Choosing the right AS Colour garment for printing
AS Colour t-shirts, hoodies and apparel are a popular choice for custom printing because they offer a wide range of styles, colours, fits and garment weights. For Australian businesses, events, clothing brands and personal orders, choosing the right base garment can make a big difference to how the finished printed product looks, feels and wears.
The right t-shirt for a staff uniform may not be the same as the right t-shirt for retail-style merchandise. A lightweight promotional tee may suit a short event or giveaway, while a heavier tee or hoodie may be better for premium merch, workwear or streetwear-style designs.
This guide explains how to choose AS Colour t-shirts and apparel for custom printing, including fit, GSM, garment weight, common t-shirt styles, hoodie options, print suitability and practical ordering tips.
Updated article note: This article has been updated and expanded for T Shirts Australia by combining overlapping information from our earlier AS Colour apparel, AS Colour t-shirt style and AS Colour hoodie content. The information has been refreshed to create one clearer, more useful guide for choosing AS Colour garments for custom printing.
Table of contents
- Why garment choice matters for custom printing
- Fit, GSM and garment weight explained
- Core AS Colour tee styles compared
- Choosing the right style by use
- Women’s and kids’ AS Colour options
- AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts
- DTF and DTG printing considerations
- Colour and artwork tips
- From our print room
- Summary
- FAQs
Why garment choice matters for custom printing
Custom printing starts with the garment. The print method, artwork and placement all matter, but the t-shirt, hoodie or apparel item underneath has a major impact on the final result.
A good garment choice can help the print look sharper, feel more appropriate for the job, and make the finished product more likely to be worn. A poor garment choice can make even a strong design feel unsuitable for the customer, event or brand.
When choosing AS Colour apparel for custom printing, consider:
- Who will wear it: staff, customers, event attendees, volunteers, club members or retail buyers.
- How often it will be worn: once for an event, regularly as a uniform, or repeatedly as merchandise.
- The look you want: simple and practical, premium and retail-style, relaxed, oversized or streetwear-inspired.
- The print design: small logo, full-front graphic, back print, fine detail, bold colour or photo-style artwork.
- The budget: promotional orders may need a different garment from premium merchandise.
For a broader overview of the printing process, see our custom t-shirt printing in Australia guide.
Fit, GSM and garment weight explained
Before choosing a style, it helps to understand two important garment terms: fit and GSM.
What fit means
Fit describes how the garment is shaped on the body. AS Colour offers different fits across its range, including regular, relaxed and oversized styles.
- Regular fit: a practical everyday fit that works well for many business, event and general custom printing orders.
- Relaxed fit: a slightly looser fit that can feel more premium or casual, depending on the garment.
- Oversized or boxy fit: a wider, heavier streetwear-style fit often used for fashion brands and premium merchandise.
For mixed group orders, regular fit is usually the safest option. For fashion-focused merchandise, relaxed or oversized styles may be more suitable.
What GSM means
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is a way of describing fabric weight. A lower GSM garment generally feels lighter, while a higher GSM garment feels heavier and more substantial.
GSM does not automatically mean one garment is better than another. It simply helps you choose the right option for the job. A lighter tee may be suitable for warmer weather, promotional events or budget-conscious orders. A heavier tee or hoodie may suit premium merchandise, workwear or customers who prefer a more substantial feel.
Core AS Colour tee styles compared
AS Colour has several core tee styles that are commonly considered for custom printing. The right choice depends on the intended use, garment feel, fit, budget and design.
AS Colour Basic Tee
The AS Colour Basic Tee is a regular-fit, lightweight 160 GSM option. It can be a practical choice for promotional orders, events, warmer conditions, budget-sensitive projects and simple custom prints.
This style may suit:
- promotional t-shirts
- event shirts
- giveaway shirts
- budget-conscious bulk orders
- simple front or back prints
If you need a straightforward printed tee without aiming for a premium retail feel, the Basic Tee can be a practical starting point.
