Gildan Activewear Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, operating a vertically integrated supply chain that spans yarn-spinning, knitting, dyeing, cutting, and sewing. The company's product portfolio includes activewear (T-shirts, fleece, and sport shirts), hosiery, and underwear. Gildan markets its products under a diverse portfolio of company-owned brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, GoldToe, and Peds, as well as through licensed brands like Under Armour. In late 2025, Gildan significantly expanded its scale and brand portfolio by acquiring HanesBrands, adding iconic names like Hanes and Champion to its offerings.
The company primarily generates revenue through two main product categories: Activewear, which historically accounts for the vast majority of sales (around 87% prior to the HanesBrands acquisition), and Hosiery and Underwear. Gildan serves wholesale distributors and screenprinters who decorate blank apparel with designs and logos, as well as retail channels including mass merchants, department stores, and online retailers. Geographically, the bulk of Gildan's sales are derived from the United States, with additional distribution across Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. By owning and operating large-scale manufacturing hubs, predominantly located in Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Bangladesh, Gildan maintains strict control over its production costs, quality, and sustainability initiatives, positioning itself as a low-cost producer in the highly competitive basic apparel market.
