Our Honest Take on Gildan (2026)
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Xcel Print & Promotions team
Published: 22 September 2026
Gildan is the default for printed t-shirts for a reason: huge colour choice, low prices and fabrics built for decoration. It is one of the most printed brands in the world, and we put a lot of it through our own presses. Here is our honest take on when Gildan is the right call and when it is not.
Where Gildan does well
- Price at volume. For event tees, giveaways and big team orders, Gildan is consistently among the cheapest routes to a decent printed shirt.
- Colour range. Few brands come close on colour choice, which matters when your logo needs a very specific shade behind it.
- Built for printing. The classic heavy cotton tees give a smooth, reliable print surface, and results are consistent batch to batch.
- Sweats and hoodies too. The heavy blend range does the same job for hoodies: affordable, printable, dependable.
Where Gildan falls short
- Boxy classic fits. The traditional lines run roomy. Softstyle helps, but for a slim retail fit look at Bella+Canvas or Stanley/Stella.
- Cotton shrinkage. The 100% cotton classics can shrink a touch on hot washes. Sizing up or warning the team avoids surprises.
- Not premium. For customer-facing uniforms where feel matters, spend a little more. Gildan is workhorse kit, not luxury.
Gildan vs the competition
Against Fruit of the Loom, it is largely a coin toss on price with Gildan edging colour range. Against Uneek, Gildan is cut for casual wear rather than work, so trades often prefer Uneek polos with Gildan tees for summer. Against Bella+Canvas, Gildan loses on softness and fit but wins comfortably on price.
Who should buy Gildan?
Events, charities, promo campaigns, leavers hoodies and any business that needs a lot of printed shirts without a big budget. See the full Gildan range, or jump straight to custom t-shirts to get your logo on them with no minimum order.
FAQs
Is Gildan a good brand for printed t-shirts?
Yes. Gildan is one of the most printed brands in the world because it combines low prices, a huge colour range and fabrics that print consistently well. Fits are roomier than retail fashion brands.
Does Gildan shrink?
The 100% cotton classic tees can shrink slightly on hot washes. Washing cool or sizing up avoids issues, and the blended sweats are more stable.
What is the difference between Gildan Heavy Cotton and Softstyle?
Heavy Cotton is the boxier, heavier workhorse tee. Softstyle is lighter with a more modern fit and softer feel, sitting closer to retail brands while staying affordable.
Is Gildan cheaper than Fruit of the Loom?
They sit in the same value bracket and trade blows depending on the garment. Gildan typically offers more colour options; on price it is usually a near tie.
Written by Andy · Founder, Xcel Print & Promotions
Xcel Print & Promotions is a family-run UK workwear, branded-clothing and print company with over 20 years' experience. We embroider and print in-house from our base in Haverhill, Suffolk, with no minimum order, so this advice comes from kitting out real teams every working day, from single tradespeople to large sites and schools.
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