AS Colour remains a leader in quality, but brands like Stanley/Stella, Next Level Apparel, Biz Collection, JB’s Wear, Sportage, Gildan, Anvil, and Fruit of the Loom prove there’s no shortage of excellent alternatives.
AS Colour has built a solid reputation across Australia as one of the most trusted blank apparel brands for premium-quality printing. Its clean cuts, long-lasting cotton, and ethical manufacturing standards have made it a favourite among clothing labels, merch creators, and print-on-demand businesses.
But as demand continues to grow, so do the reasons people start exploring alternatives. Some brands prefer more cost-effective blanks for larger print runs, others look for locally stocked products to avoid supply delays, and a growing segment of customers now prioritises sustainability and fabric innovation.
That’s where AS Colour alternatives come in. These brands offer similar fabric quality, consistency, and fit, while sometimes exceeding expectations in areas like affordability, ethical sourcing, and colour range. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best options available in Australia that print beautifully with screen printing, DTG, embroidery, and heat transfers.
Biz Collection
Biz Collection is one of Australia’s most respected names in corporate, team, and promotional wear. It’s a go-to for companies wanting a professional look without sacrificing comfort or print quality.
Fabric & Fit
Biz Collection uses premium cotton and polyester blends that are built to last. Its t-shirts, polos, and workwear maintain structure even after multiple washes, making them ideal for embroidery and screen printing. The brand is known for its consistent sizing and broad unisex range, which appeals to teams and organisations across different industries.
Printing Compatibility
Garments from Biz Collection are well-suited for most printing methods. Screen printing adheres strongly to its fabrics, while embroidery looks clean and elevated on polos and uniforms. DTG printing also works on its high-cotton tees, providing crisp detail. Garment Printing often recommends Biz Collection for businesses after long-term brand wear that stays fresh.
Sustainability & Ethics
Biz Collection is committed to responsible manufacturing and compliance with ethical sourcing guidelines. While not as sustainability-focused as Stanley/Stella, the brand continues to introduce greener materials and ethical partnerships across its supply chain.
Ideal For
Corporate uniforms, hospitality wear, and promotional apparel where presentation and durability matter most.
Verdict
Biz Collection rivals AS Colour in professional settings and uniform-based projects, offering structured fits and excellent print results.
JB’s Wear
JB’s Wear is an Australian staple that offers everything from everyday tees to hi-vis workwear. It’s known for accessibility, comfort, and reliability, making it a favourite for large-scale print projects.
Fabric & Fit
The brand’s cotton-rich fabrics are soft yet sturdy, often available in higher GSM weights. JB’s Wear ensures consistency across its garments, which makes reordering hassle-free, a big plus for growing teams or resellers.
Printing Compatibility
JB’s Wear’s blanks work exceptionally well for both screen printing and heat transfer applications. Their smooth surface allows vibrant prints that last, especially when produced by experienced printers like Garment Printing.
Sustainability & Ethics
JB’s Wear meets Australian industry standards for ethical sourcing and manufacturing. It’s increasingly adding sustainable options to its catalogue, though its strength remains affordability and availability.
Ideal For
Businesses, tradies, and event organisers who need durable, versatile apparel without stretching budgets.
Verdict
JB’s Wear stands as one of the strongest AS Colour alternatives for affordability and consistency, perfect for large uniform orders or frequent brand campaigns.
Gildan
Gildan is a global powerhouse in blank apparel, well-known for dependable quality and affordability. Its products are stocked widely in Australia, making it an easy alternative to AS Colour when local supply is tight.
Fabric & Fit
Gildan’s range includes ringspun cotton and heavy cotton options. The fit leans more towards a classic cut, but the softness and GSM consistency make it a popular choice among printers worldwide.
Printing Compatibility
Few brands match Gildan’s versatility with screen printing and DTG. The smooth surface ensures vibrant, durable prints. Garment Printing frequently uses Gildan blanks for large promotional campaigns where quality and cost-efficiency are both important.
Sustainability & Ethics
Gildan is WRAP certified and committed to ethical manufacturing. It operates one of the largest vertically integrated garment production systems, ensuring fair labour and environmental responsibility.
Ideal For
Events, promotions, and resellers needing a balance between price and reliability.
Verdict
If you want consistent print results at a lower cost, Gildan is one of the most practical AS Colour alternatives in Australia.
American Apparel
American Apparel has long been recognised for its soft, fashion-grade blanks and ethical manufacturing roots. After its revival under Gildan, it continues to offer the same signature quality that appeals to designers and streetwear brands looking for that premium retail finish.
