Comfort Colors and Gildan are two of the most popular blanks used for custom T-shirts. They’re both excellent shirts, but have different feel, styles, and prices. So how do you choose between Comfort Colors vs Gildan?
We’ve created this guide to help you understand the differences between Comfort Colors vs Gildan. We know both brands well, because we’ve worked with both extensively for years - and are proud to offer each of them here in our catalog.
We have many customers who have chosen us as 4imprint alternatives or a Custom Ink alternative. They not only love our custom apparel, but they also praise our superior customer service, in-house production, and consistent commitment to quality.
When you get your custom apparel at Diehard Custom, you can choose either Comfort Comfort Colors shirts or Gildan custom shirts. Whichever you choose, we’ll help you create amazing T-shirts. Take the next step today!
Pros and Cons of Comfort Colors Shirts
Comfort Colors has earned a reputation for premium quality, comfort and style. But that quality comes with a higher price tag. Here’s what Comfort Colors has to offer if you’re looking for custom T-shirts.
Pros of Comfort Colors Shirts
Comfort Colors uses soft 100% high-quality ringspun cotton for maximum comfort. Their shirts have a looser, more relaxed fit and sturdy construction that holds its shape after many washes.
Comfort Colors also dyes each shirt after it is made. This gives their shirts a deep, rich vintage color that stands out. You can choose between a wide variety of colors, with a palette that offers many earthy and coastal tones that look more high-end than standard brightly colored t-shirts.
Cons of Comfort Colors Shirts
Comfort Colors shirts cost more than basic t-shirts from other brands. Their higher price may be an issue if you are buying in bulk for events, staff uniforms, or promotional giveaways. It can also be an issue for groups working on a very tight budget.
Their dyeing process can cause color variations between batches. It can also lead to some color bleeding during the first few washes. And those who prefer a slimmer silhouette may favor Gildan vs Comfort Colors’ looser fit.
Pros and Cons of Gildan Shirts
Gildan scores high marks for affordability, reliability, and consistency. But Gildan shirts are much more classic and no-frills than premium alternatives like Comfort Colors. Let’s take a look at where Gildan shirts can fit into your promotional product plans.
Pros of Gildan Shirts
Gildan's quality budget-friendly apparel is famous for color and sizing consistency. Choose Gildan for family reunions, fun runs, school events, or promotional business shirts.
You also get lots of flexibility with Gildan. They have a massive selection of colors, so you’ll be able to find something to match your school colors or company logo. And they have a range of styles and materials from basic Heavy Cotton to softer Ringspun Softstyle.
Cons of Gildan Shirts
Most Gildan shirts use a sturdy, durable open-end cotton that feels more like a classic traditional t-shirt than a fashion garment. When you compare the basic style of Gildan vs Comfort Colors’ vintage character, you’ll see Gildan looks less high-end.
You may also run into shrinkage with Gildan’s shirts, particularly their 100% cotton models. Be sure to account for that and go for the next size up if there are any concerns. And those who prefer baggier shirts may favor Comfort Colors vs Gildan sizing.
Does Gildan OWN Comfort Colors?
Does Gildan own Comfort Colors? Despite the wide difference between Gildan and Comfort Colors products, the answer is “Yes.” So what does that mean for each brand?
Yes, Comfort Colors is a Gildan-Owned Brand
Why does Gildan own Comfort Colors? Think of two auto lines owned by the same company, like Toyota and Lexus.
Gildan provides affordable, reliable basic T-shirts. Comfort Colors offers a more premium, fashion-forward style. Both brands offer excellent T-shirts but appeal to different customer bases, so Gildan keeps their brand identities separate.
What Does That Mean for Quality and Production?
Gildan understands that Comfort Colors has value thanks to loyal customers who love its soft feel and vintage dyed look. They keep the core materials and production methods in place to maintain that premium quality and preserve its customer base.
