Gildan Vs. Jerzees T-Shirts: Which Brand Is Better?

T-shirts are a staple in most people’s wardrobes. They are comfortable, casual, and easy to style. Two of the most popular t-shirt brands are Gildan and Jerzees.

But which one is better?

Here is a comprehensive comparison of Gildan and Jerzees t-shirts including their key features, pros and cons to help you decide which brand best suits your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Now let’s directly compare some of the key features between Gildan and Jerzees t-shirts:

Feature	Gildan	Jerzees
Fabric	100% cotton, cotton/poly blends	100% cotton, ring-spun Supima cotton
Fit	Classic, boxy	Contemporary, fitted
Sizing	Very inclusive sizing from S-5XL	Runs small, can be inconsistent sizing
Design	Simple, basic styles	Trendy graphics and fashion-forward details
Price	$4-$12 per shirt	$6-$25 per shirt
Manufacturing	Ethical factories and labor policies	Conventional manufacturing
Durability	Decent, holds up to repeated washings	Supima cotton offers great durability
Comfort	Soft, comfortable feel	Supima cotton provides exceptional comfort

This comparison shows Jerzees has the edge when it comes to stylish design, premium fabrics and comfort. But Gildan runs ahead in affordability, sizing options and ethical manufacturing practices.

Overview of Gildan T-Shirts

Founded in 1984 in Montreal, Canada, Gildan is one of the largest manufacturers of apparel in North America. They are best known for their t-shirts, sweatshirts and sport shirts. Gildan t-shirts are made from 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blends.

They offer a classic fit and are available in a wide variety of colors. Some of the key features of Gildan t-shirts include:

• Affordable pricing – Gildan t-shirts are very competitively priced, usually ranging from $4-$12 per shirt. This makes them an economical choice for bulk orders and everyday wear.
• Soft cotton fabrics – Gildan uses ring-spun cotton which gives the t-shirts a soft, comfortable feel. The fabrics hold up well even after repeated washings.
• Variety of colors and sizes – Gildan t-shirts come in sizes from youth small to 5XL. There are over 30 color choices from basic whites and blacks to bright neon hues.
• Blank canvases – The simple, no-frills design of Gildan tees makes them ideal for printing, embroidery and heat transfers. They are a popular choice for custom branded apparel.
• Ethical manufacturing – Gildan has invested in ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company audits its factories and vendors for fair labor policies.

Some drawbacks of Gildan t-shirts are that they run a bit boxy and wide.

The fabrics also tend to be on the thinner side. Overall, Gildan offers quality, casual tees at very wallet-friendly prices.

Overview of Jerzees T-Shirts

Jerzees is another major apparel brand that has been around since the 1950s. Originally started as a wool trading company, Jerzees now produces a variety of garments including t-shirts, fleece, sweatshirts and more. Some key attributes of Jerzees t-shirts include:

• Great fit – Jerzees t-shirts are designed to be a contemporary, flattering fit. They are cut closer to the body than Gildan shirts.
• Specialized fabrics – Jerzees uses high-end cotton materials like ring-spun Supima cotton which is exceptionally soft and durable. Some shirts feature moisture-wicking properties.
• Youthful, stylish designs – Jerzees offers trendy graphics and modern silhouettes perfect for teens and young adults. The brand has an urban, skater-inspired aesthetic.
• Added features – Some Jerzees tee styles have extra design details like contrasting trims, mesh panel accents and more. There are options for pocket tees and v-neck styles.
• Higher price tags – Due to the premium fabrics and fashion-forward styling, Jerzees t-shirts cost more than Gildan. Prices range from $6 for basics up to $25.

The main complaints about Jerzees are inconsistent sizing and shrinking issues with certain fabrics. Overall, the brand targets younger demographics with its lively, contemporary fits and looks.

Pros of Gildan T-Shirts

There are many benefits that make Gildan a leading choice for t-shirts:

• Budget-friendly cost – Gildan shirts are very cheap, especially when buying in bulk. Great for large group orders, fundraisers, events, etc.
• Easy to personalize – The classic blank design of Gildan tees makes them perfect for decorating with custom graphics, logos or heat transfers.
• Soft feel right away – No break-in period required. Gildan shirts feel soft and cozy right out of the package.
• Decent durability – While not the highest quality, Gildan cotton holds up fine over regular use and laundering. Good bang for your buck.
• Range of color choices – With a palette of over 30 color options, it’s easy to find the perfect hue for any taste or project.
• Ethical and sustainable practices – Gildan aims for integrity throughout its supply chain which aligns with many buyers’ values.

Cons of Gildan T-Shirts

Here are some of the downsides associated with Gildan t-shirts:

• Thin, cheap-feeling fabrics – Gildan uses lighter weight cotton that can feel flimsy and cheap. Lacks substantial feel.
• Boxy, shapeless fit – The classic fit runs large and wide, lacking shape and structure. May look sloppy or ill-fitting.
• Limited style selection – Focus is mainly on basic tees for decoration rather than fashionable options. Few distinct silhouettes or details.
• Prone to shrinking – Gildan shirts can shrink up by a few inches if dried improperly on hot. Be cautious when laundering.
• Cheap appearance – Due to thin fabrics and simple styling, Gildan tees may look inexpensive and not elevate an outfit.
• Narrow demographic – Caters mainly to wholesale blank apparel rather than individual fashion-conscious consumers.