Fabric & Fit
Known for its fine jersey cotton and fitted cuts, American Apparel garments have a sleek, tailored look. The tees are lightweight yet durable, providing a comfortable drape that suits retail merchandise and lifestyle wear.
Printing Compatibility
American Apparel’s smooth fabric handles DTG and screen printing exceptionally well, producing vibrant, detailed prints with long-lasting colour depth. Garment Printing often uses American Apparel blanks for brands that want a soft feel and a high-end visual result.
Sustainability & Ethics
Now part of the Gildan Group, American Apparel maintains WRAP certification and continues to emphasise sustainable practices, including ethical production and reduced water waste during manufacturing.
Ideal For
Fashion labels, boutique brands, and streetwear projects needing premium softness and a modern retail cut with professional printing by Garment Printing.
Comfort Colors
Comfort Colors stands out for its vintage-inspired garment-dyed apparel, giving each piece a relaxed, lived-in feel. It’s a favourite for lifestyle brands and designers who want a more textured, washed aesthetic compared to AS Colour’s crisp finish.
Fabric & Fit
Made from 100% ringspun cotton, Comfort Colors garments undergo a special dyeing process that produces soft hues and a pre-worn comfort. The fit is slightly looser, appealing to those after a laid-back Australian aesthetic.
Printing Compatibility
Screen printing and embroidery work best on these pre-dyed fabrics, delivering designs that complement the tonal variations rather than overpower them. Garment Printing often recommends Comfort Colors for projects that embrace a vintage or coastal vibe.
Sustainability & Ethics
Comfort Colors is part of the Gildan family, following the same sustainability and ethical sourcing certifications, including WRAP and OEKO-TEX. Its garment-dyeing process also adheres to strict water and waste management standards.
Ideal For
Casual wear brands, coastal-themed apparel, and creative merch collections seeking a premium washed finish with authentic character.
Sportage
Sportage is an Australian-owned brand that has gained traction for offering premium-feel blanks at competitive prices. It’s particularly strong in t-shirts, hoodies, and singlets designed for printing.
Fabric & Fit
Sportage garments use combed cotton for a soft, dense finish. Their t-shirts often feature a higher GSM (around 190–200), giving them a sturdy hand feel similar to AS Colour’s Staple Tee.
Printing Compatibility
Sportage’s heavy cotton structure supports sharp DTG prints and detailed screen printing. Garment Printing often uses Sportage for projects requiring thicker, durable tees that still look modern and retail-ready.
Sustainability & Ethics
Sportage focuses primarily on product quality and longevity, though its sustainability initiatives are less pronounced. The brand’s strength lies in its durability; fewer replacements mean less waste over time.
Ideal For
Start-ups, merch creators, and retail brands looking for AS Colour-like quality without the premium price tag.
Verdict
Sportage is one of the most balanced alternatives, premium look, an affordable price, and excellent print compatibility.
Next Level Apparel
Next Level Apparel is known for soft-hand fabrics and retail-quality finishes. It’s a favourite among creative brands seeking a slightly more fashion-forward aesthetic.
Fabric & Fit
The brand uses ringspun cotton and poly-cotton blends that deliver a buttery-soft feel. Its cuts are modern and flattering, closely rivalling AS Colour’s retail appeal.
Printing Compatibility
Next Level blanks handle DTG and screen printing beautifully. The high thread count results in crisp detail and vivid colours. Garment Printing often recommends Next Level for fashion merchandise and lifestyle brands.
Sustainability & Ethics
Next Level Apparel upholds WRAP certification and participates in sustainable production practices. While not entirely organic, its responsible manufacturing process keeps it competitive in eco-conscious markets.
Ideal For
Fashion labels, retail merchandise, and creative brands that prioritise softness and fit.
Verdict
Next Level is among the best AS Colour alternatives if you’re chasing high-end retail quality with superb print clarity.
Stanley/Stella
Stanley/Stella represents the gold standard in sustainable apparel. The brand focuses entirely on organic cotton, ethical production, and transparent sourcing, making it a strong ethical counterpart to AS Colour.
Fabric & Fit
All Stanley/Stella garments use 100% organic cotton or sustainable blends. The quality is premium, soft, thick, and smooth, providing an excellent canvas for high-resolution prints.
Printing Compatibility
DTG and embroidery look exceptional on Stanley/Stella apparel due to its dense weave and consistent surface. Garment Printing often uses it for eco-friendly projects where brand ethics matter as much as aesthetics.
