Fruit of the Loom vs Gildan vs Stanley/Stella for printing
Fruit of the Loom, Gildan and Stanley/Stella all make blank T-shirts and hoodies designed for printing. The Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T (160–165 g/m²) and the Gildan Heavy Cotton are classic cotton basics for large runs. The Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 is 100% organic cotton and the obvious choice when organic is a requirement. For a heavier premium tee in conventional cotton, the Fruit of the Loom Iconic 195 (190–195 g/m²) is a strong option.
Marmalade Co. is an official, authorised Fruit of the Loom retailer, so we print on Fruit of the Loom. This comparison uses what each manufacturer states on its own product pages, and we say so plainly when another brand is the better fit.
| Style | Weight | Material | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T | 160 g/m² in white, 165 g/m² in colours | 100% cotton in most colours | Classic unisex |
| Fruit of the Loom Iconic 195 Premium T | 190 g/m² in white, 195 g/m² in colours | 100% combed ringspun cotton | Classic unisex |
| Gildan Heavy Cotton | 5.3 oz/yd² (converted, approx. 180 g/m²) | 100% cotton in solid colours | Classic, loose |
| Gildan Softstyle | 4.3 oz/yd² (converted, approx. 146 g/m²) | 100% ring spun cotton in solid colours | Modern classic |
| Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 | 180 g/m² | 100% organic combed ring spun cotton | Medium |
| Fruit of the Loom Classic Hooded Sweat | 260 g/m² in white, 280 g/m² in colours | 80% cotton, 20% polyester | Classic unisex |
| Gildan Heavy Blend hoodie | 8.0 oz/yd² (converted, approx. 271 g/m²) | 50% cotton, 50% polyester in solid colours | Classic, loose |
| Stanley/Stella Drummer 2.0 hoodie | 280 g/m² | 85% organic cotton, 15% recycled polyester | Medium |
Weight: how substantial is the tee?
Fabric weight tells you how thick and substantial a garment feels. The Gildan Softstyle is the lightest style here, the Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T sits at 160–165 g/m², and the Gildan Heavy Cotton and the Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 come in around 180 g/m² (Gildan converted). The Fruit of the Loom Iconic 195 is the heaviest T-shirt in this comparison.
Gildan lists weights in oz/yd² on its US product pages. We converted them to g/m² so the figures can be compared, but they are not Gildan's own g/m² figures.
Material: cotton, ringspun or organic?
All three brands offer T-shirts in 100% cotton in their solid colours. At Fruit of the Loom and Gildan, heather colours are often polyester blends, so check the colour if your design will be printed with DTG, which gives the best result on cotton.
Ringspun cotton gives a softer, smoother surface. The Iconic 195, the Gildan Softstyle and the Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 all use it. The Valueweight T and the Gildan Heavy Cotton are classic everyday cotton for large runs.
If the garments must be organic, Stanley/Stella is the better choice. The Creator 2.0 is 100% organic cotton, and the Drummer 2.0 hoodie is organic cotton with recycled polyester. The Fruit of the Loom styles here are conventional cotton.
Fit and sizes
The Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T and Iconic 195 have a classic unisex fit. Gildan describes the Heavy Cotton as a classic, loose fit and the Softstyle as a modern classic fit. Stanley/Stella calls the Creator 2.0 a medium fit, neither close-fitting nor oversized.
The Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 runs from XXS to 5XL and the Gildan Softstyle from XS to 5XL. With us, the Valueweight T comes in XS to XXXL, so for very large sizes the other brands may suit you better. See our Fruit of the Loom size guide.
Hoodies for printing
The Fruit of the Loom Classic Hooded Sweat weighs 260–280 g/m² and is 80% cotton and 20% polyester. The Gildan Heavy Blend is an even cotton and polyester blend with a double-lined hood. The Stanley/Stella Drummer 2.0 is organic cotton with recycled polyester and has a double-layered hood and a flat drawcord.
All three manufacturers say their hoodies can be printed and embroidered. For the choice between Fruit of the Loom hoodies, see our separate guide to the best hoodie for printing.
Price level
We do not quote other brands' prices, because they depend on the seller and the quantity. Broadly, the Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T and the Gildan Heavy Cotton are basics for large runs. Stanley/Stella itself presents the Creator 2.0 as a premium tee and uses organic cotton, so expect a higher price level there.
With us, the price of a printed order depends on quantity, print method, print positions and the number of colours in the design. You get the price in a personal quote.
Which brand suits what?
- Large runs for events, clubs and merchandise: Fruit of the Loom Valueweight T or Gildan Heavy Cotton.
- A heavier tee in conventional cotton: Fruit of the Loom Iconic 195.
- A light, soft tee: Gildan Softstyle.
- Organic cotton is a must: Stanley/Stella.
- Very large sizes up to 5XL: Stanley/Stella or Gildan Softstyle.
Products in this guide
FAQ: blank brands for printing
Is Fruit of the Loom or Gildan better for printing?
Both make cotton basics that the manufacturers themselves describe as good for printing. The Valueweight T and the Gildan Heavy Cotton are comparable basic styles. Weight, colour and sizes usually matter more than the brand.
When should I choose Stanley/Stella?
When the garments must be organic cotton. The Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 is 100% organic cotton, and the manufacturer presents it as a premium tee.
Which T-shirt is the heaviest?
Of the styles here, the Fruit of the Loom Iconic 195 is the heaviest at 190–195 g/m². The Gildan Softstyle is the lightest.
Does Marmalade Co. print on Gildan and Stanley/Stella?
We are an official, authorised Fruit of the Loom retailer and print on Fruit of the Loom from 10 pieces. Mention any special requests in your enquiry and we will reply within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Tell us the quantity, style, colours and design, and you will get a personal quote within 24 hours on weekdays and a free digital mock-up.
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