Choosing between Gildan Activewear Inc. and Comfort Colors isn’t just about picking a T-shirt , it’s about balancing price, durability, and style. In this blog, we’ll compare these two leading blank apparel brands across fabric quality, garment-dyed finishes, print clarity, bulk pricing, and eco-friendly practices. Whether you’re shopping for bulk custom merch or a stylish everyday tee, this guide will help you decide which brand truly fits your needs.
The T-shirt Dilemma Every Shopper Faces
Buying a blank T-shirt seems simple, right? Until you realize the fabric feels different, some shrink in the wash, and others just don’t last. If you’ve ever shopped for wholesale apparel in the USA, you’ve likely seen two names again and again: Gildan Activewear Inc. and Comfort Colors.
But here’s the real question: Which brand gives you better value , Gildan or Comfort Colors?
According to Aus Pos E-commerce Report. “50% of Gen Z and Millennials browse clothing online among 80% of them order them online.” That’s exactly why this comparison matters.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this blog, you’ll know:
- The difference between heavyweight vs lightweight T-shirts and why fabric weight matters.
- How ring-spun cotton, garment-dyed, and preshrunk cotton affect softness and shrinkage.
- Why bulk pricing and MOQ make Gildan a go-to for events and businesses.
- What makes Comfort Colors’ vintage washed look and muted tones unique.
- Which brand is better for screen printing, DTG printing, and resale.
What You Need to Know About Gildan and Comfort Colors
What is Gildan Known For?
Gildan Activewear Inc. has become a household name in wholesale apparel USA. The brand is often associated with affordability, blank T-shirts for resale, and strong ink adhesion for custom merch.
- Fabric & Fit: Options include Gildan Heavy Cotton, Ultra Cotton, and DryBlend. These range from heavyweight to lightweight T-shirts.
- Fabric Weight: Many styles are 5.3 oz : 6.1 oz, a sweet spot for durability.
- Colors: Wide color palette and consistent dye lots , perfect for screen printing and DTG printing.
- Price Point: Competitive bulk pricing / low MOQs.
- Best For: Blank shirts for custom merch, uniforms, and resale businesses.
Why Do People Love Comfort Colors?
Comfort Colors, a Delta Apparel brand, is famous for garment-dyed and pigment-dyed tees that create a soft hand feel and vintage aesthetic.
- Fabric & Fit: Made from ring-spun, preshrunk cotton for softness.
- Colors: Known for muted tones, dye-lot consistency, and distressed looks.
- Price Point: Premium pricing, marketed as lifestyle fashion.
- Best For: Streetwear, casual fashion, and premium apparel blanks.
Real World Scenarios
When to Choose Gildan:
Opt for Gildan when you require a large quantity of custom shirts, particularly for occasions like school events, fundraisers, or corporate gatherings where you need 200 or more items. Gildan stands out for its impressive durability, ensuring that the shirts can withstand frequent wear and washing without losing their shape or vibrancy. Additionally, their pricing structure allows for significant savings on bulk orders, making it an economical choice. With Gildan, you can also expect superior print clarity, allowing your designs and logos to be displayed with sharpness and precision.
When to Choose Comfort Colors:
Select Comfort Colors if you’re in search of a relaxed, eco-friendly option that embodies a vintage aesthetic. These shirts undergo a unique garment-dyeing process that gives them a soft, washed look and feel, perfect for those who appreciate a more casual style that exudes timelessness. The fabric is treated to ensure lasting color retention and comfort over the years, making it an ideal choice for those who want their shirts to be stylish yet sustainable.
