Gildan Activewear: What You're Buying and Where to Find It in South Carolina

Gildan makes basic athletic clothing sold through retailers across South Carolina

Gildan Activewear is a manufacturer based in Montreal that produces plain and printed t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and athletic basics. The company does not run its own stores. Instead, you find Gildan products at Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Target, Walmart, and online retailers like Amazon. In South Carolina, the brand is most visible in big-box sporting goods chains and department stores in shopping centers around Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach.

The company is known for affordable basics rather than performance-specific gear. Gildan shirts and hoodies are popular with schools, sports teams, and organizations that need bulk orders for uniforms or fundraising. You will also see Gildan blanks in screen-printing shops across the state, where local businesses and event organizers customize them with logos or designs.

Key Takeaways

• Gildan products are sold through major retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Target, and Walmart rather than through Gildan-owned stores.
• The brand focuses on basic athletic wear—t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and underwear—at lower price points than performance-oriented competitors.
• Gildan blanks are commonly used by screen printers and embroiderers throughout South Carolina for custom team uniforms and promotional apparel.
• Bulk ordering for teams, schools, or organizations is available through Gildan's wholesale channels and through retailers that offer group discounts.

Where to buy Gildan in South Carolina

Dick's Sporting Goods has locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, and carries Gildan basics alongside other athletic brands. Academy Sports has stores in similar markets and typically stocks Gildan t-shirts, hoodies, and athletic shorts. Both chains offer online ordering with in-store pickup if you want to see the fit and fabric before committing.

Walmart and Target carry Gildan activewear in their clothing sections, often at prices lower than specialty sporting goods stores. These retailers stock seasonal items—heavier hoodies in fall and winter, lighter t-shirts and tank tops in spring and summer. Online, Amazon carries a wide range of Gildan styles and sizes, with shipping to any South Carolina address.

For bulk orders, many screen-printing and embroidery shops in South Carolina work directly with Gildan distributors. If you need 20 hoodies for a team or 50 t-shirts for an event, a local print shop can often order blanks at wholesale pricing and customize them in-house. Shops in Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia specialize in this service.

What Gildan products cost

Gildan t-shirts typically range from $4 to $8 per shirt at retail, depending on the style and where you buy. Basic hoodies run $15 to $25. Sweatpants and athletic shorts fall in the $12 to $20 range. These prices are lower than performance brands like Nike or Under Armour, which is why Gildan appeals to budget-conscious buyers and organizations ordering in volume.

Bulk pricing is significantly lower. A screen printer ordering 50 or 100 Gildan blanks at once may pay $2 to $4 per shirt, then add their own printing or embroidery on top. If you are ordering for a team or school group, ask the retailer or print shop about volume discounts—many offer them at quantities of 12 or more.

Gildan fabric and fit

Gildan basics are made from 100% cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, depending on the style. The cotton is typically ring-spun or open-end, with ring-spun offering a softer feel and open-end providing a more durable, heavier weight. Most Gildan t-shirts are 5.3 ounces per square yard, which is standard weight for casual wear.

The fit runs true to size for most people, though some styles are cut slightly looser than fitted athletic brands. Gildan hoodies tend to have a roomier cut, which works well for layering or for people who prefer a relaxed silhouette. If you are ordering for a team, order a size or two smaller than you think you need, or check the size chart on the retailer's website before buying.

Gildan for teams, schools, and organizations

Gildan is the go-to blank for teams and schools across South Carolina because the price is low and the quality is consistent. A youth soccer team can order 15 hoodies for under $300, then have a local print shop add the team name and numbers. Schools use Gildan for spirit wear, fundraising t-shirts, and athletic uniforms.

To order in bulk, contact a local screen printer or embroidery shop with your size breakdown and quantity. They will quote you a price for the blanks plus customization. Alternatively, some retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods offer team ordering through their websites, though you may pay slightly more than going through a print shop.

How Gildan compares to other athletic brands

Gildan is positioned as an entry-level athletic brand. It is cheaper than Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas, but the fabric is less technical and the construction is simpler. If you need moisture-wicking performance wear for serious training, Gildan is not the right choice. If you need a comfortable t-shirt or hoodie for casual wear, team uniforms, or promotional apparel, Gildan delivers at a lower cost.

Gildan competes directly with Fruit of the Loom and Hanes in the basic activewear space. All three brands are widely available at big-box retailers and are popular for bulk orders. Gildan tends to have slightly better color consistency and a softer hand feel than Hanes, though the difference is modest. For most buyers, the choice comes down to price and availability at your preferred retailer.

Caring for Gildan clothing

Gildan activewear holds up well with standard care. Wash in cold water, tumble dry on low heat, and the garment will last through many seasons. Avoid high heat, which can shrink cotton and fade printed designs. If you are customizing Gildan blanks with screen printing or embroidery, ask the print shop for care instructions—some inks or threads may require gentler handling.

Gildan cotton does shrink slightly in the first wash, typically 2 to 3 percent. If you are ordering for a team or event, account for this by ordering a half-size larger than your final desired fit, or wash and dry a sample before placing a large order. Most print shops are familiar with this and will advise you accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I order Gildan in bulk for a team or school?

Contact a local screen printer or embroidery shop in your area—they work with Gildan distributors and can order blanks at wholesale pricing. Alternatively, Dick's Sporting Goods and some other retailers offer team ordering programs. Get quotes from at least two sources, as pricing varies by quantity and customization.

Does Gildan shrink?

Yes, Gildan cotton typically shrinks 2 to 3 percent in the first wash. Wash in cold water and dry on low heat to minimize shrinkage. If you are ordering for a team, consider ordering a half-size larger than your final desired fit, or wash a sample garment first.

Is Gildan good for athletic performance?

Gildan is comfortable for casual wear and light activity, but it is not designed for serious athletic performance. The fabric does not have moisture-wicking technology, so it will absorb sweat rather than move it away from your skin. For training or competitive sports, performance brands like Nike or Under Armour are better choices.

Can I customize Gildan blanks with printing or embroidery?

Yes, that is one of Gildan's main uses. Screen printers and embroiderers throughout South Carolina work with Gildan blanks regularly. The fabric holds ink and thread well, and the consistent sizing makes it ideal for bulk customization. Contact a local print shop for pricing on blanks plus customization.

How does Gildan compare to Hanes or Fruit of the Loom?

All three brands are affordable basics sold at big-box retailers. Gildan generally has slightly softer fabric and better color consistency than Hanes, though the difference is modest. For most casual wear and team uniforms, any of the three will work—choose based on price and availability at your preferred retailer.