Hanes

Hanes is a United States basics and underwear brand founded in 1901, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Its parent HanesBrands was acquired by Gildan Activewear in a deal completed on 1 December 2025.

What is Hanes?

Hanes is a long-established American basics label, associated with underwear, T-shirts and everyday apparel. The company traces its origins to 1901, when John Wesley Hanes (Shamrock Mills) and Pleasant H. Hanes (P. H. Hanes Knitting Company) began operating.

Ownership

Hanes sits within HanesBrands, which Gildan Activewear agreed to acquire in August 2025 in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at US$2.2 billion in the source reviewed. Shareholders approved the deal in November 2025 and it was completed on 1 December 2025. Stephen B. Bratspies became HanesBrands chief executive in August 2020; his current status after the merger was not verified.

Products and positioning

The Hanes name is a mass-market, value-priced basics brand. The wider HanesBrands portfolio has included Playtex, Bali, L'eggs, Just My Size, Barely There, Wonderbra, Maidenform, Berlei and Bonds. In June 2024 the company announced the sale of Champion to Authentic Brands Group for US$1.2 billion.

Business model and distribution

Hanes sells mainly through retail partners, alongside its own outlet and retail stores and online. Sources give differing outlet counts, so no figure is stated here. The company has also run collegiate fan apparel partnerships with several US universities.

Why it matters

Hanes is one of the largest American basics names, and its combination with Gildan brings two major volume apparel businesses under one roof.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Hanes?

Hanes belongs to HanesBrands, which Gildan Activewear acquired. The transaction was announced in August 2025 and completed on 1 December 2025.

Where is Hanes from?

Hanes is from the United States. It is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and traces its origins to 1901.

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