When you need reliable, no-fuss basic tees that won't break the bank, Gildan is the undisputed champion. It's the go-to for everything from company merch and team uniforms to building a collection of solid, everyday staples. Their focus on durability and affordability is hard to beat.
But if you love Gildan's practicality and want to explore other options - maybe something with a softer feel, a more modern fit, or eco-friendly materials - you're in luck. Here are 19 similar brands that serve up quality basics for every budget and style.
Hanes is another heavyweight in the world of affordable basics and a direct competitor to Gildan. They're loved for their soft fabrics, reliable fit, and iconic tagless designs that add an extra layer of comfort. T-shirts typically run from $4 to $12, making them perfect for daily wear or promotional use.
While similar in price, Hanes often gets the edge for its softer cotton blends. If you want Gildan's durability but with a cozier, more comfortable feel against your skin, Hanes is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at hanes.com
A true classic in the basics space, Fruit of the Loom sits right alongside Gildan and Hanes. Their T-shirts are known for their traditional fit and consistent quality, typically made from 100% cotton or gentle cotton blends. With prices floating between $3 and $10, it's a super budget-friendly option.
Compared to Gildan, many find their fabrics to be a touch softer right out of the package, making them a top pick for anyone looking for reliable, no-frills tees that are great for bulk buys or simple daily drivers.
Shop now at fruit.com
If you're looking for a serious upgrade from a standard tee, meet Bella+Canvas. This brand specializes in premium basics with fashion-forward fits and incredibly soft fabrics like combed and ring-spun cotton. Prices are a bit higher, usually $10-$20 per shirt, but the quality is immediately noticeable.
Think of them as the stylish, retail-ready version of a basic tee. While Gildan prioritizes affordability and utility, Bella+Canvas delivers vibrant colors, trendy cuts, and a more sustainable production process for a sleeker look.
Shop now at bellacanvas.com
Next Level Apparel bridges the gap between basic and premium perfectly. For around $8-$15, you get a lightweight, well-fitting T-shirt that feels much more luxurious than its price tag suggests. They use high-quality combed ringspun cotton and CVC blends that are exceptionally soft. Where Gildan is sturdy, Next Level is refined, making their tees perfect for anyone who wants a more fitted, modern silhouette without a big price jump.
Shop now at nextlevelapparel.com
Yes, Anvil is actually owned by Gildan, but it fills a slightly different niche. Consider Anvil the more contemporary, fashion-conscious arm of the family. Its tees, priced from $4-$10, often feature more modern fits and softer, lightweight materials than the classic Gildan heavyweight tee. Plus, many of its options use sustainable and recycled materials, appealing to eco-conscious shoppers who still want that unbeatable price point.
Shop now at gildanbrands.com/anvil
Made famous for its iconic "Made in the USA" basics (though now owned by Gildan!), American Apparel offers minimalist, high-quality tees with a distinctly fashion-forward, slim fit. They use premium combed cotton that feels much softer and smoother than standard basics. Priced from $15 to $30, these are for shoppers who want a sleeker, more stylish alternative for layering or everyday wear and are willing to pay a little more for it.
Shop now at americanapparel.com
As its name suggests, Alternative Apparel is all about creating soft, eco-friendly basics with a vintage, lived-in feel. Made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, their tees are ridiculously comfortable from the first wear. While pricier than Gildan at $15 to $25, their commitment to sustainability and superior comfort makes them a favorite for conscious consumers who want a cozy, planet-friendly shirt.
Shop now at alternativeapparel.com
Everlane is the master of "Radical Transparency," offering ethically made, minimalist basics built to last. Their T-shirts, typically priced from $20-$30, are crafted from premium materials like organic cotton for a clean, sophisticated look. While Gildan is about affordability for the masses, Everlane provides a more refined, investment-worthy basic for shoppers who prioritize ethical sourcing, high-quality materials, and a timeless aesthetic.
Shop now at everlane.com
Uniqlo has built a cult following for its high-quality, innovative, and incredibly affordable basics. Their T-shirts, including the famous Uniqlo U crew neck and the incredibly soft Supima cotton line, range from just $10 to $20. Where Gildan offers simple durability, Uniqlo adds textile innovation and modern, flattering fits, making their tees an amazing value for anyone who wants a polished and comfortable staple.
