Gildan Wholesale Blank Apparel

Gildan Activewear, a company known for its casual blank apparel, has an impressive resume! Since its inception in 1984, the company has grown into one of the largest producers and suppliers, known for its blank apparel and, more notably, its blank t-shirts.

The original partners, Glenn and Greg Chamandy, founded Gildan in 1984 after acquiring a knitting mill in the province of Quebec, Canada. The goal was to vertically integrate a long-standing family business and supply fabric to Harley Inc., a childrenswear brand owned by the Chamandy family. The brothers quickly expanded and ended up creating t-shirts to resell to wholesalers who distributed them into the United States, Canada, and around the world.

A facility in Honduras was opened in 1997, helping to vertically integrate the wholesale business and marking a significant turning point for the brand. The plant expanded manufacturing capabilities and employed over 1,200 workers, showcasing the company’s growth and social impact in the region and globally.

A milestone was reached a year later when the activewear brand made its mark on the financial markets with an initial public offering, a testament to the brand's burgeoning success. The listing on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE MKT opened new avenues for investment and development.

By the turn of the millennium, Gildan's reputation for producing high-quality cotton t-shirts was unmatched, and in 2001, the brand was recognized as the leading distributor in the US, a notable accolade credited to their focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Following this achievement, the company broadened its operational footprint in 2002 with a comprehensive facility in Rio Nance, Honduras, streamlining the production process from knitting to cutting.

The 2010s saw strategic expansion into new markets and territories, with a significant investment in Shahriyar Fabric Industries Limited in Bangladesh to boost its presence in Asia and Europe. The brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices was further highlighted in 2012 with the acquisition of Anvil Holdings, Inc., renowned for its eco-friendly apparel lines.

Continuing its strategic acquisitions, Gildan purchased Doris Hosiery in 2014 and Comfort Colors in 2015, further solidifying its position as a leader in the North American apparel market. The acquisition of PEDS Legwear in 2016 and the iconic American clothing brand American Apparel in 2017 marked an ascent to a diversified clothing empire.

In December of 2023, Glenn J. Chamandy stepped down as CEO from the company he built. At this time, Gildan Activewear had grown to over 43,000 employees with $3.2 billion in gross revenue. Glenn decided his work was done and was succeeded by Craig A. Leavitt until the board hired a long-term replacement in Vince Tyra. In 2024, Gildan announced its intent to sell, although that has not yet come to pass.

Gildan Activewear's journey is one of strategic growth, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to quality. It serves as a blueprint for corporate resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of the global apparel industry. To read more about the history of Gildan visit the Gildan page on Wikipedia