When choosing blank apparel for custom printing, reliability matters just as much as price. Two brands dominate this space for printers, businesses, and organizations: Gildan and Hanes.

Both offer a wide range of blank t-shirts designed for decoration, but they approach fabric, construction, and value differently. Rather than focusing on hype or brand loyalty, this guide breaks down how these shirts actually perform when used for custom apparel.

This comparison focuses on budget, standard, and mid-range blank, the shirts most often used for bulk orders, promotional apparel, and branded merchandise. While premium retail blanks are growing in popularity, these categories still represent the core of most custom printing projects.

We’ll evaluate Gildan and Hanes in the following categories:

Standard T-Shirts
Premium Cotton T-Shirts
Semi-Fitted / Fashion T-Shirts
Budget T-Shirts
50/50 Cotton-Poly Blend T-Shirts
Performance T-Shirts
50/50 Blend Polo Shirts

Brand Overview: Gildan vs Hanes

Gildan

Gildan is widely used in the promotional and wholesale apparel industry. Its production model emphasizes consistency, scale, and cost control, which makes the brand especially attractive for large orders and repeat runs.

For printers, Gildan’s appeal comes from:

Predictable sizing across styles
Large color and size availability
Structured fabrics that tolerate heat and pressure well

These traits make Gildan a dependable option for high-volume printing and event apparel.

Hanes

Hanes brings a longer consumer-facing history into the blank apparel space. While still widely used for promotions, Hanes places more emphasis on comfort, fabric softness, and wearability.

For printers and brands, Hanes is often chosen when:

Garments are intended for resale or daily wear
A softer hand feel is preferred
Sustainability or recycled materials matter

Category-by-Category Comparison

1. Standard T-Shirts (Gildan G200 vs Hanes 5250T)

Best used for: general-purpose printing, organizations, uniforms

Standard cotton tees are the workhorses of custom apparel. They’re commonly used for schools, businesses, and repeat orders because they balance durability, cost, and consistent print results.

How they compare:

Both are 100% cotton with a classic, traditional fit
Gildan G200 Ultra Cotton uses heavier, more structured fabric
Hanes 5250T Authentic-T feels slightly smoother out of the box
Both are available in extended sizes

Printing note:
The G200 handles DTF heat and pressure more forgivingly, especially during long runs and re-presses.

Best choice for most printers: Gildan G200

2. Premium Cotton T-Shirts (Gildan Hammer vs Hanes Beefy-T)

Best used for: branded merchandise, higher-end promotions

Premium cotton shirts typically use ringspun cotton, which creates a smoother print surface and a softer feel.

How they compare:

Both use ringspun cotton for improved comfort and print clarity
Hanes Beefy-T 5180 offers a softer hand feel and more color options
Gildan Hammer H000 feels firmer and slightly more structured

Printing note:
Ringspun cotton produces excellent DTF detail, but softer fabrics require controlled heat to avoid press marks.

Best choice: Hanes Beefy-T 5180

3. Semi-Fitted / Fashion T-Shirts (Gildan SoftStyle vs Hanes Perfect-T)

Best used for: retail-style apparel, online stores

These shirts use lighter fabric and a more modern cut, making them popular for fashion-forward brands and POD shops.

How they compare:

Both are lightweight ringspun cotton tees
Gildan SoftStyle G640 offers more color flexibility
Hanes Perfect-T 4980 provides a smoother surface and cleaner fit

Printing note:
Lighter fabrics print well with DTF but show press marks if overheated.

Best choice: Hanes Perfect-T 4980

4. Budget T-Shirts (Gildan G500 vs Hanes ComfortSoft)

Best used for: giveaways, fundraisers, large events

Budget shirts prioritize affordability while remaining print-compatible.

How they compare:

Both are mid-weight 100% cotton
Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton offers better availability and color range
Hanes ComfortSoft 5280 feels slightly softer but has fewer options

Printing note:
The heavier cotton on the G500 accepts DTF adhesive powder very consistently.

Best choice: Gildan G500

5. 50/50 Cotton-Poly Blend T-Shirts (Gildan DryBlend vs Hanes EcoSmart)

Best used for: workwear, easy-care apparel

Blended shirts resist wrinkles and dry faster than 100% cotton.

