When creating custom t-shirts, two names usually dominate the conversation: Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. These iconic brands have dressed people for generations, offering many styles and sizes at affordable prices.
This in-depth comparison of Hanes vs Fruit of the Loom t-shirts examines key factors like fabric choice and sustainability practices to help you start your custom clothing line.
Key takeaways
- Hanes provides premium softness and durability for custom designs.
- Fruit of the Loom is affordable and has many t-shirt colors and styles.
- Hanes is known for using recycled materials with moisture-wicking properties, while Fruit of the Loom remains a go-to for budget-conscious consumers.
- Hanes typically costs a bit more than Fruit of the Loom but compensates with its longer-lasting products.
1. History and brand overview
Hanes
Founded by John Wesley Hanes in 1901, Hanes has been a go-to for all things comfort. Whether it’s classic t-shirts, Hanes underwear, or the tagless styles that keep irritation at bay, Hanes has built a reputation as the epitome of laid-back apparel.
But Hanes isn’t just about comfort. In recent years, it has focused on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and organic cotton into its production processes.
The brand’s eco-conscious choices ensure that your t-shirt business is kind to the planet while providing style and comfort.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom has been brightening wardrobes since 1851. Its story began with two brothers, Benjamin and Robert Knight. Initially operating as a cotton mill, their goal was to provide high-quality fabric that didn’t break the bank.
By 1871, the brothers had trademarked Fruit of the Loom, making it one of the oldest surviving trademarks today. Known for its vibrant selection of colors and styles, the brand offers something for everyone at a price that’s easy on the wallet.
Beyond the fun and affordability, Fruit of the Loom has also built a name for durability. Whether it’s their underwear or everyday t-shirt models, these garments are made to withstand wear, offering a long-lasting option for those seeking both comfort and style.
2. Fabric quality
Hanes
Hanes prides itself on using high-quality fabrics that prioritize comfort and durability. Their t-shirts, especially the popular Beefy-T, are made from 100% ring-spun cotton, known for softness and durability through multiple washes. It’s definitely one of the best t-shirts for custom designs.
Hanes also offers cotton-poly blends for everyday wear, combining breathability with a bit of stretch. Hanes has also embraced sustainability in their fabric choices, incorporating eco-friendly options like recycled polyester and organic cotton in select product lines.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom is also committed to high-quality materials, focusing on affordability while maintaining durability. Their HD Cotton shirts are made from 100% cotton and processed to create a tighter knit, making them ideal for direct-to-garment printing.
This process results in a smoother surface that holds custom t-shirt designs well without compromising comfort. They also offer cotton-polyester blends, which are lightweight, breathable, and designed for long-term wear.
Verdict
Both brands excel in fabric quality, offering products that suit different needs. Hanes has a slight edge in premium softness and sustainable materials.
Fruit of the Loom shines in its affordability and the fabric’s suitability for custom printing. If softness and sustainability are priorities, Hanes is the winner here.
3. Fit and comfort
Hanes
Hanes’s fit feels just right for everyday wear. Their shirts are designed with versatility in mind, offering a relaxed shape that suits a wide range of body types.
Hanes has eliminated common sources of irritation by using tagless neck labels, making these garments a favorite for those seeking hassle-free, all-day comfort. They use soft, breathable fabrics that hold up even after multiple washes.
Another favorite style, Hanes’s V-neck t-shirts, are often praised in customer reviews for their perfect balance between loose and snug.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom also prioritizes comfort. Its t-shirts are designed for a relaxed fit that feels breathable and light. They cater to a broader range of sizes, providing casual wear for all body shapes.
The shirts are slightly more fitted than Hanes, which can offer a more tailored look, making them ideal for layering or wearing alone.
The breathable, soft fabric in the cotton and cotton-poly blends ensures comfort across various styles, including the more fitted cuts. Fruit of the Loom is an excellent choice for those prioritizing a more snug yet flexible feel.
Verdict
Hanes stands out for its relaxed fit and tagless design, making it the winner for those prioritizing all-day comfort without irritation.
On the other hand, Fruit of the Loom offers a slightly more fitted and tailored look while maintaining softness and breathability.
4. Style and design options
Hanes
Hanes emphasizes simplicity and timeless appeal, making their shirts ideal for basic everyday wear or as a base layer for custom-printed apparel. In addition to classic-cut t-shirts and v-necks, Hanes offers hoodies, long-sleeved shirts, and sweatshirts that continue the brand’s theme of comfort-first with straightforward, reliable designs.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom offers more variety and flair. Known for its vibrant colors and trendy cuts, it provides more than just the basics. While it does have classic t-shirts, its catalog also includes bold hues and designs that appeal to a younger, more fashion-conscious audience.
