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Choosing AS Colour apparel for custom printing starts with the garment: its fit, fabric, colour and intended use. Those choices influence how your design looks, how the finished item feels and whether people enjoy wearing it.
A lightweight event T-shirt, a regular-fit staff uniform and a substantial merchandise tee can all be good choices for different reasons. The most suitable option is the one that matches your wearer, artwork and order requirements.
This guide compares core AS Colour T-shirt styles, explains garment terminology and covers sizing, hoodies, artwork and ordering. At T Shirts Australia, AS Colour garments are offered with custom printing rather than as blank-only purchases.
TL;DR
- For an everyday starting point: compare the Staple Tee with your preferred garment measurements.
- For a lighter regular-fit tee: consider the Basic Tee.
- For a more substantial regular-fit tee: compare the Classic Tee.
- For a heavier relaxed silhouette: consider the Heavy Tee with its dropped shoulders.
- For a deliberately oversized look: choose a product specifically described as oversized and check its measurements.
- Fit and fabric weight are separate: heavier fabric does not automatically mean a wider garment or a better choice.
- Check the exact product: Active, Faded, Crop, Minus and other variants may differ from the core style.
- Plan the whole order: confirm sizes, colours, print locations, artwork and the selected production service.
1. Which AS Colour garment should you choose?
Start with the wearer and the purpose, then shortlist garments. This is more useful than choosing solely by the style name or fabric weight.
Staff uniforms and everyday business shirts
Start by comparing regular-fit options such as the Staple, Basic and Classic. Consider the working environment, preferred fabric feel and whether the required sizes are available in a suitable colour.
Ask staff to check measurements before collecting sizes. A uniform works better when the people wearing it are comfortable in the selected cut.
Events, volunteers and promotional orders
Consider the duration and setting of the event. A lighter tee may suit warm conditions, while a more substantial garment may suit ongoing use after the event.
For crew identification, prioritise a readable design and enough contrast against the garment.
Merchandise and clothing brands
Choose a garment your audience would want to wear. The Staple can provide an everyday silhouette, the Classic a more substantial regular fit, and the Heavy a heavier relaxed shape.
If the intended look is oversized, cropped or shorter in the body, compare a specifically designed variant rather than assuming a different size of a standard tee will give the same result.
Personal designs and gifts
Use the recipient’s preferred fit and a shirt they already like as your reference. A familiar garment measurement is more useful than guessing from a size label.
Browse AS Colour apparel with custom printing to build your shortlist.
2. AS Colour Basic, Staple, Classic and Heavy compared
The comparison below covers the core adult styles identified by their manufacturer style numbers. It should not be applied automatically to women’s, kids’, Active, Faded or other variants.
| Style | Fit | Fabric character | Consider it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Tee 5051 | Regular | A lighter option within this comparison | You want a straightforward everyday or event tee with a lighter feel. |
| Staple Tee 5001 | Regular | Midweight combed-cotton style | You want an everyday starting point for staff shirts, events or merchandise. |
| Classic Tee 5026 | Regular | More substantial fabric than the core Staple | You prefer a heavier feel while retaining a regular-fit style. |
| Heavy Tee 5080 | Relaxed, with dropped shoulders | A heavier, substantial fabric | You want a relaxed silhouette and pronounced garment weight. |
Fit and fabric descriptions are based on the manufacturer’s core styles. Check the selected product for its current composition, measurements and options.
Basic vs Staple
The Basic is a useful option when a lighter garment is preferred. The Staple offers a midweight alternative. Compare the measurements and fabric feel rather than treating either style as suitable only for a particular budget or occasion.
View the Basic Tee with custom printing and Staple Tee with custom printing.
Staple vs Classic
Both core styles are described as regular fit. The Classic provides a more substantial fabric feel. Their measurements can still differ, so compare the size charts even when ordering the same labelled size.
View the Classic Tee with custom printing.
Classic vs Heavy
This comparison involves both weight and shape. The Classic is regular fit; the Heavy is relaxed with dropped shoulders. Choose the Heavy because that silhouette and fabric suit the wearer, rather than assuming more weight always means better quality.
View the Heavy Tee with custom printing.
