When it comes to custom t-shirt printing, fabric quality and colour vibrancy are everything. The brand of blank apparel you choose can make or break the final result. Two of the most popular names in the world of custom printing are AS Colour and Comfort Colors, both trusted by designers, print shops, and brands globally. But which one’s right for you?
AS Colour or Comfort Colors?
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Suppose you’re planning your next batch of custom-printed tees, hoodies, or sweatshirts. In that case, this detailed comparison of AS Colour vs Comfort Colors will help you decide which brand best fits your needs, from feel and fit to sustainability, printing methods, and style preferences.
AS Colour – Premium Blanks for Creators
Born in New Zealand and now a staple across Australia, AS Colour is all about premium basics. The brand has built its reputation on high-quality cotton, modern fits, and ethical manufacturing. AS Colour focuses on minimalism, offering timeless pieces that are ready for printing, embroidery, or standalone wear.
Key Highlights:
- Based in New Zealand and widely distributed in Australia.
- Known for premium, soft, and pre-shrunk cotton.
- Offers an extensive range: tees, polos, hoodies, singlets, tote bags, and caps.
- Ethically certified (member of the Fair Labor Association).
- Perfect for retail-quality printing and professional merchandise.
Comfort Colors – Laid-Back Vintage Appeal
Comfort Colors, part of the Gildan family, is an American classic. The brand is known for its washed-out, vintage-dyed look that feels worn-in from day one. It’s the go-to choice for artists, surf brands, and events chasing that relaxed aesthetic.
Key Highlights:
- Based in the USA but popular among Australian creatives.
- Specialises in garment-dyed, vintage-style colours.
- Made from 100% ring-spun cotton for comfort and softness.
- Prioritises sustainable dyeing and water-saving processes.
- Ideal for retro-themed prints or relaxed lifestyle apparel.
Fabric Quality and Feel
AS Colour – Smooth and Structured
AS Colour uses combed cotton, which means the fibres are brushed to remove impurities and create a smooth, tight weave. This gives a crisp, clean surface that’s ideal for screen printing, DTG, and embroidery.
- Texture: Smooth and dense.
- Weight: Ranges between 180–220 GSM (midweight to heavy).
- Comfort: Breathable but structured, giving a premium retail feel.
- Durability: Holds its shape well even after repeated washes.
The tighter weave makes colours pop in DTG prints, and it’s one of the reasons AS Colour tees are so popular for custom brand merchandise and streetwear drops.
Comfort Colors – Soft and Lived-In
Comfort Colors takes a different approach. Each garment is pigment-dyed after construction, which softens the cotton and gives it that iconic washed finish.
- Texture: Soft, slightly uneven surface (due to dyeing).
- Weight: 200–220 GSM (feels heavier and more relaxed).
- Comfort: Exceptionally soft; feels pre-worn and breathable.
- Durability: Long-lasting but may fade slightly over time, part of its charm.
If you’re after that vintage, coastal vibe, Comfort Colors feels like a tee you’ve owned for years, right out of the box.
Fit and Sizing
AS Colour – Modern and True to Size
AS Colour fits are tailored and retail-inspired, making them ideal for branded merchandise, events, or uniforms where you want a polished look.
- Fit type: Slim to standard (varies by product).
- Gender options: Unisex, men’s, women’s, and kids’ cuts.
- Best sellers: Staple Tee, Maple Tee, and Classic Hoodie.
- Recommended for: Streetwear brands, cafes, corporate uniforms, and fashion-forward merch.
Comfort Colors – Relaxed and Casual
Comfort Colors is all about that easygoing fit, looser and slightly oversized. It’s designed for casual wear rather than fitted retail looks.
- Fit type: Relaxed and roomy.
- Gender options: Mostly unisex.
- Best sellers: 1717 Adult Heavyweight Tee and 1566 Midweight Hoodie.
- Recommended for: Surfwear, music festivals, uni clubs, and laid-back lifestyle brands.
In short: AS Colour gives you clean lines, while Comfort Colors gives you effortless drape.
Colour Range and Dyeing Process
AS Colour – Crisp, Consistent Shades
AS Colour offers around 50+ colour options per product, depending on the line. Their palette is made for designers, sharp whites, deep blacks, and modern tones like sand, bone, and eucalyptus.
- Dye process: Reactive dyeing ensures high colourfastness.
- Result: Prints stay vibrant, and colours don’t bleed.
- Best for: Brands that need consistent tones across multiple batches.
Comfort Colors – Unique Pigment-Dyed Shades
This is where Comfort Colors truly shines. The brand uses garment dyeing, where each piece is dyed after being sewn. This process gives a washed, vintage look and a slightly different tone for every tee, no two are exactly alike.
- Dye process: Pigment and reactive dyeing.
- Result: A soft, natural fade and one-of-a-kind finish.
- Best for: Artistic brands and prints that embrace a rustic, vintage character.
If you want precision and brand consistency , go AS Colour.
If you want individuality and charm , Comfort Colors all the way.
Printing Suitability: Screen Printing, DTG, and Embroidery
Screen Printing
- AS Colour: Excellent surface for screen printing due to its tight weave and high cotton purity. Fine details appear crisp, and colours remain bold.
