Comfort Colors vs. Gildan: Which One Wins?

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We get asked this question almost every day: "Should I use Comfort Colors or just save money and use Gildan?"

It’s the ultimate battle. The Heavyweight Champion vs. The Budget King.

First, let’s clear up a rumor: Is Comfort Colors owned by Gildan?

Yes. Gildan acquired Comfort Colors in 2015. BUT (and this is a big but), they operate completely differently. It’s like how Lexus is owned by Toyota. They are the same family, but one is luxury and one is a daily driver.

The Matchups

1. Gildan 5000 vs. Comfort Colors 1717

The Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton) is the most common shirt in the world. It’s the "free t-shirt cannon" shirt.

Winner: Comfort Colors for retail/merch. Gildan 5000 for giveaways/landscaping crews.

2. Gildan Softstyle vs. Comfort Colors

Gildan Softstyle (64000) is Gildan's attempt at a fashion tee. It's thinner (4.5 oz) and fitted.

• Gildan Softstyle: Very thin. Fitted (Euro fit). Smooth surface. Great for hot weather.
• Comfort Colors: Thick. Loose. Fuzzy surface. Great for structure.

Winner: Apples and oranges. If you want a modern, tight fit, go Softstyle. If you want 90s vintage vibes, go Comfort Colors.

The Price Difference

Here is the reality check. A Comfort Colors shirt costs about $3.00 more per blank than a Gildan shirt.

• Ordering 50 shirts? That's $150 extra. Do it. The quality difference is massive.
• Ordering 5,000 shirts for a fun run? That's $15,000 extra. Stick with Gildan.

Which One Prints Better?

Gildan prints sharper. The surface is smoother and consistent. It's easy to print.

Comfort Colors prints softer. The ink sinks in (if done right), but because of the garment-dye fuzz, you lose a tiny bit of crispness. But that adds to the vintage look.

Our Advice

Don't overthink it. If you are selling the shirt, pay the premium for Comfort Colors. Your customers will notice. If you are giving the shirt away, save your money and use Gildan.