Manufacturer references: Basic 5051, Staple 5001, Classic 5026 and Heavy 5080.
3. Understand fit and choose your size
Regular, relaxed, oversized and boxy
- Regular fit: an everyday cut. Check the measurements rather than assuming every regular-fit style is identical.
- Relaxed fit: a roomier silhouette that may include changes to the shoulders, sleeves or body.
- Oversized fit: a deliberately enlarged silhouette designed into the garment.
- Boxy: a description of the relationship between body width and length. It does not, by itself, specify fabric weight.
Buying a larger size of a regular tee changes several dimensions at once. It may create extra length without reproducing the shoulder position or proportions of an oversized design.
Measure a garment that already fits well
- Lay a suitable shirt flat without stretching it.
- Follow the measurement method shown on the selected product’s size chart.
- Compare body width and length, plus sleeve measurements where provided.
- Check whether the chart shows garment measurements or body measurements.
- Choose the preferred fit rather than relying only on your usual size label.
A flat chest-width measurement is not the same as a full chest circumference. Read the chart carefully before comparing numbers.
For a group, share the exact product and size chart before collecting sizes. Record the garment style alongside each person’s size.
4. Understand GSM, cotton and garment construction
What does GSM mean?
GSM means grams per square metre. It describes the mass of a given area of fabric, not the total weight of a finished garment.
A higher GSM generally indicates more substantial fabric when comparing similar materials. It does not independently establish softness, breathability, opacity, print quality or garment lifespan.
Fit, fibre, yarn, knit and finishing also influence how a shirt feels. A heavier garment is not automatically more comfortable in warm conditions or more suitable for every print.
Combed cotton and carded cotton
These terms describe aspects of fibre preparation. Combing removes additional shorter fibres and tangles before spinning, which can contribute to a smoother yarn.
Assess the finished garment as a whole. The cotton description alone does not determine whether the tee is right for your order.
Check composition by colour and variant
A style’s marle colours may contain a different fibre blend from its solid colours. Activewear and fleece garments can also use different materials from the core cotton T-shirts.
Read the selected colour’s composition rather than assuming the brand name or style family means every option is the same fabric.
Side-seamed and tubular construction
A side-seamed tee has seams down the body sides. A tubular body is constructed without those side seams. Construction can influence the garment’s shape and available surfaces, but does not replace checking the fit or approved print locations.
Preshrunk does not mean shrink-proof
Preshrinking is intended to reduce later shrinkage. It does not guarantee that a garment will never change dimensions. Follow the care instructions and avoid choosing an uncomfortably tight size on that assumption.
5. Check Block, Active and other style variants
Use the complete product name when comparing garments. A shared family name does not guarantee identical fabric, length or fit.
Block styles
The Block Tubular Tee is another option to compare. The range also includes separately named variants, so distinguish the tubular product from an oversized or other Block style.
Active styles
The Staple Active Tee is a performance-fabric product. Do not apply the core cotton Staple’s fabric information to it because the names are similar.
Choose activewear according to the wearer’s activity and confirm the artwork and printing approach for the selected fabric.
Faded, stone-washed and patterned garments
These finishes change the visual background behind the print. Consider whether a design needs stronger contrast, a simpler outline or a different colour version.
If close colour consistency is important, check the product’s notes about the finish and discuss your requirements before ordering.
Crop, Minus, Plus and oversized variants
Check the exact body length, width and sleeve shape. Product names are helpful starting points, but measurements explain the actual difference.
Shorter garments also need careful print sizing so the design does not sit too close to the hem.
6. Plan women’s, kids’ and mixed-group orders
Offer suitable cuts where available and let wearers choose using the relevant size chart. Do not assume that an adult unisex style suits everyone or that women’s and men’s sizes convert directly.
The Ladies Maple Tee and Kids Staple Tee are examples to explore alongside the broader AS Colour range.
For coordinated orders:
- Check that the preferred colour is available across each selected style and size.
- Keep separate quantity totals for each garment.
- Check the artwork on the smallest garment in the order.
- Confirm whether different print sizes are needed across adult and kids’ items.
- Record names and numbers against the correct garment if personalisation is required.
