Gildan: Bulk Apparel at Wholesale Prices

Gildan Wholesale Apparel

Gildan is one of the most widely carried brands in the wholesale blank apparel market, and for good reason. Its lineup of t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops has become a go-to for custom printing businesses, promotional campaigns, and anyone building a branded apparel program on a budget. The combination of printability, durability, and value is what keeps decorators coming back.

Gildan Hoodies: Consistent Quality at a Strong Price Point

The G185 Heavy Blend Hoodie is one of the more consistently ordered fleece blanks in the wholesale market year after year. Its popularity comes down to a few practical factors: it's easy to print, comfortable to wear, and priced competitively against comparable fleece blanks — without the quality drop-off that often comes at this price point. For bulk hoodie runs where cost-per-unit matters, the G185 is a reliable place to start.

The G500 T-Shirt: A Dependable Blank for Bulk Orders

The G500 Adult Heavy Cotton Tee is one of the more widely ordered wholesale blanks in the industry. At 5.3 oz. of ring-spun cotton, it prints consistently, holds up through repeated washing, and is available across a broad color range — making it a practical choice for everything from charity events to large uniform runs. Its price point makes high-volume orders genuinely feasible without compromising on a recognizable brand name.

The G640 Softstyle: A Softer Option at a Comparable Price

The G640 Softstyle is Gildan's answer to the growing demand for softer blank apparel. Constructed from 100% ring-spun cotton, it has a noticeably softer hand feel than the G500 — the ring-spun process produces a smoother, finer yarn that results in a softer fabric with a more refined drape. That makes the G640 a practical choice for retail-quality custom apparel, fashion-forward designs, and programs where end-customer comfort is a priority.

Why Decorators Reach for Gildan

Gildan shirts show up in the catalogs of most major wholesale distributors because Gildan consistently delivers on three things: predictable sizing, reliable print surfaces, and competitive pricing across a wide range of styles. For decorators running high volumes or buyers managing tight budgets, that consistency is worth a lot — it means fewer reprints, fewer sizing complaints, and fewer surprises on delivery.

Beyond tees, Gildan's fleece and polo lines are worth knowing. The G180 Heavy Blend Fleece Crew is a crewneck counterpart to the G185 hoodie — same 50/50 construction, same pill-resistant surface, and one of the better-priced crewneck fleece blanks in the wholesale market for screen printing. Looking for the kids' version? It's the G18000B. Looking for a full zip? The G18600 is your answer. For programs that need a polo, the G880 Adult Jersey Polo brings Gildan's value proposition into the uniform category — a 50/50 moisture-wicking knit with a clean, embroidery-ready surface at a price point that makes outfitting larger teams genuinely practical.

For youth programs, the G5000B Youth Tee mirrors the G500 in construction and print performance, making it easy to run adult and youth sizes together in a single decoration program without adjusting your setup. That kind of cross-style consistency is a practical advantage for decorators managing large or complex orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gildan best known for in wholesale apparel?

Gildan is known for offering reliable, print-friendly blanks at competitive wholesale pricing. Its t-shirts, hoodies, and tanks are widely used for screen printing, DTG, and embroidery across a broad range of applications — from promotional events and fundraisers to staff uniforms and custom merch programs. Consistent sizing and a wide color range across its core styles make it a practical choice for large or complex runs.

What is the difference between the Gildan G500 and the G640 Softstyle?

The G500 is a 5.3 oz. ring-spun cotton tee built for durability and consistent print results —a reliable workhorse for high-volume decoration runs. The G640 Softstyle is lighter at 4.5 oz. and uses a finer ring-spun yarn that produces a noticeably softer hand feel. If print consistency and cost-per-unit are the priority, the G500 is the more common choice. If end-customer comfort and a more refined feel matter, the G640 is worth the small price difference.

What is the Gildan G185 and why is it popular for bulk hoodie orders?

The G185 is an 8 oz. 50/50 cotton-poly blend pullover hoodie. It's one of the more widely ordered fleece blanks in the wholesale market because it balances weight, printability, and price in a way that works for most bulk decoration programs. The poly content helps it resist shrinking better than a straight cotton fleece, and the surface takes screen print and embroidery consistently.

Is Gildan good for screen printing?

Yes, Gildan blanks are among the more commonly used substrates for screen printing in the wholesale market. The G500 in particular is a standard choice for plastisol and water-based ink printing, largely because its cotton surface takes ink evenly and holds color well through washing. The G185 hoodie is similarly well-regarded for print consistency in the fleece category.

How does Gildan compare to Bella+Canvas or Next Level for wholesale blank tees?

Gildan is generally more affordable than Bella+Canvas or Next Level and is the stronger choice for high-volume runs where cost-per-unit is the primary concern. Bella+Canvas and Next Level tend to offer softer fabrics, more fashion-forward fits, and a more retail-quality feel, which makes them a better fit for merch intended for resale or end customers who expect a premium product. The right choice depends on the end use, the decoration method, and the budget available.

Do Gildan blanks at Bulkthreads come with volume discounts?

Yes. Automatic volume discounts are applied at checkout across the Gildan catalog, no codes or minimums required. The per-unit price decreases as order size grows, which is part of what makes Gildan a practical choice for large decoration runs and promotional programs.