Growth and acquisitions
Gildan opened its first offshore sewing facility in Honduras, in 1997. The plant was vertically integrated and employed 1,200 workers. A year later, the company achieved an initial public offering and was listed publicly on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American (then the American Stock Exchange).[8]
By 2001, Gildan was the leading distributor of 100% cotton T-shirts in the US as determined by the ACNielsen S.T.A.R.S. Report. The next year, the company opened a knitting, bleaching, dyeing, finishing, and cutting facility in Rio Nance, Honduras.[8]
In 2010, the company invested $15m in Shahriyar Fabric Industries Limited in Bangladesh to support planned growth in Asia and Europe.[9]
In May 2012, Gildan again expanded with its purchase of 130-year old apparel maker Anvil Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Anvil Knitwear and producer of environmentally-friendly lines of sustainable, recycled, and organic apparel.[10]
In 2014, Gildan acquired Doris Hosiery for CA$110 million.[11]
In February 2015, Gildan announced its intent to purchase the Comfort Colors brand and assets, for a total purchase price of approximately US$100 million.[12]
In 2016, Gildan announced its $55 million purchase of PEDS Legwear.[13]
In 2017, Gildan acquired American clothing company American Apparel for $88 million.[14]
In 2021, Gildan acquired 100 percent of the equity interests of Phoenix Sanford, LLC.[15]
On 11 December 2023, Glenn J. Chamandy left his position as president and chief executive officer and director of the company. Vince Tyra was appointed president and CEO effective 12 February 2024, with Craig A. Leavitt assuming the position of president and Chief executive officer during the interim period.[16]
On 19 March 2024, Gildan announced its intention to sell the company after a special committee review and amid a battle between its top stockholders, following the dismissal and proposed reinstatement of co-founder Glenn Chamandy as CEO.[17]
On 13 August 2025, Gildan agreed to purchase American undergarments manufacturer Hanesbrands for US$2.2 billion in cash and stock. The deal is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026.[18] Shareholders have approved the deal.[19]