Verdict
Style-wise, Hanes vs Fruit of the Loom is a question of simplicity versus variety. Hanes stands out more here with its classic designs, which are perfect for everyday wear and customization.
Fruit of the Loom shirts still make a statement here with their vivid colors and trendy cuts, offering a broader selection for consumers.
5. Durability and shrinkage
Hanes
Hanes is known for durability, particularly with its famous Beefy-T line, crafted to withstand multiple washes without losing shape or softness. Hanes uses double-needle stitching, a technique that enhances the structural integrity of the garments, making them resistant to wear and tear over time.
The high-quality cotton and cotton-polyester blends help reduce shrinkage, ensuring shirts maintain their original fit even after repeated laundering. Although shrinkage can occur, especially in their 100% cotton shirts, customer reviews often praise Hanes for minimizing this issue compared to other brands.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom is built for longevity, with its HD Cotton line designed to be durable and resistant to shrinkage. The fabric’s tighter weave makes it ideal for screen printing and helps retain the shirt’s size and shape after many washes.
Like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom employs sturdy stitching techniques to extend the life of its garments. However, some customers report that its 100% cotton shirts are more prone to slight shrinkage than blended options.
Verdict
Both Hanes and Fruit of the Loom offer high-quality t-shirt models designed to last. Hanes wins in terms of shrinkage control, which uses premium materials and sturdy construction.
Fruit of the Loom also provides durable options, though some shrinkage may occur in their 100% cotton products. Overall, Hanes takes the lead in this category for long-lasting wear and resistance to shrinkage.
6. Price and value for money
Hanes
Hanes is typically more expensive than Fruit of the Loom, but it compensates for this with the quality and durability of its products. Known for premium materials like ring-spun cotton and advanced blends, Hanes offers long-lasting comfort and reliable fit.
While Hanes’ products may cost a bit more upfront, especially with their premium cotton lines, customers often report that the longevity of the garments provides good value for money.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability – using recycled materials and organic cotton – also contributes to its price point, making Hanes an appealing choice for those willing to invest in high-quality apparel.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom is well-known for offering more accessible prices without significantly compromising quality. The brand’s products are competitively priced, making them a go-to for consumers seeking reliable basics at a budget-friendly cost.
This affordability makes Fruit of the Loom popular for bulk purchases and custom printing projects, where value for money is crucial. While slightly less expensive than Hanes, Fruit of the Loom garments still offer good durability and comfort, though some customers say they may not hold up as well after numerous washes.
Verdict
Fruit of the Loom is the way to go for those seeking a more affordable price point without sacrificing essential quality while creating print-on-demand products.
If you’re looking for garments made with premium materials and willing to pay a slightly higher price for better longevity and sustainability, Hanes offers superior value in the long term.
7. Sustainability and ethical practices
Hanes
Hanes has made significant strides in embracing sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact through several initiatives, including using recycled materials in its clothing, like recycled polyester fabric.
Hanes also focuses on water conservation efforts and energy efficiency in its factories, aligning with industry-wide calls for sustainable materials. They also use organic cotton in some products, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides.
Hanes is part of the Fair Labor Association, ensuring that ethical labor practices are followed across its global supply chain.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom has also responded to growing consumer demand for sustainability and ethical sourcing. The brand has committed to reducing its environmental footprint by integrating greener materials like recycled polyester into its products.
Fruit of the Loom participates in global initiatives aimed at improving working conditions in its supply chain, and like Hanes, it adheres to ethical labor practices.
Their factories have been recognized for water and energy conservation efforts, and they continuously work towards minimizing waste in their production processes.
Verdict
For sustainability and ethical practices, both brands are taking commendable steps to lessen their environmental impact and ensure fair working conditions.
8. Customer reviews and ratings
Hanes
Hanes consistently receives positive feedback for its comfort, durability, and fit. Customers frequently praise the Beefy-T and other Hanes products like boxer briefs and hoodies for their softness and ability to retain shape after repeated wear and washes.
Many appreciate the tagless design, eliminating neck irritation – a small but much-loved feature across customer reviews.
Hanes’ commitment to using premium materials like ringspun cotton is often highlighted as a reason for their higher customer satisfaction, especially when compared to cheaper alternatives.
However, some reviewers mention that Hanes products, particularly their 100% cotton items, are prone to minimal shrinkage, but they feel this is manageable. Overall, Hanes has a strong reputation for being a reliable choice.