- Comfort Colors: Works well, but pigment-dyed fabric can absorb ink differently, leading to a more vintage, “worn-in” print effect.
Verdict:
If you want a clean, high-definition print, AS Colour wins.
If you want a soft, faded print that blends into the fabric, Comfort Colors offers unbeatable charm.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
- AS Colour: Ideal for DTG. Smooth surface allows ink to adhere evenly, producing bright and detailed results.
- Comfort Colors: Can be tricky for DTG due to the garment-dye process; pre-treatment is essential for ink adhesion.
Verdict:
For DTG printing, AS Colour delivers more predictable and professional outcomes.
Embroidery
- AS Colour: Perfect for embroidery thanks to its structured fabric and uniform thickness. Logos and monograms sit neatly on the surface.
- Comfort Colors: Still great for embroidery, but the soft and uneven surface can slightly distort intricate designs.
Verdict:
AS Colour gives sharper embroidery finishes; Comfort Colors suits looser, casual embroidery placements.
Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing
AS Colour – Transparent and Ethical
AS Colour takes ethics seriously. They are a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and publish full transparency reports covering labour standards, supplier audits, and environmental practices.
- Uses OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics (free from harmful chemicals).
- Has a recycling initiative and water-efficient production lines.
- Manufactures under safe, fair working conditions.
If sustainability and traceability matter to your brand, AS Colour is a clear leader in ethical apparel production.
Comfort Colors – Eco-Conscious Dyeing
Comfort Colors takes a different route to sustainability, focusing on water conservation and eco-friendly dyeing. Their garment dye process uses low-impact dyes and optimised water reuse systems.
- OEKO-TEX® certified for safe dyes.
- Water-saving systems reduce waste.
- Uses biodegradable detergents during production.
Both brands are strong performers, AS Colour leads in transparency and fair labour, while Comfort Colors excels in water-conscious dyeing.
Product Range Comparison
| Category | AS Colour | Comfort Colors |
| T-Shirts | Huge range – Staple Tee, Classic Tee, Paper Tee, and Heavy Tee. | Core range – Heavyweight and Midweight tees with garment dye finish. |
| Hoodies & Sweatshirts | Premium fleece options; modern fits. | Classic comfort fleece with vintage wash. |
| Polos & Singlets | Available in cotton and blends. | Limited range, mostly tees and sweatshirts. |
| Bags & Accessories | Totes, caps, and accessories. | Primarily apparel only. |
| Sustainability | Fair Labor Association member, ethical sourcing. | Eco-friendly dye process and water reduction. |
| Printing Compatibility | Excellent for DTG, screen printing, and embroidery. | Best for screen printing and embroidery (less ideal for DTG). |
| Fit & Style | Modern, retail-inspired fit. | Relaxed, vintage fit. |
Price and Availability
AS Colour is locally based, which means faster delivery, wider distribution, and more colour consistency for Aussie customers. Comfort Colors, while available through select Australian suppliers, is imported from the U.S., often resulting in higher costs and longer lead times.
- AS Colour: Readily available across Australia, competitive wholesale pricing, excellent local support.
- Comfort Colors: Slightly pricier due to import and dye process, but unique aesthetic value.
If you’re after speed, affordability, and consistency, AS Colour is the practical choice.
If you prioritise uniqueness and vintage character, Comfort Colors is worth the premium.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide depending on your priorities:
| Need / Preference | Best Choice |
| Premium retail-quality printing | AS Colour |
| Vintage, washed-out aesthetic | Comfort Colors |
| Consistent colour across large orders | AS Colour |
| Unique, one-of-a-kind look | Comfort Colors |
| Fast local availability in Australia | AS Colour |
| Eco-friendly dyeing process | Comfort Colors |
| Crisp DTG or screen printing results | AS Colour |
| Soft, lived-in comfort | Comfort Colors |
The Final Verdict
Both AS Colour and Comfort Colors have earned their reputations as top-tier blank apparel brands. The best choice really depends on your brand identity and printing needs.
- Choose AS Colour if you value premium quality, modern fits, and flawless printing performance. It’s perfect for business uniforms, branded merchandise, and fashion-forward lines.
- Choose Comfort Colors if you’re after a laid-back, vintage aesthetic with a soft, broken-in feel that tells a story. It’s great for creative brands, surfwear, and casual lifestyle apparel.
At Garment Printing, we work with both brands to deliver custom-printed apparel that stands out, from premium AS Colour tees with sharp prints to Comfort Colors garments with that irresistible vintage charm.
If you’re ready to bring your designs on to garments, Garment Printing offers expert printing on both AS Colour and Comfort Colors apparel. Our team helps you choose the right printing method for your design, whether that’s screen printing, DTG, or embroidery , to ensure your garments look exceptional and last long.
We’ve printed for Australian businesses, brands, schools, and events for years, offering:
- Fast local turnaround times.
- High-quality prints using premium inks.
- No minimum order on selected items.
- Ethical and sustainable apparel options.
Ready to print your custom AS Colour or Comfort Colors apparel? Get in touch with our friendly team today for expert advice and a quick quote. Call 1300 986 000 to get started on your next custom apparel project.