A matching colour name does not guarantee an identical visual result across different fabrics. For close matching, assess the actual garments where practical.
Use our team shirts with names and numbers guide for organising individual variations.
7. Choose hoodies, sweatshirts and other apparel
Hoodies and sweatshirts can extend a uniform or merchandise range into cooler conditions. Start with fit, fabric composition, garment feel and how the item will be worn.
Check construction before positioning artwork
- Pullover hoodies: check the space between the neckline and pocket.
- Zip hoodies: plan around the zip rather than assuming one uninterrupted chest print.
- Back prints: allow for the hood resting over the upper back.
- Sleeves: use only the print locations offered for that product.
- Sweatshirts: check ribbing, seams and usable space before sizing the design.
French terry and brushed fleece describe different internal fabric structures. Garment weight alone does not tell you how warm or soft an item will feel.
Check the AS Colour custom-print range for listed options, or ask about a particular style before preparing artwork for it.
For a coordinated collection beyond clothing, our custom printed homeware guide covers totes, aprons and other practical products.
8. Understand DTF and DTG printing
T Shirts Australia offers direct-to-garment and direct-to-film printing. The suitable approach depends on the selected garment, fabric, colour and artwork.
Direct-to-garment printing: DTG
DTG applies ink directly to the fabric using specialised equipment. It can suit photographs, illustrations and detailed designs on compatible garments.
The feel depends on the fabric, preparation and ink coverage. Suitable white cotton garments can provide a useful starting point when a soft printed feel is important.
Direct-to-film printing: DTF
DTF produces the design on a carrier film before it is bonded to the garment using heat and pressure. The carrier is removed, leaving the design on the fabric.
It can suit full-colour artwork, logos and personalisation on compatible garments. Large solid printed areas will feel different from small designs with open space.
How we approach garment colour
DTG is generally our preferred approach for suitable white T-shirts, while DTF is generally used for dark T-shirts. These are usual service choices, not technical limits: both processes can work beyond those examples with appropriate garments and preparation.
We do not offer screen printing. Read our DTF, DTG and screen printing comparison for more detail.
If you need a particular finish, discuss it before ordering. Do not assume that every AS Colour garment can accept every process or print location.
9. Choose colours and prepare artwork
Preview each colour combination
Dark artwork may disappear on a dark tee, while pale details may lack contrast on a light garment. Check each combination separately when ordering more than one shirt colour.
Screen previews are useful for layout, but do not prove an exact colour match on fabric.
Match print size to the garment
A small logo and a full-front illustration serve different purposes. Consider readability, proportion and how much of the fabric the print will cover.
An oversized garment does not automatically increase the print area available through the selected product. Check the offered dimensions and locations.
Supply final artwork
- Use the original design file or a suitable high-resolution export.
- Check resolution at the intended physical print size.
- Use genuine transparency where the background should not print.
- Proofread names, dates, contact details and AI-generated lettering.
- Match each file to its intended garment and print location.
- Supply the standalone artwork rather than a mockup photograph.
Follow our print-ready artwork guide. If you are still creating or editing a design, the free apps and AI art guide covers generation, upscaling, background removal and image editing.
Artwork should be final when submitted. Do not assume spelling corrections, logo reconstruction or design changes are included.
10. Organise bulk orders and repeat purchases
For teams, events or merchandise, maintain one order record containing:
- The full garment name and style reference.
- Colour, size and quantity.
- Artwork filename and version.
- Selected print locations and dimensions.
- Any individual name or number.
- The required date and delivery or collection choice.
Check the size subtotals against the total quantity. Keep different garment styles separate even when they share the same colour or printed design.
For a repeat order, retain the original order reference and final artwork. Check current availability rather than assuming every previous style, colour or size remains available.
If fit or fabric feel is important to a larger order, ask about purchasing a sample or a small initial order. Confirm what is available and allow time to assess it.
Our bulk custom T-shirt guide covers group-order planning. Dedicated bulk products may have conditions that differ from standard individual products.
11. Check cost, production and delivery
Compare complete orders with equivalent specifications. The garment, quantity, selected print locations, personalisation, production service and delivery can all affect the total.
