Hanesbrands Inc. (HBI) is a vertically integrated global apparel manufacturer headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA, founded in 1901. Originally publicly traded on NYSE under ticker HBI, the company underwent a major transformation in late 2025 when Canadian apparel giant Gildan Activewear (NYSE/TSX: GIL) finalized its acquisition. Hanesbrands has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and now operates as a core division under Gildan, creating a global apparel powerhouse. Renowned for its robust own supply chain rather than functioning merely as a brand licensor, HBI operates iconic brands including Hanes, Maidenform, Bali, Playtex, Bonds, and Berlei.
Core Business
Hanesbrands' core business centers on intimate apparel and hosiery manufacturing, with women's underwear (category 5.1) as a strategic core featuring bras under Maidenform, Bali, and other brands covering virtually all styles—wireless, sport, padded, and push-up. The company operates as a vertically integrated manufacturer with self-production capabilities, distinguishing it from pure brand licensors. The product portfolio spans innerwear, activewear, sleepwear, and hosiery across multiple price segments through diverse brand portfolio. Post-acquisition by Gildan, HBI's manufacturing expertise and brand portfolio complement Gildan's imprint and hosiery capabilities, creating a comprehensive basic apparel platform serving mass-market and mid-tier retail segments globally.
Global Presence
Hanesbrands maintains global manufacturing and distribution operations, operating 423 outlet stores as of 2024, with production facilities across multiple regions. The company's vertically integrated model includes owned manufacturing capabilities, providing supply chain control that pure brand licensors cannot match. Distribution spans major retail channels including mass merchants, department stores, specialty retailers, and e-commerce platforms across North America, Europe, and other international markets. As a Gildan subsidiary, HBI now benefits from Gildan's global manufacturing network spanning multiple countries, enabling optimized production allocation and cost efficiency across the combined platform.
Key Strengths
Hanesbrands' core competitive advantage lies in its vertically integrated manufacturing model—unlike competitors who merely license brands, HBI controls production capabilities, enabling superior quality control, cost management, and supply chain agility. The company's iconic brand portfolio including Hanes, Maidenform, Bali, and Bonds provides market coverage across multiple demographics and price points. With 125 years of operational heritage (founded 1901), HBI brings deep industry expertise, established supplier relationships, and manufacturing excellence. As part of Gildan, the combined entity creates a global apparel powerhouse with significantly expanded revenue scale, diversified manufacturing footprint, and enhanced competitive positioning in the basic apparel sector.