Gildan vs Comfort Colors: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gildan (Standard Blank T-shirt) | Comfort Colors (Premium Cotton T-shirt) |
| Average Price | $2:$5 (bulk pricing) | $8:$15 (retail premium) |
| Fabric Quality | 100% cotton or cotton-poly blend | Ring-spun 100% cotton |
| Fabric Weight | 5.3:6.1 oz | 6.1 oz heavyweight |
| Style | Basic, customizable | Vintage washed look, muted tones |
| Print Quality | Excellent ink adhesion & clarity | Best for distressed / lifestyle prints |
| Shrinkage | Some shrinkage (if not pre-shrunk) | Pre-washed & preshrunk cotton |
| Durability | High, but may fade over time | Long-lasting colorfastness |
| Eco Practices | Energy-efficient, sustainability reports | Eco-friendly dye process, reduced water waste |
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Purpose: Screen printing vs lifestyle wear.
- Fabric Choice: Cotton-poly blend vs 100% cotton.
- Colors: Wide color palette vs muted tones.
- Shrinkage: Check if labeled preshrunk cotton.
Note: Colors may appear differently under studio lighting.
Bonus Point: Comfort Colors’ pre-wash and dye process means no two shirts are exactly alike.
Popular Comparisons Shoppers Ask About
When it comes to choosing between these two brands, many buyers dive into specific matchups:
- Gildan Softstyle vs Comfort Colors : Softstyle offers a smoother, modern fit while Comfort Colors is known for its heavyweight garment-dyed softness.
- Comfort Colors pigment dyed vs Gildan : If you want a vintage washed, pigment-dyed look, Comfort Colors wins, while Gildan provides affordability and a wider color palette.
- Compare Comfort Colors 1717 vs Gildan 2000 : Comfort Colors 1717 is a heavyweight 6.1 oz tee with a relaxed, broken-in feel, while the Gildan 2000 is a durable, versatile option widely used for bulk printing.
- Fade resistance : Gildan focuses on durability and print clarity with strong fade resistance, while Comfort Colors emphasizes long-lasting colorfastness from its eco-friendly dye process.
- Best blank T-shirt Gildan or Comfort Colors? : It depends: Gildan is best for budget-friendly, large-scale printing projects, while Comfort Colors is the go-to for premium lifestyle apparel.
Fashion Quote to Remember
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” , Bill Cunningham
Eco-Friendly Practices Matter
Gildan Activewear Inc.: Acclaimed for its unwavering dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, the organization boasts cutting-edge energy-efficient facilities designed to reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental stewardship. Utilizing advanced technology, these facilities incorporate solar panels that harness the sun’s energy, smart lighting systems that adjust based on occupancy, and high-performance insulation to maintain optimal temperatures while using minimal energy. Every aspect of the design reflects a commitment to preserving the planet, from rainwater harvesting systems that recycle water for landscaping to eco-friendly materials sourced responsibly. This holistic approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry, inspiring a collective movement towards a greener future.
Comfort Colors: The garments are created using sustainable practices, employing eco-friendly dyeing techniques that minimize water usage. This innovative low-water dye process ensures vibrant colors while conserving precious resources, making it an environmentally-conscious choice for those who care about sustainable fashion. Each piece of apparel is carefully dyed to achieve a unique, garment-dyed finish that enhances its character and appeal.
Disclaimer
This comparison is based on general product features and consumer reviews. Experience may vary depending on washing methods and availability.
Final Action : Your Next Step
So, which side of the Gildan vs Comfort Colors debate do you fall on?
- For budget-friendly blank T-shirts, shop the Gildan Activewear Inc. collection at Ustradeent.com.
- For premium softness and vintage garment-dyed colors, explore Comfort Colors at Ustradeent.com.
- Looking for more? Discover our Blank Apparel Category to browse bulk options.
Either way, you’ll find high-quality apparel blanks that match your lifestyle, budget, and printing needs.
👉 Start your next style journey with Ustradeent Home and shop the latest wholesale apparel collections.
Not much. They’re pre-shrunk during garment-dyeing.
Yes. Gildan is one of the most recommended brands for screen printing and embroidery.
Because of their ringspun cotton, garment-dye process, and lifestyle branding.
Yes. Gildan uses sustainable manufacturing and eco-friendly production processes.
Yes, pair with jeans or chinos for a smart casual look.
