Comfort Colors vs Gildan T-Shirts: Which Brand Should You Choose?

Every year, thousands of businesses, print shops, and clothing brands face the same question: Comfort Colors or Gildan? Both brands dominate the wholesale blank apparel market, and choosing the wrong one can cost you money, hurt your print quality, or leave your customers underwhelmed.

Comfort Colors and Gildan are two of the most recognized names in blank apparel. You will find them across casual clothing lines, custom printing shops, promotional merchandise campaigns, and retail clothing brands. They both offer solid quality at competitive prices, but they serve very different needs.

Let’s break down everything you need to know, including fabric quality, printing compatibility, sizing and fit, price differences, product variety, and best-selling styles, so you can make the right call for your business or personal wardrobe.

Are Comfort Colors and Gildan the Same Company?

Yes, Comfort Colors and Gildan are connected, but they operate as separate product lines with distinct identities. Understanding their relationship helps explain why they feel and perform so differently.

History of Gildan

Gildan was founded in Canada in 1984 and grew into one of the largest blank apparel manufacturers in the world. The company built its reputation on affordable, consistent wholesale clothing. Today, Gildan operates large-scale manufacturing facilities across Central America, Bangladesh, and other regions, which allows the brand to keep prices low while producing massive volumes. Gildan supplies blank apparel to screen printers, promotional product companies, and retailers worldwide.

History of Comfort Colors

Comfort Colors is a US-based brand that made its name with garment-dyed apparel. The brand became famous for its soft, lived-in feel and vintage-inspired color palette. Unlike mass-produced basics, Comfort Colors built a following among consumers who wanted something that looked and felt broken-in right out of the bag. The brand positioned itself as a premium casual option and gained strong traction in college markets, resort towns, and fashion-forward retail.

Gildan Acquired Comfort Colors in 2015

Gildan acquired Comfort Colors in 2015. Despite the acquisition, Comfort Colors continues to operate as its own separate product line with its own manufacturing process, fabric standards, and brand identity. Gildan did not fold Comfort Colors into its standard lineup. The two brands coexist under the same corporate parent but target very different buyers.

They share the same parent company but have completely different fabric feel, pricing structures, and target audiences. Buying Comfort Colors is not the same as buying Gildan.

Comfort Colors vs Gildan T-Shirts: Key Differences

Here is a side-by-side snapshot of how the two brands compare across the most important factors.

Fabric Comparison

What Fabric Is Used in Comfort Colors?

Comfort Colors shirts are made from 100% ring-spun cotton. Ring-spun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning the cotton fibers into a strong, fine yarn. This process produces a smoother, softer fabric than standard open-end spun cotton.

What sets Comfort Colors apart is the garment-dye process. Rather than dyeing the fabric before cutting and sewing, Comfort Colors first assembles the shirt, then dyes the entire finished garment. This technique gives each shirt a slightly uneven, naturally faded look. It also makes the fabric softer from the start. The shirts arrive with a pre-washed, worn-in feel that gets even better after a few washes.

Comfort Colors shirts typically weigh around 6.1 oz per square yard, which puts them on the heavier end of the t-shirt spectrum. The thicker fabric gives them a more substantial feel and contributes to their durability over time.

What Fabric Is Used in Gildan?

Gildan offers a wide range of fabrics depending on the product line you choose. The main options include:

•  100% ultra cotton: heavier, classic feel, used in the popular 2000 Ultra Cotton line

•  100% ring-spun cotton: softer option, used in premium lines like the Softstyle 64000

•  Cotton/polyester blends: used in performance and DryBlend styles for moisture management

•  Tri-blends: cotton, polyester, and rayon mix for a softer, more vintage-inspired feel

Gildan fabric weights vary by style. The Heavy Cotton line runs around 5.3 oz, the Softstyle runs around 4.5 oz, and the Ultra Cotton runs about 6.0 oz. This range gives buyers flexibility depending on the application.

Which Brand Uses Higher Quality Cotton?

Comfort Colors uses higher-quality ring-spun cotton as a baseline across its entire lineup, paired with a garment-dye process that adds softness and texture. The result is a shirt that feels premium right out of the package.

Gildan covers a wider spectrum. Budget-friendly options like the Heavy Cotton 5000 use standard cotton that is solid but not as soft. Premium lines like the Softstyle 64000 come closer to the Comfort Colors experience with ring-spun cotton at a lower price point.

Comfort Colors wins on consistent softness and fabric quality. Gildan wins on range and affordability. If softness is the priority, go with Comfort Colors. If you need flexibility across budgets and fabric types, Gildan gives you more options.

Printing Performance: Comfort Colors vs Gildan

One of the most common reasons people compare Comfort Colors vs Gildan is to figure out which brand works better for custom printing. Both brands support all major printing methods, but fabric texture and dyeing process affect the results in different ways.