Being part of a large company like Gildan gives Comfort Colors access to a massive global network for manufacturing and distribution. And because they are separate product lines, you still have a choice between mainstream Gildan vs Comfort Colors premium T-shirts.
Comfort Colors vs Gildan: What’s the Difference Between Gildan and Comfort Colors?
What’s the difference between Gildan and Comfort Colors? Here’s a detailed rundown. We’ll touch on Comfort Colors vs Gildan sizing, materials, pricing, and other differences.
Fit and Feel Comparison
The biggest difference between Comfort Colors vs Gildan is the fabric. Comfort Colors makes its garment-dyed shirts with 100% ringspun cotton for premium softness. Gildan shirts use open-end cotton for a durable, more traditional feel.
You’ll also note a difference between Comfort Colors vs Gildan sizing. Comfort Colors shirts have a looser, boxier, more relaxed fit. Gildan shirts have a straight, cut, more classic standard fit that suits a wide range of body types.
Printing Applications and Fabric Performance
The soft surface of a Comfort Colors shirt works well for a vintage of slightly weathered print aesthetic. Its garment-dyed fabric generally requires an underbase to ensure the ink colors stay bright.
Gildan shirts have a smoother, more consistent surface. They work well for bright, bold graphics that pop like company logos, detailed event designs, and clear, eye-catching messages.
Color Palette and Style Appeal
Comfort Colors offers a palette of earthy tones, coastal blues, and warm, muted shades. Choose Comfort Colors shirts for fashion-conscious markets and lifestyle brands seeking a high-end, relaxed look.
Gildan offers an enormous range of colors ranging from primary colors, neons, safety colors, and heathered shades. Gildan shirts are designed to be a reliable, versatile canvas that appeals to a broad market.
Pricing and Target Market
Comfort Colors is best suited for clothing brands, boutique gift shops, and individuals looking for the best in fashion and comfort. Its soft texture, comfortable fit, and beautiful colors make it a popular favorite.
Gildan shirts are best choice for those who want to produce quality custom garments on a budget. They’re a great choice for promotional trade show items, fundraisers, and student events.
Which One Is Right For You?
The looser fit of Comfort Colors vs Gildan sizing makes it a more comfortable choice and gives Comfort Colors a fashionable, vintage look and feel. Comfort Colors provides a premium look and feel if you’re creating custom products for a retail store or lifestyle brand.
Gildan is the perfect option if you’re looking for a large volume of shirts on a tight budget. You can count on Gildan for unbeatable value and consistency across even the largest orders. It’s a great choice for large groups, promotional giveaways, and staff uniforms.
Design Gildan or Comfort Colors Shirts With Ease at Diehard Custom
Whether you choose Comfort Colors or Gildan, you can move forward with confidence at Diehard Custom. We not only have a wide range of Gildan and Comfort Colors T-shirts to choose from. We can give you a Comfort Colors colors sweatshirt or a Gildan custom hoodie.
We’ve handled big orders for clients like Google and Duke University. But we also provide custom items to small schools and local organizations. Our low MOQ means you never have to buy more items than you need.
If this is your first time creating a custom product, you can count on us. We’ve helped many new customers create apparel and promotional gear that made their organization proud. If you want the best custom products and the best experience, get in touch with Diehard Custom today!
Bringing Our Comparison of Gildan vs Comfort Colors to a Close
Your choice between Gildan vs Comfort Colors depends on whether you’re looking for a dependable, consistent budget T-shirt or a more premium experience. But whatever your custom product needs, your best choice is always Diehard Custom.
If you’re looking for a Printify alternative or Printful alternative, we’re the custom products manufacturer you can trust. Not only do we offer quality printed custom apparel, we have a wide selection of knitted, woven, and embroidered offerings that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our customer service team works with you through every step of the design and production process. And if something goes wrong, we promise and guarantee that we’ll make it right. When you need a reliable custom products company, look no further than Diehard Custom.
