Gildan is a widely recognized brand known for its quality, affordability, and popularity in both retail and wholesale markets. However, due to its strong reputation and widespread use in custom apparel, counterfeit Gildan shirts occasionally appear on the market. If you’re purchasing in bulk or want to ensure you’re getting the real deal, it’s essential to know how to spot authentic Gildan shirts. Below are key fabric and label indicators to help you identify genuine Gildan products.
1. Check the Fabric Quality and Feel
Authentic Gildan shirts are known for their consistent fabric quality, depending on the specific style. Here’s what to expect from the real thing:
- Gildan Heavy Cotton: Medium-weight, slightly coarse feel, very durable.
- Gildan Softstyle: Softer, ringspun cotton with a smoother and finer texture.
- Gildan Ultra Cotton: Heavier and slightly thicker than the Heavy Cotton line.
- Gildan DryBlend: A cotton-polyester blend that feels lighter and moisture-wicking.
Counterfeit versions often use cheaper materials, resulting in fabric that feels thin, overly stretchy, or inconsistent. Authentic Gildan shirts are tightly woven and retain their shape after washing.
2. Inspect the Neck Label and Tag Details
One of the easiest ways to spot a genuine Gildan shirt is by examining the neck label or tag. Gildan uses several types of tags across their styles, but all share certain features:
Printed Tags (Tagless Styles)
- Printed directly onto the inside back neck area.
- Includes the Gildan logo, style name, size, fabric content, country of manufacture, and care instructions.
- Text is sharp, evenly spaced, and highly legible.
Sewn-in Tags
- If it’s a sewn label, it should be neatly stitched with no loose threads.
- Gildan logo is centered and crisp, not faded or misaligned.
- May include RN# (Registered Identification Number), style code, and barcode.
If the label is missing, low quality, or has misspelled information, it’s likely not an authentic Gildan product.
3. Verify Stitching and Construction
Authentic Gildan shirts feature high-quality stitching and construction:
- Even, double-needle stitching along hems, sleeves, and shoulders.
- Shoulder-to-shoulder taping for added durability and shape retention.
- No raw or unfinished seams.
Counterfeits often have loose threads, irregular stitches, or poorly aligned seams, which can affect comfort and longevity.
4. Compare with Official Gildan Product Codes
Each Gildan shirt style has a unique product number:
- G500 – Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
- G640 – Softstyle T-Shirt
- G200 – Ultra Cotton T-Shirt
- G800 – DryBlend T-Shirt
You can cross-reference these codes on Gildan’s official website or catalogs. If the code listed on the tag doesn’t match the fabric or features of the shirt, it may not be authentic.
5. Look for Consistent Sizing and Fit
Gildan shirts have standardized sizing across product lines. A real Gildan size Large will generally feel consistent across multiple styles in the same line. If the shirt seems unusually small, oversized, or misproportioned for its labeled size, it could be a replica.
6. Purchase from Reputable Sellers
The best way to ensure authenticity is by buying from trusted sources:
- Official Gildan distributors and wholesale platforms.
- Well-known retailers and screen printing companies.
- Avoid suspiciously cheap deals from unknown sellers online, especially on peer-to-peer marketplaces.
Conclusion
Spotting an authentic Gildan shirt is all about paying attention to detail—from fabric texture and stitching quality to tag information and sizing consistency. With these tips in mind, you can shop with confidence, knowing how to distinguish genuine Gildan products from imitations. Whether you’re buying in bulk for printing or stocking your wardrobe with basics, authenticity ensures you’re getting the reliable quality that Gildan is known for.
