Hanes Imagewear History

1901

P.H. Hanes Knitting Company founded as a manufacturer of men's underwear.

1970's

In the mid 70's, executives at Hanes Knitting discovered that their white underwear product were being screenprinted and worn as outerwear. Keith Alms of Hanes Knitwear believed there was a viable business in selling white underwear T-shirts to screenprinters. He developed the Hanes 5000 line of T-shirts and began selling to individual screenprinters.

Hanes introduces a roomier, heavier-weight T-shirt, called the Hanes Beefy-T^®, specifically for the screenprint industry. Later that same year, Hanes develops the "screenprinter fold" eliminating the additional cost and handling of individual packaging.

1980's

Sportshirts and Fleece added to the existing line of long and short sleeve T-shirts.

1990's

As a major sponsor of the Atlanta Olympics, Hanes produces a one-of-a-kind series of Hanes Beefy T-shirts representing the 500 days leading up to the Opening Ceremonies. T-shirt #1 was auctioned for $32,500 which went to purchasing Olympic Game tickets for underprivileged children.

Hanes PrintPro^® Fleece wins the prestigious Silver Edison Best New Product Award for its revolutionary, patented high stitch density fabric.

2000

The Hanes Beefy-T turns 25! Today, printed T-shirts are more popular than ever; research indicates that an average of four T-shirts are purchased each year by individuals 16 years and older.

2001

The 1 billionth Hanes Beefy-T T-shirt is sold! Hanes celebrates with the imprintables industry and a "Beefy-T" PT Cruiser sweepstakes.

Hanes Printables introduces a "Go Tagless" with style 5250. Say 'Goodbye' to irritating neck labels and 'Hello' to ultimate comfort. No more itchy, scratchy tags.

Hanesbrands Inc. a leading marketer of innerwear, outerwear and hosiery apparel completed its spin-off as an independent company from Sara Lee Corporation on September 6, 2006. Trading on the NYSE as HBI.

Introduction of nano-T^® T-shirt – a lightweight (4.5 oz), 100% fine jersey cotton t-shirt. Heavy on style, light on weight.

Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, OK is the first inductee into the Hanes Beefy-T^® Hall of Fame.

Destination Tagless^® – all t-shirts in the Hanes Imagewear line are converted to tag-free neck labels. ComfortBlend^® EcoSmart^® products are introduced – made with up to 5% recycled polyester from plastic bottles.

Salty Dog Café in Hilton Head, SC and RK Stratman (licensed printer for Harley Davidson) are inducted into the Hanes Beefy-T^® Hall of Fame.

Cool DRI^® Performance T-shirt is introduced – this versatile fabric wicks moisture away from the body, has a 50+ UPF rating and is suitable for sublimation printing.

Launch of the Hanes4Education program – designed for school orders of printed T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts purchased in bulk through suppliers (such as screenprinters, embroiderers or promotional products distributors).

Hanes welcomes Mastumoto Shave Ice, a loyal Beefy-T^® customer since 1976 on the north side of Oahu, into the Hanes Beefy-T^® Hall of Fame.