Screen Printing

Gildan is the go-to choice for bulk screen printing. The smooth, consistent cotton surface accepts ink evenly, and the predictable fabric construction makes it easy to run large print runs without adjusting setups. Print shops love Gildan for production efficiency.

Comfort Colors works well for screen printing, too, but the garment-dyed surface is slightly more textured and uneven. Printers sometimes need to adjust ink opacity to achieve consistent coverage. The vintage base colors also influence how printed colors appear on the final shirt.

DTG Printing

DTG (direct-to-garment) printing works well on both brands, but Gildan is the more consistent choice for print-on-demand businesses. The smooth, pre-treated cotton surface absorbs DTG inks efficiently with minimal preparation.

Comfort Colors can work with DTG printing, but typically requires extra pre-treatment to get strong, vivid results. The vintage dye process means base colors are not always bright white or pure, which can reduce the vibrancy of printed designs.

Heat Transfer and DTF Printing

Both Comfort Colors and Gildan support DTF (direct-to-film) printing, heat transfer vinyl, and sublimation. Note that sublimation works best on polyester-blend fabrics, so it is most effective on Gildan's poly-blend styles rather than the 100% cotton options from either brand.

Which Brand Is Better for Printing?

Gildan vs Comfort Colors Sizing

Sizing is one of the most noticeable differences between these two brands. Getting the fit right matters whether you are ordering for retail, custom printing, or personal wear.

Comfort Colors Fit

Comfort Colors shirts run with a relaxed fit that feels slightly oversized compared to standard t-shirts. The thicker, heavier cotton adds to the boxy, lived-in silhouette that the brand is known for. If you wear a medium in most shirts, you may prefer a small in Comfort Colors if you want a slimmer look, or stay with a medium if you like the relaxed feel.

View Comfort Colors Size Chart

Gildan Fit

Gildan shirts follow a classic fit with structured, consistent sizing. The measurements are predictable across production runs, which makes Gildan reliable for bulk orders where fit consistency is critical. Gildan sizing aligns closely with standard t-shirt sizing expectations.

View Gildan Size Chart

Sizing Comparison

Comfort Colors vs Gildan Price Comparison

Price is one of the biggest factors separating these two brands, and understanding why the difference exists helps you decide which one fits your budget and business model.

Comfort Colors costs more because of the garment-dye process, heavier ring-spun cotton fabric, and the premium positioning of the brand. Each shirt goes through extra production steps that standard basics skip. That higher cost translates into a shirt that commands a higher retail price and appeals to customers willing to pay more for a better-feeling product.

Gildan keeps prices low through mass production at scale, standardized manufacturing processes, and efficient supply chains. The brand sacrifices some softness and premium appeal in exchange for accessibility and volume pricing.

Note: Prices vary by color, size, and order quantity. Always check the current wholesale pricing at your supplier for accurate figures.

Shrinkage and Durability

How a shirt holds up after repeated washing is just as important as how it looks on day one.

Comfort Colors

Comfort Colors shirts go through a pre-wash process as part of the garment-dye technique. This pre-washing shrinks the fabric before it reaches you, which means the shirt experiences minimal additional shrinkage after purchase. The heavier ring-spun cotton also holds its shape well over many wash cycles. Comfort Colors shirts tend to maintain their feel and color for a long time when washed in cold water.

Gildan

Gildan cotton shirts can shrink slightly, especially on the first few washes. The 100% cotton options, like the Heavy Cotton 5000, are more prone to shrinkage than the blended styles. Gildan's cotton/polyester blends shrink less because polyester does not contract the way natural cotton does. Durability across Gildan's lineup is solid for the price point, though the fabric does not feel as premium after extended washing as Comfort Colors.

Which Brand Has More Style Variations?

Gildan has a significantly larger product catalog. The brand covers almost every blank apparel category, including t-shirts, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies, performance shirts, tank tops, youth apparel, and activewear. If you need a complete wholesale wardrobe from a single brand, Gildan can likely fill every slot.

Comfort Colors focuses primarily on garment-dyed cotton apparel. The catalog is smaller but highly curated. The brand specializes in what it does well: soft, vintage-feel cotton basics with a distinctive color palette. If your business centers on that specific aesthetic, Comfort Colors has exactly what you need.

Top 5 Best-Selling Products from Gildan

50% Available up to size 5XL Gildan 8000 DryBlend T-Shirt (18) $6.1 $3.02 41 colors 47% Available up to size 5XL Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt (15) $20.6 $10.75 44 colors 49% Available up to size 5XL Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt (15) $15.14 $7.68 38 colors 45% Available up to size 5XL Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt (20) $5.12 $2.78 78 colors 43% Available up to size 5XL Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt (4) $6.1 $3.45 68 colors

1. Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt

The Gildan 5000 is one of the best-selling blank t-shirts in the world. It uses 100% preshrunk cotton at 5.3 oz and comes in over 60 colors. The fabric is smooth and consistent, making it a top pick for screen printing and promotional merchandise. It offers excellent value for bulk buyers.

2. Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hoodie

The Gildan 18500 is a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend hoodie that weighs 8.0 oz. It has a double-lined hood, a front pouch pocket, and ribbed cuffs and waistband. It is the most widely used blank hoodie for custom printing and is available in a huge range of colors and sizes.

3. Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt

The Softstyle 64000 uses ring-spun cotton at 4.5 oz for a noticeably softer feel than the standard Heavy Cotton. It has a semi-fitted cut and taped neck and shoulders. This is Gildan's premium everyday tee and works well for retail-quality custom apparel at a budget price.

4. Gildan 8000 DryBlend Performance T-Shirt

The DryBlend 8000 is a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend that uses moisture-wicking technology to keep wearers dry. It weighs 4.7 oz and is designed for athletic and outdoor use. It supports sublimation printing and is popular for sports teams, events, and activewear brands.

5. Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt

The 18000 crewneck is an 8.0 oz fleece sweatshirt in a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend. It has a double-needle stitched collar and a quarter-turned body to eliminate the center crease. A reliable choice for bulk custom sweatshirt orders.

Top 5 Best-Selling Products from Comfort Colors

43%

Available
up to size
3XL

Comfort Colors 1580 Garment-Dyed Quarter Zip Sweatshirt

(12)

$53.3 $30.28

6 colors

43%

Available
up to size
3XL

Comfort Colors 6030 100% Cotton Garment-Dyed Pocket T-Shirt

(5)

$14.02 $7.97

62 colors

47%

Available
up to size
4XL

Comfort Colors 1717 Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt

(3)

$12.96 $6.81

71 colors

52%

Available
up to size
3XL

Comfort Color Crewneck Sweatshirt 1566

(1)

$39.58 $18.82

19 colors

43%

Available
up to size
3XL

Comfort Colors 1745 Adult Heavyweight Color Blast T-Shirt

(0)

$16.38 $9.31

10 colors

1. Comfort Colors 1717 Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt

The 1717 is the flagship product from Comfort Colors and one of the most popular premium blank t-shirts on the market. It uses 100% ring-spun cotton at 6.1 oz with the brand's signature garment-dye process. It comes in over 60 faded, earthy colors and has a relaxed fit with a slightly boxy silhouette. This is the shirt that built the Comfort Colors brand.

2. Comfort Colors 6030 Pocket T-Shirt

The 6030 is the same quality as the 1717, with the addition of a left chest pocket. The garment-dyed pocket tee has become a staple in casual and resort wear. It works well for boutique retailers and lifestyle brands looking for a laid-back, effortless look.

3. Comfort Colors 1566 Crewneck Sweatshirt

The 1566 is a garment-dyed crewneck sweatshirt made from an 80/20 ring-spun cotton and polyester blend. It features a relaxed fit and a soft-washed finish that gives it the lived-in feel typical of the Comfort Colors lineup. This style is popular for casual retail collections, college apparel, and custom branding thanks to its vintage look and durable fleece fabric.

4. Comfort Colors 1580 Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

The 1580 is a garment-dyed quarter-zip sweatshirt in a cotton-polyester fleece blend. It brings the Comfort Colors vintage aesthetic to outerwear with a soft interior and the distinctive faded color palette the brand is known for. A strong choice for fall and winter retail collections.

5. Comfort Colors 1745 Color Blast T-Shirt

The 1745 Color Blast is a tie-dye style shirt that uses a reactive dye process to create bold, multi-color patterns. Each shirt has a unique look, making it ideal for brands that want to offer one-of-a-kind pieces. It uses 100% ring-spun cotton at 6.1 oz.

Comfort Colors or Gildan: Which Is Better?

The honest answer is that neither brand is universally better. The right choice depends entirely on what you are using the shirts for.

Final Verdict

Comfort Colors is the right choice if you want softer fabric, a vintage aesthetic, and a premium product that justifies a higher retail price. The garment-dye process and heavyweight ring-spun cotton give Comfort Colors shirts a character that standard blanks cannot replicate. If your brand leans toward casual, fashion-forward, or lifestyle-oriented clothing, Comfort Colors will serve you well.

Gildan is the right choice if you need reliable, affordable blanks in large quantities. Whether you run a print shop, a promotional merchandise business, or you just need consistent t-shirts without breaking the bank, Gildan delivers. The wide product catalog and competitive pricing make it the default choice for most bulk buyers.

Both brands have earned their place in the blank apparel market. Know your customer, know your budget, and you will know which brand fits your needs.