Sustainability & Ethics
This brand leads the pack in sustainability. GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and Fair Wear Foundation certifications ensure every product meets top-tier ethical and environmental standards.
Ideal For
Eco-conscious brands, premium merch, and ethical fashion lines.
Verdict
Stanley/Stella doesn’t just rival AS Colour, it surpasses it in sustainability, making it the perfect choice for brands prioritising responsible fashion.
Anvil
Anvil offers a comfortable balance between affordability and retail quality. It’s a versatile brand that sits somewhere between Gildan’s durability and AS Colour’s modern fit.
Fabric & Fit
Its ringspun cotton tees are soft, lightweight, and consistent in fit. Anvil’s sizing is true and reliable, making reorders easy for businesses and printers alike.
Printing Compatibility
Anvil garments perform well with screen printing, DTG, and vinyl transfers. Garment Printing often uses Anvil for creative prints that need sharp detail on lighter fabrics.
Sustainability & Ethics
Anvil shares Gildan’s sustainability framework, including WRAP certification and eco-friendly dye processes.
Ideal For
Small businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and casual wear brands that are seeking reliable quality at mid-range pricing.
Verdict
Anvil provides a smooth transition for those moving away from AS Colour but wanting to maintain similar comfort and print performance.
Fruit of the Loom
A long-standing global favourite, Fruit of the Loom remains a trusted choice for basic tees and promo wear. Its simplicity and reliability make it one of the easiest AS Colour alternatives to source.
Fabric & Fit
The brand focuses on 100% cotton and cotton-rich blends with a comfortable, everyday fit. While less fashion-oriented, it performs well in large print runs and giveaway campaigns.
Printing Compatibility
Screen printing and heat transfer both work efficiently on their soft cotton base. Garment Printing often recommends it for entry-level projects or high-volume promotional events.
Sustainability & Ethics
Fruit of the Loom maintains WRAP certification and is committed to ethical manufacturing. Its longevity in the market speaks to consistent standards and reliability.
Ideal For
Promotional apparel, event shirts, and community programs.
Verdict
While not as trendy as AS Colour, Fruit of the Loom remains a dependable, budget-friendly choice for practical printing needs.
What Makes AS Colour a Benchmark for Quality?
AS Colour has become a yardstick in Australia’s printing industry because of its premium cotton, modern fits, and ethical sourcing. Its tees, hoodies, and sweatshirts maintain consistency across batches, a detail that serious printers appreciate. The brand’s ability to blend simplicity with durability has set a standard that competitors strive to meet.
However, not every project needs that premium price point. Many alternatives now offer the same GSM, feel, and printing performance, some with broader product ranges or better sustainability credentials.
How Do You Choose the Right AS Colour Alternative?
The best choice depends on your brand’s priorities:
- For retail or fashion-forward brands: Next Level Apparel and Stanley/Stella offer superior fit and softness.
- For large uniform or workwear orders: Biz Collection and JB’s Wear provide unmatched durability and sizing consistency.
- For affordability without compromise: Gildan, Sportage, and Anvil deliver solid results at accessible prices.
- For eco-conscious brands: Stanley/Stella leads in sustainability and ethics.
When ordering printed apparel through Garment Printing, the team can help match the right brand to your print method, ensuring colours, fabric texture, and durability all align with your project goals.
What Should You Know Before Printing on AS Colour Alternatives?
Different fabrics react differently to ink, so it’s worth consulting professional printers before production.
- DTG printing performs best on 100% cotton (AS Colour, Sportage, Stanley/Stella, Next Level).
- Screen printing works beautifully on blends (Biz Collection, Gildan, JB’s Wear).
- Embroidery shines on heavier garments like polos and hoodies (Biz Collection, Stanley/Stella).
Garment Printing always runs pre-production tests to guarantee colour accuracy and consistency, ensuring the final result matches your expectations, no matter which brand you choose.
Why Should You Consider Trying AS Colour Alternatives?
Exploring AS Colour alternatives doesn’t mean sacrificing quality; it’s about finding the right match for your budget, design, and sustainability goals. With the range of premium blank apparel brands available in Australia today, you can achieve the same professional results that AS Colour is known for, often at a better value or with stronger ethical credentials.
Garment Printing works with all the leading blank apparel suppliers mentioned above, offering expert printing and embroidery services that bring your brand to life. Whether you’re after eco-friendly Stanley/Stella tees, durable Biz Collection uniforms, or cost-effective Gildan prints, you’ll find reliable options that look and feel exceptional.