Pros of Jerzees T-Shirts

Jerzees t-shirts also have many excellent attributes:

• Soft, luxe fabrics – Jerzees uses ultra-soft Supima cotton and other high-end materials for a luxurious feel.
• Contemporary, flattering fits – Slim and modern silhouettes look stylish and shapely rather than boxy and ill-fitting.
• Youthful, fun graphics – Vibrant prints and modern details give Jerzees tees a trendy, youthful look.
• Special fabric technologies – Some Jerzees shirts feature advanced performance fabrics with moisture-wicking properties ideal for working out.
• Great for layering – Fitted shape and fashionable details allow Jerzees tees to be incorporated into layered outfits.
• Wide assortment of styles – From long-line shirts to v-necks, pocket tees and more, Jerzees offers many options beyond plain crew neck tees.

Cons of Jerzees T-Shirts

The disadvantages and flaws associated with Jerzees t-shirts include:

• Premium pricing – Jerzees shirts cost significantly more than value brands like Gildan, especially for custom orders.
• Inconsistent sizing – Poor quality control leads to irregular fit issues. Too short, too tight, etc.
• Prone to shrinking – Certain Jerzees cotton blends shrink excessively when dried improperly. Requires gentler laundering.
• Less customizable options – Due to fashion-forward styling, Jerzees shirts are harder to decorate with logos or prints.
• Caters to young demographics – Mature adults may find Jerzees designs to be overly youthful and trendy. Not versatile.
• Lower bulk order flexibility – Minimums and lead times for custom orders can be prohibitive for large groups.

Which Brand Is Best For Custom Printing?

One of the most popular uses for basic t-shirts is custom decoration and printing. When it comes to blank canvases for branding, Gildan is the better choice between these two brands. Reasons Gildan excels for customization include:

• Wider range of neutral, muted color choices perfect for printing
• Classic silhouettes and simple styling that don’t compete with design elements
• Ultra-soft cotton right out of the package provides ideal printing surface
• Cheaper costs for bulk orders makes per item pricing very low
• Range of sizes from S-5XL allows you to outfit all body types in custom shirts

While some of the performance Jerzees fabrics offer moisture-wicking benefits, the fashion-centric styling and higher costs make Jerzees less ideal for bulk printing projects. Gildan t-shirts are undoubtedly the front runner when you need high quality blanks for customization.

Which Brand Is Best For Everyday Wear?

For t-shirts focused on everyday fashion and casual wear, Jerzees has the advantage. Reasons why Jerzees is preferable for individuals looking for stylish tees include:

• Contemporary slim fits are more flattering for most body types
• Luxe Supima cotton and other specialty fabrics offer exceptional comfort
• Unique prints and cool silhouettes provide visual interest to outfits
• Great for layering due to modern tailored fit and interesting details
• Caters to a youthful target market seeking trendiness and style

Gildan’s affordable pricing, ethical manufacturing and color selection still make the brand suitable for casual t-shirt staples. But Jerzees’ focus on up-to-date design gives them prime positioning as everyday fashion tees. The styling just skews younger and hipper.

Jerzees Or Gildan For Workout and Activewear

For workout and activewear applications, Jerzees pulls ahead as the favored choice. Reasons Jerzees excels as performance apparel include:

• Fabric technologies like moisture-wicking cotton/poly blends
• Athletic-inspired slim silhouettes allow free range of motion
• Lightweight fabrics keep you cool and allow maximum breathability
• Funky prints and colors inject personality into gym wear
• Supima cotton stands up to repeated laundering and use

Gildan does offer some moisture-wicking activewear lines. However, Jerzees carries greater style variety tailored specifically for athletic contexts. The brand edges out Gildan for both look and performance.

Which T-Shirts To Pick?

In summary, here are some closing recommendations on when to choose Gildan vs Jerzees:

Choose Gildan for:

• Custom prints and embroidery
• Budget bulk orders such as events, fundraisers, sports teams
• Classic everyday t-shirt staples on a budget

Choose Jerzees for:

• Premium everyday fashion tees with contemporary fits
• Youthful, trendy graphic prints and looks
• Soft, high-end fabrics like Supima cotton
• Activewear and performance workout apparel

Both Gildan and Jerzees make excellent t-shirts, but each brand serves different target shoppers. Gildan provides reliable blank staples for projects, while Jerzees caters more exclusively to stylish teens and young adults.

Assess your priorities in terms of budget, quality, design aesthetic and intended use to decide which brand best fits your t-shirt needs.

Also Read: Comparison of Carhartt And Polar King Clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

When choosing between Gildan and Jerzees t-shirts, consider your budget, style preferences, quality needs and intended use. Gildan blank tees are perfect for custom decoration projects. Jerzees offers greater everyday fashion appeal with its modern fits, luxe fabrics and youthful aesthetic.

Carefully assess the pros and cons of each brand to select the best t-shirts for your specific needs and preferences.