A heavier tee is not automatically better value, and a lower garment cost does not tell you the cost of the finished order. Choose the garment that suits the wearer and compare the complete result.
Read our custom T-shirt printing cost guide for the main factors.
Choose the production service explicitly
Not every AS Colour style is available through every service. Check the selected product rather than assuming a standard garment can be moved into same-day production.
Production and delivery are separate stages. Express postage does not automatically change the printing service.
For urgent work, read the same-day printing guide. Check the handling and delivery policy for current conditions.
Final order checklist
- Have you chosen the exact style and variant?
- Have wearers checked the relevant measurements?
- Are the colours and quantities correct?
- Does the artwork suit the smallest garment and each selected colour?
- Have you selected every required print location?
- Are all artwork files final and correctly matched?
- Have you allowed for production and delivery before your deadline?
Contact T Shirts Australia before ordering if a requirement remains unclear.
12. Care for your printed apparel
Follow the garment care label and the print-care instructions supplied with the order. Where you are unsure how they apply together, ask before laundering.
Turning a printed garment inside out can reduce rubbing against the design during washing. Avoid ironing directly over the print, and check whether tumble drying is suitable.
Do not assume that a preshrunk garment cannot shrink or that one care routine suits cotton tees, performance fabrics and fleece equally.
Print lifespan depends on the garment, artwork coverage, production and use. A single wash-count promise cannot describe every custom printed item.
Frequently asked questions
Which AS Colour T-shirt is best for custom printing?
There is no single best style for every order. Start with the Staple for an everyday comparison, the Basic for a lighter feel, the Classic for a more substantial regular fit, or the Heavy for a heavier relaxed silhouette.
What is the difference between the Basic and Staple tees?
The core Basic and Staple are both regular-fit styles. The Basic is lighter within this comparison, while the Staple is a midweight combed-cotton style. Compare the exact garment measurements and colour-specific composition before choosing.
Is the Classic Tee relaxed fit?
The core Classic Tee 5026 is currently described by AS Colour as regular fit. Separately named Classic variants may have different proportions, so check the complete product name and size chart.
Is the Heavy Tee oversized?
The core Heavy Tee 5080 is described as relaxed fit with dropped shoulders. It should not automatically be treated as identical to a separately named oversized product.
Does a higher GSM mean a better T-shirt?
No. GSM describes fabric mass per square metre. The better choice depends on comfort, intended use, fit and preferred feel, as well as the fabric’s construction.
Should I size up for an oversized look?
Compare an oversized garment’s measurements first. Sizing up a regular tee may add length without creating the shoulder position or proportions you want.
Are all AS Colour T-shirts the same fabric?
No. Composition can differ between styles, variants and colours. Check the selected product, especially when comparing marles, Active styles and fleece apparel with core cotton tees.
Can AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts be printed?
Suitable products can be custom printed, subject to the garment and available service. Plan the artwork around pockets, zips, seams and the hood, and confirm the selected style before ordering.
Can I combine men’s, women’s and kids’ garments?
Check the available product options and record each style separately. Confirm colour availability, sizes and whether the artwork needs different dimensions for smaller garments.
Can each garment have a different name or number?
Personalisation can be planned for suitable products. Prepare an accurate list and confirm the artwork submission process so each design matches the correct garment.
Can I buy blank AS Colour garments from T Shirts Australia?
AS Colour garments are offered through T Shirts Australia with custom printing rather than as blank-only purchases.
Does printing in Australia mean the garment is Australian-made?
Printing location, garment manufacturing origin and fibre origin are separate details. Check the specific product information if any of these are important to your purchase.
Are all AS Colour garments organic or recycled?
Do not assume so. Check the exact product’s material information and any relevant manufacturer documentation. A claim about one garment or colour should not be applied to the entire range.
Can I get any AS Colour style printed the same day?
No blanket assumption should be made. Same-day service applies to the eligible products and order conditions shown for that service. Check before choosing a garment for an urgent deadline.
Where should I start my order?
Browse the AS Colour custom-print range, shortlist suitable garments and compare their size charts. Prepare your artwork and order details before submitting.
