Gildan Polo and Sweatshirt for Men: What Actually Fits Your Shop

Gildan does not chase the premium end of the catalog the way Champion does, and it is not the performance specialist the way Sport-Tek is. What Gildan does well is deliver a reliable, classic-fit piece at a lower price point across polos and sweatshirts, which makes it the brand most shops reach for when they want to hit a lower retail price without sacrificing too much on fabric feel. Here is what actually fits a mens shop.

The Gildan Premium Cotton Pique Polo

At $34.88 VIP base, the Gildan pique polo is 100% cotton in a classic pique knit, the same price as the Sport-Tek performance polo but built for a different use case. Where Sport-Tek suits hot weather and athletic movement, the Gildan pique reads more traditional and office-appropriate, the pick for a coach who wants a polo for the sideline that also works at a parent meeting.

The Gildan Classic Zip-Up Hoodie

At $41.88 VIP base, the zip-up runs mid-weight, easier to layer on and off through a changing-temperature day than a pullover hoodie. It sits below Champion on both weight and price, and above the Bear Grips comfort soft hoodie on structure. For a shop that wants a zip option specifically (rather than a pullover), this is the only zip-up in the catalog.

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Cotton, CVC, or Performance: Where Gildan Fits

Gildan pieces in this catalog run 100% cotton (the pique polo) or cotton-blend fleece (the zip-up hoodie), not performance polyester. A buyer searching for a "CVC mens shirt" is usually better matched to a Next Level CVC crew tee, since Gildan does not carry a CVC blend tee in the current lineup. Use Gildan for the classic cotton feel, Next Level for CVC and triblend, and Sport-Tek for performance.

Family and Youth Options

Gildan also covers a youth hoodie and youth crewneck sweatshirt, useful for a shop that wants to sell family sizes alongside the adult mens line, for example a coachs kids or a family fun-run event.

Pricing the Gildan Line

Piece	VIP base	Typical retail	Profit per piece
Premium cotton pique polo	$34.88	$44 to $50	$9.12 to $15.12
Classic zip-up hoodie	$41.88	$50 to $58	$8.12 to $16.12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gildan cheaper than Champion for a hoodie?

Yes. The Gildan classic zip-up runs $41.88 VIP base versus $45.88 for the Champion performance hoodie, and Gildan is also a zip style rather than pullover.

Does Gildan make a CVC blend tee for men?

Not in the current catalog. For a CVC blend, the Next Level premium CVC jersey tee is the match. Gildan covers the pique polo and fleece sweatshirt categories instead.

Whats the difference between the Gildan polo and the Sport-Tek polo?

Both price at $34.88 VIP base. Gildan is 100% cotton pique with a classic, office-appropriate feel. Sport-Tek is 100% polyester, moisture-wicking, built for heat and movement.

Does Gildan have youth sizes?

Yes. A youth hoodie and youth crewneck sweatshirt are both in the catalog, useful for family or youth-program shops.