History of Gildan
Gildan is a Canadian apparel company that has become a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of basic clothing items such as tees, activewear, socks, and underwear. The company's history dates back to the early 1980s, and its growth trajectory has been characterized by strategic acquisitions.
Gildan was founded in 1984 by Glenn and Greg Chamandy in Montreal, Canada. The company initially began as a distributor of activewear and hosiery, but soon shifted its focus towards manufacturing its own products. In the late 1980s, Gildan established its first knitting facility in Canada, which marked the beginning of its vertical integration strategy. This approach allowed the company to control the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products, leading to greater quality control and cost efficiency.
One of the most pivotal moments in Gildan's history came in 2004 with the acquisition of the Kentucky-based apparel manufacturer and distributor, American Apparel. This acquisition provided Gildan with a strong presence in the retail market and access to a wide range of customers. However, it's important to note that Gildan acquired American Apparel's intellectual property rights and certain assets, rather than the entire company.
During the 2010s, Gildan continued to expand its manufacturing operations, making investments in new facilities in various countries. The company established a significant presence in Central America and the Caribbean, capitalizing on the region's lower production costs and proximity to key markets like the United States. Gildan also placed a growing emphasis on sustainability during this period. Gildan's efforts included reducing its environmental footprint, implementing water and energy conservation measures, and promoting worker well-being.
Today, Gildan still remains a staple in producing affordable, quality basics & blanks, making it a go-to brand for consumers and a reliable partner for wholesalers and retailers around the world. The company's ability to adapt to changing market trends while maintaining its core values has contributed to its enduring presence in the apparel industry.
How to identify vintage Gildan
Like most of our other guides, the best way to identify vintage Gildan is by its tags. As always, these production dates are estimates, but unlike other brands, Gildan has stuck to a similar look over the years. Conversely, Gildan does have many tags that overlap in years. May appear in the same year as each other, as well as each tag encompassing several years. In this guide, we hope to clear this up- so let's dive into another episode of vintage identification with: Gildan.
(Side note: this our least favorite tag, but don't tell Gildan we said that)
*Sonny De Cru does not claim ownership of any images unless otherwise stated*
The 1994-1996 Tag
The 1997-2004 Tag
The 1999-2005 Tag
The 2006-2010s Tag
Overview