AS Colour Staple Tee
The AS Colour Staple Tee is a regular-fit, 180 GSM option and one of the most versatile choices for custom printing. It can suit businesses, hospitality, music merchandise, club shirts, events and general custom t-shirt orders.
This style may suit:
- business uniforms
- hospitality and beverage brands
- music and creator merchandise
- trade and service businesses
- general custom printed t-shirts
For many customers, the Staple Tee is a strong all-rounder because it balances garment feel, print suitability and everyday wearability.
AS Colour Classic Tee
The AS Colour Classic Tee is a relaxed-fit, 220 GSM option with a more substantial feel. It can work well when the finished shirt needs to feel more premium than a standard promotional tee.
This style may suit:
- premium business merchandise
- retail-style branded apparel
- hospitality merchandise
- streetwear-inspired designs
- customers wanting a heavier relaxed tee
The Classic Tee is worth considering when the garment itself is part of the value of the product, not just a base for a logo.
AS Colour Heavy Tee
The AS Colour Heavy Tee is a boxy, oversized 280 GSM heavyweight option. It is generally better suited to streetwear-style designs, premium merchandise and customers who specifically want a heavier, oversized fit.
This style may suit:
- premium clothing brands
- streetwear-style merchandise
- oversized fashion designs
- bold front or back graphics
- customers wanting a heavier garment feel
This is not always the safest choice for broad group orders, because not every customer wants an oversized fit. It is best used when that style is intentional.
Choosing the right style by use
The easiest way to choose an AS Colour garment is to start with the purpose of the order.
For business uniforms
For business uniforms, choose a garment that is comfortable, practical and easy for staff to wear regularly. A regular-fit tee is often the safest choice for teams because it suits a wide range of people.
The Staple Tee is often a strong option for general business use. For a more substantial or premium feel, the Classic Tee may be worth considering. For cooler months, staff hoodies or sweatshirts may also be useful if they suit the workplace and brand.
Business designs usually work best when they are clean and easy to read. A front logo, chest print or simple back print can often look more professional than an overly complicated design.
For events and promotions
For events, giveaways and promotional orders, consider comfort, budget and quantity. The Basic Tee may suit short-term events or promotional use, while the Staple Tee may be better when you want a stronger everyday garment.
If the shirts or hoodies are for volunteers or staff, visibility matters. A clear front or back print can help people identify your team quickly.
For merchandise and brands
For merchandise, the garment should feel like something people would choose to wear. This is where the Staple, Classic and Heavy tees can all make sense, depending on the brand style.
A clean logo tee may work well on a Staple Tee. A more premium brand or streetwear-style design may suit the Classic or Heavy Tee. For higher-value merchandise, hoodies and sweatshirts can also be useful because they often feel more substantial and can support a higher retail price point.
For hospitality, breweries and local brands
Hospitality venues, breweries, cafes and local brands often need apparel that works for both staff and merchandise. A simple staff tee may need a practical, regular fit, while customer merchandise may need a more retail-style feel.
If you are planning brewery or hospitality merchandise, our printed merchandise for craft beer guide gives more industry-specific ideas.
For personal designs and small runs
For one-off shirts, gifts and small personal orders, choose the garment based on the wearer. A regular-fit tee is usually the safest option when you are unsure, while heavier, relaxed or oversized styles should be chosen only when you know that is the preferred look.
Women’s and kids’ AS Colour options
AS Colour also offers women’s and kids’ styles that may be suitable for custom printing, depending on the order.
Women’s styles
Women’s AS Colour options can be useful for retail-style merchandise, staff uniforms, events and group orders where a women’s cut is preferred.
Common considerations include:
- whether the order needs a regular women’s fit or a more relaxed style
- whether the garment colour is available across the required size range
- whether the print placement works well on the selected garment shape
- whether the order needs matching men’s and women’s options
If you are ordering for a mixed team or event, it is worth checking size availability before finalising the garment choice.
Kids’ styles
Kids’ t-shirts can be useful for schools, family events, sports groups, community days and children’s merchandise.
