Gildan vs. Uneek: Two Fantastic Bulk-Order Brands—Which Is Right for You?

March 11, 2025
Posted by Matthew Brussels
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At The T-Shirt Bakery, we specialise in high-quality, sustainable, custom printing. We know that the base garment is just as important as the design. That's why we offer two fantastic bulk-order brands: Gildan and Uneek. Both provide reliable, high-quality printing options, but which one best fits your needs?

Let's examine them closely, focusing on Uneek's UC320, a high-quality alternative with incredible durability, deep colour saturation, and premium fabric weight.

1. Quality & Fabric Feel

Gildan: A Trusted Industry Standard

Gildan is one of the biggest names in bulk-order apparel, offering a wide range of garments that balance affordability and reliability. The Gildan Heavy Cotton T-Shirt (5000) is one of the most commonly used garments in the industry, featuring a classic fit and a fabric weight of around 180 GSM. Their Softstyle range (64000) is lighter and made with ringspun cotton for a softer feel.

✅ Pros: Well-known, consistent quality, good price-to-value ratio.

⚠️ Cons: Some styles feel lighter and may not hold up as well over time.

Uneek UC320: A Premium Alternative with Vibrant Colours

The Uneek UC320 Olympic T-Shirt is an excellent alternative for those seeking a soft, high-quality T-shirt with lasting colour vibrancy. At 150 GSM, it provides a lightweight yet durable feel, making it perfect for custom printing. Crafted from 100% reactive dyed cotton, the UC320 ensures exceptional colour retention, keeping prints bold and fresh wash after wash. Plus, its enzyme-washed finish enhances softness and reduces shrinkage for long-term wearability.

✅ Pros: Soft, comfortable feel; deep, rich colours; excellent colour retention.
⚠️ Cons: Available exclusively in bulk through The T-Shirt Bakery.

🔍 Verdict: Gildan works well if you need an affordable, lightweight T-shirt for everyday wear. However, if you're looking for a softer, high-quality garment with excellent colour retention, the Uneek UC320 is the better choice.

2. Colour Options & Print Results

Gildan: Variety with Some Limitations

Gildan offers a wide range of colours, but depending on the style, some shades may fade or lose vibrancy over multiple washes. Their Softstyle range is perfect for vintage-style prints, while their Heavy Cotton range works best for bold, everyday designs.

Uneek UC320: Deep, Vibrant Colors That Last

The UC320 is reactive dyed, meaning the colours are locked into the fabric, offering superior fade resistance to standard dyes. Whether you're printing logos, graphics, or promotional designs, the deeper colour saturation of Uneek's UC320 makes a noticeable difference in how prints pop.

🔍 Verdict: Gildan provides variety if you want a wider selection of colours. If colour vibrancy and long-term durability are your top priorities, Uneek UC320 wins.

3. Pricing & Value

Gildan: Budget-Friendly and Reliable

Gildan is known for its affordable bulk pricing, making it an excellent choice for events, promotions, and large-scale orders.

Uneek UC320: More Value for a Similar Price

Despite its premium and richer colours, the UC320 remains competitively priced with Gildan's heavier options. This means you get a higher-quality garment at nearly the same price, making it a smarter investment for brands and businesses that want lasting quality.

🔍 Verdict: Gildan offers excellent value if budget is your only priority. But for richer colours, superior fabric quality, and long-lasting wear—at nearly the same price—the Uneek UC320 is the smarter investment.

4. Bulk Ordering & Availability

At The T-Shirt Bakery, we proudly offer both Gildan and Uneek for bulk orders. While Gildan is well-known and widely used, Uneek's UC320 is exclusively available for bulk orders through our sales team, allowing us to offer personalised service and competitive pricing.

🔍 Verdict: Gildan is more straightforward to source if you need small, flexible orders. If you want high-value, bulk orders with a more premium feel, Uneek UC320 is the perfect choice.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Both Gildan and Uneek are fantastic bulk-order brands, but the best choice depends on what matters most to you:

✔️ Choose Gildan if you want: An affordable, lightweight T-shirt for everyday wear, with flexible order sizes and a widely recognised brand.

✔️ Choose Uneek UC320 if you want: A soft, high-quality T-shirt with deeper, longer-lasting colours, enhanced durability, and a premium feel—all at a competitive price.

Want to experience the difference firsthand? Contact our sales team today to discuss your bulk printing needs and get exclusive access to the Uneek UC320!