Hanes vs Gildan: which sweatpant to buy, and when
Both land in the budget tier: the Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Sweatpant at $15, the Gildan Heavy Blend Open-Bottom Sweatpant at $16, $1 apart. Here is how they stack up, head to head.
| Hanes | Gildan | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15 | $16 |
| Material | Cotton/polyester fleece, ~8oz. | Cotton/polyester Heavy Blend fleece, ~8oz, brushed interior. |
| Fit | Baggy relaxed fit with elastic cuffs, runs large; shrinks toward true. | Baggy relaxed cut, runs large; shrinks toward true after washing. |
| Quality | Budget — warm but pills, the elastic loosens, and the cut reads dated. | Budget — warm but pills, the elastic loosens, and the cut reads plain and dated. |
| Best for | Lounging, sleep, around-the-house warmth, and cheap basics. | Lounging, sleep, layering warmth, printing, and cheap throwaway basics. |
| Care | Wash cold and tumble low to limit shrink and pilling. | Wash cold and tumble low to limit shrinkage and slow the pilling. |
Hanes EcoSmart ($15) and Gildan Heavy Blend ($16) are a dollar apart and nearly the same pant: cotton/poly fleece, about 8oz, baggy relaxed cut that runs large and shrinks toward true. Both pill, both have elastic that loosens, and both read dated; Gildan's edge is a brushed interior and its print-friendliness.
- The case for Hanes
- $1 cheaper, warm fleece, relaxed lounging fit, cheap disposable basic
- The case for Gildan
- Brushed interior, print-friendly blank, ~8oz warmth, plain throwaway basic
VerdictThe pick
At a dollar's difference these are effectively interchangeable, so buy whichever is in stock in your size. Grab the Gildan if you plan to print on them or want the brushed inside, which is the only real reason to spend the extra dollar. Otherwise the Hanes does the same job for a buck less. Both are disposable house-and-sleep sweats; don't overthink it.
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