When choosing kids’ apparel, keep the design simple and readable. Very small text, thin lines and overly detailed artwork may not work as well on smaller garment sizes.
AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts for custom printing
AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts can be useful for staff uniforms, winter merchandise, club apparel, event crews, hospitality teams and retail-style branded apparel. They usually feel more substantial than standard t-shirts, so they can suit customers who want a warmer garment or a more premium finished product.
Choosing the right hoodie comes down to the same practical factors as choosing a tee: fit, GSM, fabric feel, colour, print position, budget and how the garment will be used. Hoodies also need extra attention because seams, pockets, zips, hoods, drawcords and thicker fabric can affect where artwork should be placed.
Common AS Colour hoodie options
- Supply Hood: a regular-fit, 290 GSM hoodie option that can suit promotional orders, team apparel and budget-conscious custom printing.
- Relax Hood: a relaxed-fit, 320 GSM hoodie that can suit fashion-focused merchandise, creator apparel and streetwear-inspired brands.
- Stencil Hood: a regular-fit, 350 GSM heavyweight hoodie that can suit a wide range of custom printing uses, including workwear-style apparel, merch and team orders.
- Premium Hood: a regular-fit, 350 GSM French Terry hoodie option that can suit higher-end branded apparel, corporate merchandise and premium custom print projects.
- Heavy Hood: an oversized-fit, 400 GSM ultra-heavyweight hoodie that can suit premium streetwear-style designs and customers wanting a heavier, more substantial garment.
For staff use, a practical regular-fit hoodie with a clear logo placement may be the safest choice. For merchandise, a relaxed, premium or oversized hoodie may be more suitable if it matches the brand and price point.
Simple artwork, clear contrast and suitable print sizing usually give the most reliable result on hoodies and sweatshirts. Large back prints, left chest logos and clean front designs can all work well, but placement should be checked carefully before ordering.
DTF and DTG printing considerations
The right AS Colour garment should also suit the print method and artwork. T Shirts Australia uses modern custom printing methods, including DTF and DTG, depending on the design, garment colour and order requirements.
DTF printing on AS Colour garments
DTF stands for direct-to-film. The design is printed onto a special film and heat pressed onto the garment. DTF can be useful for bold logos, full-colour designs, smaller runs and darker garment colours.
DTF is often a practical option when the design needs strong colour and clear coverage. For customers who need transfers for their own production, see our DTF transfers page.
DTG printing on AS Colour garments
DTG stands for direct-to-garment. The design is printed directly onto the fabric. DTG can suit detailed artwork, photo-style designs and softer-feel prints on suitable cotton garments.
The best method depends on the artwork, garment colour, fabric and finish required. Customers do not always need to choose the print method themselves. In many cases, the print team can select the most suitable option for the job.
Colour and artwork tips
Garment colour and artwork quality both affect the final printed result. A strong design can lose impact if it does not contrast well with the shirt colour.
Before ordering, check:
- Contrast: light artwork usually stands out better on dark garments, while dark artwork usually works better on light garments.
- Artwork quality: use high-resolution artwork, not screenshots or low-quality images.
- Text size: small text may become hard to read once printed and worn.
- Backgrounds: logos and shaped artwork often need a transparent background.
- Print placement: hoodies and sweatshirts need extra care around pockets, seams, zips, hoods and thicker fabric.
- Spelling: names, dates, slogans and business details should be checked carefully before ordering.
If you need help preparing artwork, our guide to creating t-shirt designs with free apps and AI art may help before you place your order.
From our print room: practical tips before choosing a style
When customers are unsure which AS Colour style to choose, the best starting point is usually the end use of the garment.
- For staff uniforms: choose comfort, consistency and easy repeat ordering.
- For events: choose a practical style that suits the budget and timeframe.
- For merchandise: choose a garment people would genuinely want to wear.
- For premium designs: consider a heavier or more relaxed style if it suits the brand.
- For hoodies and sweatshirts: plan print placement carefully around pockets, seams, zips and thicker fabric.
