleasant to wear, with breathability and softness that gives them a high-quality feel.
  • Fruit of the Loom offers a wide range of designs and material options, ranging from cotton blends to necklines and long-sleeved ones.
  • Cons
  • The Original t-shirt is only 135gsm for white and 145gsm for colored options, giving it a thinner feel.
  • The color options are narrower than with Gildan, with only 29 shades.

Gildan Vs. Fruit of the Loom: Who is Better?

Gildan and Fruit of the Loom manufacture quality t-shirts in various styles, sizes, and colors. Let’s compare the two brands.

1. Material

Gildan is known for its comfortable and durable cotton fabric. It offers a softer and more natural feel. On the other hand, Fruit of the Loom is known for its cotton/polyester blend fabric. It provides a slightly stiffer and more resilient material.

Gildan vs. Fruit of the Loom

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In terms of durability, both Gildan and Fruit of the Loom are highly durable and provide good value for the money. Besides, when it comes to breathability, Gildan’s fabric is more breathable than Fruit of the Loom’s, making it the better option for warmer climates.

2. Color Options

Both brands offer a variety of colors for their products. Gildan has over 60 color options for its t-shirts, including black, navy, royal blue, red, ash grey, and more. On the other hand, Fruit of the Loom has about 29 color options, including white, light blue, yellow, orange, green, and more.

T-shirts Color Options

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Though the availability of colors can vary depending on the specific design, they both have color shirts that go with any shoe color. However, we recommend checking both brands’ websites for the most up-to-date information on color options for specific products.

3. Size Options

Both brands offer a wide range of sizes for their t-shirts. They provide standard adult sizes such as small, medium, large, and extra-large and larger sizes like 2X, 3X, and 4X. Besides, Gildan also has youth sizes, while Fruit of the Loom has extended sizes such as big and tall.

Size Options

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The good thing is that they both offer a size chart on their website that you can use to find the right size for your needs. It’s crucial to note that the availability of sizes can vary depending on the specific design. It’s therefore wise to check the website of both brands for the most up-to-date information on size options for specific products.

4. Price

Gildan t-shirts are typically more affordable than Fruit of the Loom t-shirts. A standard Gildan t-shirt costs about $5, while a normal Fruit of the Loom t-shirt costs about $7. However, note that prices can vary depending on the style, quality, and how many t-shirts you want.

5. Quality

Both Gildan and Fruit of the Loom usually manufacture quality t-shirts. But generally, the quality of their t-shirts depends on the specific style and material used. And since both brands offer a range of designs and are made from different materials, we recommend researching the particular t-shirt to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money.

6. Customer Support

Both brands offer excellent customer service and warranties, so you can be sure to get support when you need it. Gildan has dedicated customer support that you can contact through phone, email, or online chat in case of any inquiries. They also offer live webinars and tutorials for their customers.

Conversely, Fruit of the Loom has customer support that you can contact through phone, email, or online chat. They also provide a live chat service for customers with questions.

7. Customer Reviews

Gildan is generally well-rated for the quality and durability of its t-shirts, with many customers noting that its t-shirts hold up well after washing severally. Customers have also praised the wide range of colors and sizes available. However, some customers have complained that the sizing is inconsistent.

Gildan Vs. Fruit of the Loom

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Conversely, Fruit of the Loom is known for its comfortable, with many customers praising the quality and classic fit of its t-shirts. Customers also praise the wide range of sizes available, including extended sizes. However, some customers have complained about the durability of the t-shirts.

It’s crucial, however, to keep in mind that customer satisfaction can vary depending on the specific product and style. We recommend checking customer reviews for specific products before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Regarding Gildan vs. Fruit of the Loom, both brands are known for their high-quality products and affordable prices. Besides, both brands have a good reputation for quality and durability. Gildan is perfect for those looking for a more affordable option, while Fruit of the Loom shirts offers a high-quality feel. Ultimately, deciding who makes the best t-shirts depends on personal preference and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gildan Vs. Fruit of the Loom

1. Why is Gildan Popular?

Gildan t-shirts are well-known for their smooth texture and comfort, making them the best option for work, play, or promotion. Besides, Gildan always provides comfortable, breathable shirts that you can wear anywhere and anytime.

2. Is Fruit of the Loom of High Quality?

Fruit of the Loom offers good quality control, so you won’t have to deal with excessive shrinking, staining, pilling, or other common issues associated with low-quality textiles. Their fabric standards are reasonable, resulting in clothing that is reasonably durable.

3. Is Gildan Ultra Cotton or Heavy Cotton Better?

 Heavy Cotton’s 5.3 oz. weight is lighter than Ultra Cotton’s 6.0 oz. weight. Because the cotton is thicker, heavier, and spun tighter, Ultra Cotton is a bit softer. Their labels are different, too; Heavy Cotton features tear-away labels, while Ultra Cotton has satin labels.

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jacky chou

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