Two brands frequently come to the forefront when selecting the perfect garments for screen printing: Gildan and American Apparel. Both are beloved in the custom apparel industry for different reasons. 

Gildan is celebrated for its affordability and robustness, while American Apparel is known for its premium fabrics and fashionable cuts. As a screen printing shop, we've extensively used both brands and understand their nuances. 

Let's delve into how Gildan and American Apparel differ and why each might be the right choice for your next screen printing project.

Gildan: Affordability Meets Durability

Product Range and Materials

Gildan offers various clothing items, from t-shirts and hoodies to socks and underwear. Their garments are primarily made from cotton and cotton blend materials, ensuring durability and ease of printing. Gildan's heavy cotton items are particularly favored for promotional events where cost-effectiveness is as crucial as quality.

Ideal Uses for Screen Printing

Gildan's fabrics delight a screen printer due to their smooth finishes and consistent quality. The brand's apparel holds ink well, producing vibrant and durable designs. Given their affordability, Gildan products are ideal for large bulk orders, such as event giveaways, company uniforms, or merchandise for bands and artists on a budget.

American Apparel: Premium Quality and Ethical Manufacturing

Product Range and Materials

American Apparel takes pride in offering high-quality, ethically manufactured garments made entirely in the USA. Known for their soft, fine jersey cotton, their clothing lines appeal to those looking for superior comfort and a modern fit. The brand's commitment to ethical practices and made-in-USA manufacturing also adds to its appeal among socially conscious consumers.

Ideal Uses for Screen Printing

The refined quality of American Apparel garments makes them perfect for detailed, high-definition screen prints. Their t-shirts provide a smooth and clean surface that enhances the intricacy of print designs, making them excellent for fashion-forward brands, high-end merchandising, and retail-quality custom apparel.

Comparing Gildan and American Apparel

Quality and Sustainability

While Gildan offers robust quality at a lower price point, American Apparel focuses on premium textures and ethical production processes. Gildan's commitment to sustainable practices has grown significantly, but American Apparel has long been a pioneer in the sustainable apparel space.

Style and Fit

Gildan garments generally feature a more relaxed and traditional fit, which suits a wide range of body types and is excellent for more generic purposes. On the other hand, American Apparel is known for its trendy, slim-fit designs catering to a more fashion-conscious audience.

Price Points

Gildan is the go-to for budget-friendly projects without sacrificing quality. In contrast, American Apparel products have a higher price tag, justified by their superior fabric quality and ethical manufacturing processes.

You Have Some Info… Now What?

Ultimately, choosing between Gildan and American Apparel depends on your project's requirements and audience. For those looking for cost-effective solutions for large orders, Gildan provides excellent quality at an affordable price. 

However, American Apparel is the unbeatable option if your project demands top-tier fabric quality and aims at a trendier, more socially aware market. 

Whatever you choose, both brands offer garments compatible with high-quality screen printing techniques, ensuring that your final product is impressive.

Do you need help deciding, or are you ready to start your screen printing project? 

Contact us today, and let's make your vision a reality with the perfect apparel choice!