- For mixed groups: avoid overly niche fits unless the group specifically wants that look.
A garment may look good in a product photo but still be wrong for the order if the fit, weight or price point does not match the customer’s needs. If you are unsure, start with the most practical use case first, then choose the style that best supports it.
Summary
AS Colour t-shirts and apparel can be a strong base for custom printing when the garment is matched to the purpose of the order. The Basic Tee can suit promotional or budget-conscious work, the Staple Tee is a practical all-rounder, the Classic Tee offers a more substantial relaxed option, and the Heavy Tee suits oversized, streetwear-style designs.
AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts can also be suitable for custom printed staff apparel, winter merchandise, hospitality uniforms, event crews and retail-style branded products. Because these garments are thicker and have more construction details than standard tees, artwork placement and sizing should be planned carefully.
For most customers, the best choice comes down to fit, garment weight, colour, budget and how the garment will be used. Business uniforms, event shirts, personal designs, hoodies, sweatshirts and retail merchandise all have different needs.
T Shirts Australia can help with custom t-shirt printing and practical guidance on choosing the right garment for your design. AS Colour garments are available as a base for custom printed apparel, not as blank garments through T Shirts Australia. If you need help deciding which AS Colour style suits your order, contact the team before placing your order.
FAQs
Are AS Colour t-shirts good for custom printing?
AS Colour t-shirts are commonly used for custom printing because they offer a wide range of styles, colours, fits and garment weights. The best choice depends on the design, budget, print method and how the shirt will be used.
Which AS Colour t-shirt is best for business uniforms?
For many business uniforms, a regular-fit tee such as the AS Colour Staple Tee is a practical choice because it suits a wide range of wearers and works well for everyday use. The best option depends on your budget, colour needs and preferred garment feel.
What is the difference between the AS Colour Basic and Staple tees?
The Basic Tee is a lighter, 160 GSM regular-fit option that can suit promotional use and events. The Staple Tee is a 180 GSM regular-fit option that is often used for business shirts, hospitality, merchandise and general custom printing.
What is the difference between the AS Colour Classic and Heavy tees?
The Classic Tee is a 220 GSM relaxed-fit option with a more substantial feel than lighter tees. The Heavy Tee is a 280 GSM boxy, oversized heavyweight option that is better suited to streetwear-style designs and premium merchandise.
What does GSM mean in t-shirts and hoodies?
GSM stands for grams per square metre and describes fabric weight. A lower GSM garment usually feels lighter, while a higher GSM garment usually feels heavier and more substantial.
Should I choose a regular, relaxed or oversized AS Colour fit?
Regular fit is usually the safest choice for mixed groups, staff uniforms and general printing. Relaxed fit can feel more casual or premium. Oversized fit is best when you specifically want a streetwear-style look.
Can AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts be custom printed?
Yes. AS Colour hoodies and sweatshirts can be suitable for custom printing, depending on the garment, artwork, print position and selected print method. Print placement should be planned carefully around seams, pockets, zips, hoods and thicker fabric.
Can AS Colour t-shirts be printed with DTF?
Yes, many AS Colour t-shirts can be suitable for DTF printing, depending on the garment, design and colour. DTF can work well for bold logos, full-colour designs and darker garments.
Can AS Colour t-shirts be printed with DTG?
Yes, suitable AS Colour cotton garments can often be printed with DTG. DTG may be suitable for detailed artwork, photo-style designs and softer-feel prints, depending on the garment and artwork.
Which AS Colour tee is best for merchandise?
The best AS Colour tee for merchandise depends on the brand and customer. The Staple Tee can suit general merchandise, the Classic Tee can suit a more premium relaxed feel, and the Heavy Tee can suit oversized streetwear-style designs.
Can I order AS Colour t-shirts without printing?
No. AS Colour garments are offered through T Shirts Australia as a base for custom printed apparel, not as blank garments. If you need plain blank t-shirts, you can browse other available blank t-shirt options on T Shirts Australia.
