Gildan Activewear Inc. is a Canadian vertically integrated apparel manufacturer headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under ticker symbol GIL, the company has established itself as the world's largest blank apparel supplier, particularly dominating the North American Printwear market with products distributed to over 60 markets.
Core Business
Gildan's core operations span men's, women's, and children's apparel, with flagship products including T-shirts, activewear, hosiery, and underwear. The company operates under multiple brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, and American Apparel, with the Hanes brand family added through the 2025 acquisition. Gildan's primary business model remains B2B/customizable apparel for screen printers and decorators.
For 2025, Gildan reported cumulative Q1-Q3 revenues of approximately $2.54 billion, with full-year guidance projecting revenues between $3.4–3.5 billion on a standalone basis. Following the acquisition of HanesBrands completed in late 2025, the company's pro-forma revenue is expected to reach approximately $6.9 billion, substantially expanding its portfolio in underwear and active basics.
Global Presence
With approximately 49,000 employees across 12 countries, Gildan operates approximately 30 vertically integrated production facilities across Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. The company's manufacturing scale enables annual production capacity exceeding one billion garments, supporting its dominant position in the printwear channel across more than 60 global markets.
Key Strengths
Gildan's competitive positioning is anchored in vertical integration, with over 90% of sales derived from products manufactured in company-owned facilities, delivering significant cost efficiencies and supply chain control. The company has been recognized by TIME magazine as one of the world's most sustainable companies and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for multiple years, reflecting its investment in sustainable manufacturing technologies. Founder Glenn Chamandy returned as CEO following a 2024 proxy battle, positioning the company for continued growth following its landmark acquisition of HanesBrands for approximately $4.4 billion.