How they compare:

Gildan DryBlend G800 is slightly heavier and more structured
Hanes EcoSmart 5170 emphasizes sustainability and recycled materials

Printing note:
Blends print best at slightly lower temperatures to prevent dye migration.

Best choice: Gildan DryBlend G800

6. Performance T-Shirts (Gildan G420 vs Hanes Cool DRI)

Best used for: sports, outdoor events, activewear

Performance tees are made from polyester and designed for moisture management.

How they compare:

Both are moisture-wicking polyester shirts
Gildan G420 Performance has a softer, jersey-like feel
Hanes Cool DRI 4820 includes extra features but costs more

Printing note:
Polyester requires precise curing for DTF transfers to ensure long-term adhesion.

Best choice: Gildan G420

7. 50/50 Blend Polo Shirts (Gildan G880 vs Hanes EcoSmart Polo)

Best used for: corporate apparel, professional uniforms

Polos need to balance comfort, structure, and appearance.

How they compare:

Gildan G880 Jersey Polo is heavier and more traditional
Hanes EcoSmart 054 Polo is lighter and more budget-friendly

Printing note:
DTF works best on polos with smaller logo placements and moderate pressure.

Best choice: Hanes EcoSmart 054 Polo

Summary: How the Brands Compare

Category	Better Choice
Standard T-Shirts	Gildan
Premium Cotton	Hanes
Semi-Fitted Styles	Hanes
Budget T-Shirts	Gildan
50/50 Blend Tees	Gildan
Performance Tees	Gildan
50/50 Blend Polos	Hanes

How Gildan Compares to Other Popular Blank T-Shirt Brands

While this guide focuses on Gildan vs Hanes, many printers also compare Gildan to more fashion-forward blanks depending on the project. One of the most common alternatives is Next Level Apparel, which is known for its softer fabrics and modern retail fit.

If you’re deciding between durability and cost efficiency versus premium feel and style, our detailed Gildan vs Next Level Apparel comparison breaks down fabric quality, fit, and print performance to help you choose the right blank for your needs.

Final Takeaway

Gildan and Hanes both produce dependable blank apparel, but they excel in different situations:

Gildan is ideal for cost efficiency, bulk orders, and operational consistency
Hanes is better suited for comfort-focused garments and retail-style apparel

The best choice depends on how the shirt will be worn, sold, and printed, not just the brand name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand is better for DTF printing, Gildan or Hanes?

Both brands work well for DTF printing. Gildan is often preferred for bulk DTF jobs because its shirts handle heat and pressure more consistently. Hanes performs very well too, especially on softer, retail-style garments, but may require slightly more controlled pressing.

Is Gildan or Hanes better for bulk orders?

Gildan is usually the better choice for bulk orders due to its lower cost per unit, wide color availability, and consistent stock levels. This makes it ideal for uniforms, schools, events, and large promotional runs.

Which brand feels softer, Gildan or Hanes?

Hanes generally feels softer, especially in premium and semi-fitted styles. Gildan shirts feel more structured, which many printers prefer for durability and repeat printing.

Do Gildan or Hanes shirts shrink more after washing?

Both brands perform similarly when washed and dried properly. Heavier cotton Gildan styles tend to hold their shape slightly better over time, while softer Hanes styles benefit from gentler washing and lower heat drying.

Are Hanes shirts better for retail or resale?

Yes. Hanes is often chosen for retail and resale projects because of its softer hand feel and everyday comfort, making it popular for direct-to-consumer brands.

Which brand is more affordable, Gildan or Hanes?

Gildan is generally more affordable, especially in standard and budget categories. That’s why it’s widely used for promotional apparel and high-volume printing.

Can I use both Gildan and Hanes for screen printing and heat transfers?

Yes. Both brands work well for screen printing, heat transfers, and DTF printing. The key is choosing the right shirt style and adjusting heat and pressure settings as needed.

Which brand is better for beginners in custom printing?

Gildan is often easier for beginners because its fabrics are more forgiving during pressing and re-pressing. This makes it a safer option when learning DTF or heat transfer printing.

Does fabric type matter more than brand when choosing a shirt?

Yes. Fabric type, weight, and construction usually matter more than the brand name. Both Gildan and Hanes offer excellent options—the best choice dep