Jerzees vs Gildan: Which Apparel Brand Is Right for You?

Choosing the right t-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt is important, whether it's for yourself, your business, or a sports team. Two of the most popular and affordable brands you'll see are Jerzees and Gildan.

They are great options, yet there are some notable differences, so we will help you understand those differences, looking at everything from fabric quality and color to pricing and fit, so you can decide which brand is best for you.

Brand Overview

• Jerzees:

It was introduced in 1984 by Russell Brands, which was a well-known company dealing with athletic clothes. The concept was to use Russell-quality and performance features in sports apparel and to make a new line of durable, comfortable, and everyday wear items. Jerzees has built a strong reputation for combining advanced fabric technology with a soft feel and modern fit.

Since 2006, Jerzees has been a flagship brand under the massive Fruit of the Loom, Inc. company. This heritage of combining comfort with athletic performance is still at the heart of their brand.

• Gildan:

Gildan was established in Montreal, Canada, in the year of 1984, by brothers Glenn and Greg Chamandy. It started by buying a knitting mill to produce fabric for the clothing business for their children and family. However, it has become the best fabric to choose. They become one of the bestsellers of high-quality blank t-shirts in the market.

Gildan grew rapidly by creating a vertically integrated production process. They keep an eye on all the quality aspects from spinning the yarn to the final quality garment production. Gildan is committed to producing high-quality material, ensuring the lowest cost and best texture, and is the world's most popular manufacturer of basic apparel.

Jerzees vs Gildan: Side-by-Side Summary Table

Fabric & Material Quality

This is where the most significant difference between Jerzees and Gildan can be seen and felt.

• Jerzees

Shines with its specialized fabric blends. Most well-known is the NuBlend fleece, a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend that has been deliberately made to avoid pilling, those annoying little balls of fabric that develop after a fabric has been washed. This keeps their hoodies and sweatshirts longer. Jerzees also provides Dri-Power moisture-wicking material, which is suitable for use as a team uniform or even as part of light active wear.

• Gildan

Provides a broader selection of classic fabric lines. Their Ultra Cotton collection is a more substantial, 100% cotton fabric that is recognised for its strength and sturdiness. The Heavy Blend line is a well-known 50/50 blend that provides both cotton softness and polyester with reduced shrinkage, making it a reliable product.

Color Palette & Aesthetics

• Jerzees

Jerzees has a good variety of traditional and basic colors. Although they are not as wide as Gildan’s, their colors are selected to be distinct yet versatile and timeless. Jerzees targets the production of high-quality and reliable hues, which are in demand at all times.

• Gildan

Gildan is unmatched in its color selection. With an astonishingly wide spectrum of hundreds of shades, Gildan makes it easy for businesses, sports teams, and schools to find the exact color to match their branding or logo. This vast palette is a major reason for its popularity in the custom apparel industry.

Fit & Sizing

• Jerzees

Jerzees tend to have a more modern and athletic fit. Their garments are often designed with a slightly tapered body and sleeves, giving them a cleaner, more contemporary look that is popular. They prioritize comfort and freedom of movement.

• Gildan

Gildan is famous for its steady, classic, and relaxed fit. The cut is generally boxier and more classic, which is a big advantage for bulk purchases because the sizing is extremely on-point and consistent across a huge number of products.

Softness

• Jerzees

Jerzees products are highly praised due to their fine soft feel. They get ring-spun cotton; this is a process of twisting and then thinning of cotton fibres, creating a much finer, softer, and more durable yarn. This lends a very specific soft feel to their garments, even before washing.

• Gildan

Gildan also has soft options, especially in their Softstyle line that uses ring-spun cotton for a premium feel. Their Ultra Cotton and Heavy Blends lines are more balanced, feeling sturdy but cozy, comfortable feel that softens over time with wear and washing.

Printing and Customization

Both brands are perfect for screen printing, embroidery, and heat transfers.

• Jerzees

Jerzees fabric smoothness, especially with their NuBlend fleece, provides an excellent canvas for printing, giving a crisp and clean finish. Their pill-resistant technology also helps ensure that a printed design will stay for a longer period.

• Gildan

It's a go-to for high-volume screen-printing jobs because its consistent fabric and expansive color options make it easy to get predictable results every time. The uniform fabric texture holds ink well.

Sustainability & Ethical Practices

Both brands have made significant strides in their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

• Jerzees

Jerzees, which is under the Fruit of the Loom company, has comparable stringent guidelines regarding ethical manufacturing and environmental management. They carry their codes of conduct and sustainability drives.

• Gildan

Gildan is also known as a pioneer in sustainability because of its fully integrated supply chain. They usually provide extensive reports on their work on environmental and social responsibility, including water conservation, energy savings, and decent labor policies at their factories.

Product Comparison

Understanding the differences between Jerzees and Gildan is easiest when you look at specific products. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare across their most popular apparel types.

T-Shirts

• Jerzees: Known for a softer, more premium feel. Jerzees often use ring-spun cotton, which creates a smoother, finer fabric. This gives their t-shirts a more modern, athletic fit that feels great against the skin.

• Gildan: A staple for durability and value. Gildan's t-shirts, like the Ultra Cotton line, are known for their classic, consistent fit. They are sturdy, long-lasting, and come in a vast range of colors, making them a top choice for any budget or large-scale project.

Hoodies

• Jerzees: Their hoodies are famous for the special NuBlend fleece. This fabric is soft and, most importantly, resists pilling, so it looks new for longer. Jerzees hoodies tend to have a more modern fit, combining warmth with a clean, updated style.

• Gildan: The Heavy Blend hoodie is an industry standard. It's a reliable, warm, and sturdy garment with a classic, comfortable fit. Gildan's hoodies are known for their incredible value and consistency, making them a go-to for custom orders.

Sweatshirts

• Jerzees: Sweatshirts from this brand feature a smooth finish and can come with special performance features. The focus is on a high-quality feel and look that holds up well over time.

• Gildan: Gildan’s sweatshirts are known for being a classic, dependable choice. They provide a consistent and excellent surface for all types of printing and are a reliable option for bulk purchases.

Which One Should You Choose?

The ultimate choice between Jerzees vs Gildan comes down to your priorities.

• Choose Gildan if: Your budget is tight and you need the exact color in a massive color palette, or you have a large order and want a classic fit.

• Choose Jerzees if: Your top priority is a softer, more premium feel, a modern fit, or special fabric features like pill-resistance and moisture-wicking.

Conclusion

In the battle of Jerzees vs Gildan, there's no definite victor since both brands have their distinct strengths in different sectors of the industry. Making a well-rounded choice requires knowing a brand’s history, strengths, and priorities. Gildan works best for cost-conscious shoppers looking for a range of colors.

On the other hand, Jerzees is great for shoppers who prioritize softer fabric and a tailored, contemporary cut. The best advice is to consider your specific needs.