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom receives similarly favorable reviews. In Q4 of 2023, they tied with Levi’s and received positive feedback from 74% of respondents. Their HD Cotton line is particularly popular for custom t-shirts, with reviewers appreciating the smooth fabric surface that makes it ideal for screen printing.
Customers often mention durability and affordability in positive reviews, with many noting that the shirts hold up well over time, especially given their more affordable price point. That said, some customers have reported issues with shrinkage in 100% cotton products, and a few mention that the fit can vary slightly between different product lines.
Despite these minor complaints, consumers highly regard Fruit of the Loom for providing value at an affordable price.
Verdict
Both brands perform well in the Hanes vs Fruit of the Loom showdown for customer reviews and ratings but in slightly different areas. Hanes t-shirt reviews often mention premium feel and long-term durability, often at a slightly higher price.
Fruit of the Loom shines in terms of value and affordability, making it a popular choice for bulk purchases and custom t-shirts.
Final verdict – Is Hanes or Fruit of the Loom better?
Both brands offer good quality products, but each shines in different areas.
Hanes is a top pick for reliable, well-constructed garments that hold up over time.
Fruit of the Loom stands out for its affordability and wide range of options. The brand is a go-to for those seeking value, particularly for bulk purchases or custom t-shirts.
So, is Fruit of the Loom or Hanes better? Both brands offer solid options. If you want a bit more luxury and are willing to pay a slightly higher price point, Hanes might be your best bet. However, if affordability and versatility are at the top of your list, Fruit of the Loom is hard to beat.
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Hanes t-shirts
Hanes shirts are all about exceptional comfort and a premium feel. These t-shirts are made from high-quality materials, ensuring a soft texture and lasting durability.
Hanes products are perfect for those who appreciate long-lasting, comfortable basics that look fantastic on all body shapes.
The Hanes Beefy-T is known for its durable, heavyweight 100% ring-spun cotton fabric, providing a soft yet resilient feel. It features a classic fit, double-needle stitching, and shoulder-to-shoulder taping for added durability.
The Tall Beefy-T offers the same quality construction with extra length, making it ideal for taller people or those looking for a more oversized look.
Fruit of the Loom t-shirts
These tees are affordable and high quality, making them great for custom apparel projects. The Unisex HD cotton t-shirt has a smooth fabric surface, making it ideal for direct-to-garment printing.
Fruit of the Loom is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for reliable, customizable t-shirts to start a print-on-demand business.
The Unisex HD Cotton™ T-Shirt has high-density fabric, seamless collar, and double-needle stitching. The Women’s Iconic T-Shirt is soft, lightweight, and tailored for a classic fit with side seams. The Unisex Iconic T-Shirt combines ringspun cotton with a modern fit, featuring shoulder-to-shoulder taping and durable stitching. All of these models are excellent choices for printing.
FAQ
Both offer great quality clothing, but Hanes is often praised for its premium materials and long-lasting softness, especially in products like the Beefy-T line.
Loom excels in affordable basic tees while still delivering good durability, particularly in its HD Cotton shirts, which are great for custom t-shirt designs.
It really comes down to personal preference. Do some research on your niche and what they value in a t-shirt so you know exactly which products will meet their custom apparel needs.
No, Fruit of the Loom and Hanes are separate companies in the apparel industry.
Fruit of the Loom is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, while Hanes operates independently as part of Hanesbrands Inc. Despite some similarities in their product lines, they remain competitors.
Hanes tends to offer a higher-quality feel, especially in its premium lines like the Beefy-T, which uses premium cotton and has a reputation for softness and durability.
Gildan, however, is known for its custom t-shirt designs and affordability. It’s a fan favorite in the POD industry for its ultra-smooth surfaces – perfect for printing.
Hanes’ popularity stems from its focus on comfort, durability, and innovative manufacturing techniques. The brand’s tagless solution and soft fabrics are constantly featured in Hanes t-shirt reviews. The wide availability and use of high-quality clothing materials like ring-spun cotton ensure that they remain a staple for everyday wear.
Which is better – Hanes or Fruit of the Loom?
When comparing Hanes vs. Fruit of the Loom, both brands excel in overall quality, comfort, and value. Hanes offers superior softness and a high-quality surface for printing with a focus on sustainability, while Fruit of the Loom stands out for affordability and variety.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize long-lasting comfort or budget-friendly versatility. But both Hanes and Fruit of the Loom will shine the best light on your designs and gather positive customer feedback one shirt at a time.