Shop now at uniqlo.com
If you're tired of tees that stretch out after a few washes, American Giant is your answer. This brand is obsessed with crafting durable, American-made staples that are built to last a lifetime. Their T-shirts are made from thick, substantial premium cotton and sit in the $25-$40 price range. While Gildan is a workhorse, American Giant is a tank - a true investment piece for those who value quality and longevity above all else.
Shop now at american-giant.com
J.Crew brings its signature preppy, classic aesthetic to everyday basics. Its T-shirts, priced between $15 and $25, offer a more tailored and polished look than your standard boxy tee. Made with quality cotton, they are perfect for creating clean, put-together casual outfits. It's the ideal step up from Gildan when you need a simple tee that looks intentional and stylish without trying too hard.
Shop now at jcrew.com
Beyond its standard budget tees, Fruit of the Loom also offers a premium selection that’s worth a look. These shirts, often found under labels like "Eversoft" or "HD Cotton," are engineered for superior softness and a slightly more modern fit while still keeping prices low (around $5-$12). This line directly competes with softer Gildan models but is designed for anyone wanting that classic FotL name with a noticeably better-feeling fabric.
Shop now at fruit.com
We already know Bella+Canvas for its soft cotton, but its tri-blend line takes comfort to another level. By blending polyester, combed ring-spun cotton, and rayon, these shirts achieve an incredible softness and a subtle, stylish drape. Ringing in around $12-$20, they offer a vintage, heathered look that is impossible to get with 100% cotton. It’s the perfect choice for anyone wanting a luxe, ultra-soft basic with a fashionable, lived-in vibe.
Shop now at bellacanvas.com
For those who see the T-shirt as a core piece of a stylish wardrobe, Todd Snyder delivers. This designer brand creates elevated casual basics with meticulous attention to fit, fabric, and detail. Their tees, which run from $35-$60, are a serious luxury upgrade made with premium materials for a tailored, sophisticated look. It's a world away from Gildan's utility, built for the fashion-conscious shopper who invests in quality.
Shop now at toddsnyder.com
Fresh Clean Threads (formerly Fresh Clean Tees) is built around one simple mission: creating the perfect-fitting tee for men. Their proprietary StratuSoft blend (a mix of cotton and polyester) provides incredible softness, stretch, and durability that resists shrinking. Priced around $25, these tees are a great mid-range option for those who want a more athletic, flattering fit than the looser cut of a standard Gildan, without moving into high-fashion territory.
Shop now at freshcleantees.com
If you crave variety, ASOS Design has you covered. They offer a massive range of T-shirts in virtually every fit, color, and style imaginable, all at super affordable prices (typically $10-$20). From oversized to muscle fit, their basics are always on-trend. While Gildan is about a single, reliable fit, ASOS is for the fast-fashion lover who wants to experiment with different silhouettes and styles without spending a lot.
Shop now at asos.com
H&M blends fast-fashion affordability with a commitment to sustainability in its Conscious collection. Here you can find basic T-shirts made from organic cotton or recycled materials for just $8 to $15. It's a great Gildan alternative for the eco-aware shopper on a budget, delivering trendy fits and a clear conscience without the premium price tag typically associated with sustainable clothing.
Shop now at hm.com
Known for its legendary quality and outdoor heritage, L.L.Bean makes T-shirts that are built to withstand anything. Priced from $15-$25, their tees are famous for their rugged construction and resistance to staining, shrinking, and fading. While Gildan serves the mass market, L.L.Bean caters to those who need an exceptionally durable and long-lasting tee for a more active, classic Americana lifestyle.
Shop now at llbean.com
Cotton On offers fun, trendy, and highly affordable basics with a youthful, laid-back vibe. Their T-shirts, often priced between $10 and $20, come in a wide array of patterns, graphics, and contemporary colors. If you find Gildan's aesthetic a bit too plain, Cotton On provides a splash of personality and style while keeping things easy on the wallet, making it a hit with a younger, trend-focused audience.
Shop now at cottonon.com
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