Gilly Hicks is a lifestyle brand that focuses on providing comfortable, stylish apparel designed for everyday wear. As a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., the brand has evolved from a traditional intimates retailer into a versatile label offering underwear, loungewear, and activewear. This guide explores the different types of Gilly Hicks apparel available, how the sizing works, and how to care for your items to ensure they last.
The History and Evolution of Gilly Hicks
Gilly Hicks was originally launched in 2008 as a sister brand to Hollister Co., primarily focusing on bras, panties, and sleepwear with a “down under” Australian-inspired theme. Over the years, the brand underwent a significant transformation to meet the changing needs of modern consumers.
Today, Gilly Hicks has moved away from its original branding to focus on inclusivity and gender-neutral options. The brand’s current mission is to provide products that help everyone feel happy and comfortable in their own skin. This shift has led to the introduction of more diverse product lines, including the Gilly Hicks Active and Gilly Hicks Unisex collections.
Core Product Categories
Understanding the different product lines offered by Gilly Hicks can help you find exactly what you are looking for. The brand categorizes its apparel into three main pillars: Intimates, Loungewear, and Activewear.
1. Intimates and Underwear
The foundation of Gilly Hicks remains its collection of intimates. This category includes a wide variety of bras, such as bralettes, lightly lined bras, and push-up styles. They are known for using soft fabrics like lace, microfiber, and cotton blends.
- Bralettes: Designed for maximum comfort with no underwire, making them ideal for lounging or low-impact activities.
- Undies: Available in various cuts including thong, cheeky, bikini, and boybrief.
- Multi-packs: The brand frequently offers bundled sets which provide a cost-effective way to refresh your basics.
2. Loungewear and Sleepwear
Gilly Hicks loungewear is designed for relaxation. This category features soft textures and relaxed silhouettes that are suitable for both sleeping and casual outings. Popular items include oversized hoodies, joggers, and matching pajama sets.
Many of these items are crafted from “Gilly Soft” fabrics, which are specifically engineered to feel gentle against the skin. The brand also offers robes and slippers to complete the at-home comfort experience.
3. Gilly Hicks Active
The activewear line, often branded as Gilly Hicks Active or Gilly Hicks Go, is designed for movement. Whether you are heading to the gym, practicing yoga, or running errands, these pieces prioritize flexibility and moisture-wicking properties.
- Leggings and Shorts: Often featuring high-waisted designs and side pockets for utility.
- Sports Bras: Available in low, medium, and high-impact support levels.
- Recharge Collection: A specific line designed for post-workout recovery, featuring breathable and lightweight materials.
Understanding Gilly Hicks Sizing
Finding the right fit is essential when shopping for apparel online. Gilly Hicks generally follows standard US sizing, but because many items are designed for a close-to-skin fit, it is helpful to understand their specific sizing charts.
Most Gilly Hicks apparel is available in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. For intimates, bra sizes typically range from 30A to 40DD, though availability may vary by style. If you are between sizes in loungewear, many customers recommend sizing up for a more relaxed, “oversized” feel, or sticking to your true size for a tailored look.
The brand also offers a “Gender-Inclusive” collection. These items are designed with a more boxy, straight-cut fit to accommodate various body types comfortably. When shopping this collection, it is best to refer to the specific measurements provided on the product page rather than traditional gendered sizing.
Where to Buy Gilly Hicks Apparel
Gilly Hicks products are widely accessible both in-person and online. Because they are part of the Abercrombie & Fitch family, you can often find them integrated with other brands.
- Official Website: The Gilly Hicks website offers the full range of products, including online exclusives and clearance items.
- Hollister Co. Stores: Many Hollister locations feature a dedicated Gilly Hicks section, allowing you to try on items before purchasing.
- Standalone Stores: In recent years, Gilly Hicks has opened standalone retail locations in major shopping centers, providing a focused brand experience.
- Mobile App: The Hollister/Gilly Hicks app provides a streamlined shopping experience with early access to sales and rewards programs.
Care and Maintenance Tips
To keep your Gilly Hicks apparel looking and feeling new, proper care is necessary. Because many items contain spandex or delicate lace, high heat can damage the fibers over time.
Washing Instructions: It is generally recommended to wash intimates and activewear in cold water on a gentle cycle. Using a mesh laundry bag for bras and lace panties can prevent snagging and stretching during the wash cycle.
Drying Instructions: Air drying is the best way to preserve the elasticity of activewear and bras. If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat setting. Avoid using fabric softeners on activewear, as these can clog the moisture-wicking pores of the fabric and reduce its effectiveness.
How Gilly Hicks Compares to Other Brands
When shopping for basics and loungewear, you might wonder how Gilly Hicks stacks up against competitors like Aerie or Victoria’s Secret PINK. Gilly Hicks is often praised for its “undone” and effortless aesthetic.
Compared to PINK, Gilly Hicks tends to use more neutral tones and subtle branding. Compared to Aerie, Gilly Hicks often has a slightly more athletic edge in its styling. Many users find that Gilly Hicks offers a middle ground between high-performance athletic gear and everyday comfort basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gilly Hicks run small?
Most users find that Gilly Hicks runs true to size. However, their activewear leggings are designed to be compressive, so if you prefer a looser fit, you may want to size up.
Is Gilly Hicks sustainable?
As part of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Gilly Hicks participates in the company’s global sustainability initiatives. This includes efforts to source more sustainable cotton and reduce water usage in the manufacturing process. You can find specific “sustainable” labels on products made with recycled polyester or organic materials.
Can I return Gilly Hicks items to Hollister?
Yes, typically Gilly Hicks items purchased online or in-store can be returned to Hollister Co. locations, provided you have the receipt and the items meet the return policy criteria (unworn and with tags attached).
Conclusion
Gilly Hicks apparel offers a reliable combination of comfort, style, and versatility. Whether you are looking for high-performance leggings for your next workout, soft loungewear for a weekend at home, or everyday underwear that stays comfortable all day, this brand provides a wide range of accessible options. By following the sizing guides and care instructions mentioned above, you can build a functional wardrobe that feels as good as it looks.
For more tips on finding the best clothing brands and maintaining your wardrobe, explore our other helpful guides on SearchAndHelp.com.