Montreal, January 15, 2002 – H. Greg Chamandy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gildan Activewear Inc. (NYSE: GIL; TSE: GIL.A), is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mackie Vadacchino to the newly created position of Executive Vice-President, Corporate Affairs.

In her new role at Gildan, Ms. Vadacchino will bring her talents to an extensive portfolio of senior corporate functions, including human resources, corporate change management and organizational development, as well as public and governmental relations and communications.

Ms. Vadacchino has successfully pursued her career in senior management in both large multinational corporations and entrepreneurial environments and most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s largest career management consulting firms. Ms. Vadacchino is a member of numerous organizations such as the Board of Governors of Concordia University, the Board of Directors of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and President of the local chapter of the International Women’s Forum.

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Gildan Activewear Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of premium quality branded basic activewear for sale principally in the wholesale imprinted activewear segment of the Canadian, U.S., European and other international apparel markets. The Company manufactures and sells premium quality 100% cotton T-shirts, 50% cotton / 50% polyester Tshirts, placket collar golf shirts and premium quality sweatshirts in a variety of weights, sizes, colours and styles. The company sells its products as blanks, which are ultimately decorated with designs and logos for sale to consumers.