Choosing the right blank apparel brand is one of the most important decisions when planning a custom printing project. The brand you select influences not only the final print quality but also how your garment feels, fits, and lasts.
In Australia, two names often top the list: Gildan and AS Colour. Both have strong reputations in the garment printing industry, but they cater to slightly different markets and preferences.
This in-depth comparison covers everything from fabric quality, fit, and colour range to printing suitability and sustainability, so you can confidently decide which is best for your next custom-printed apparel order.
Gildan – Reliable and Cost-Effective
Gildan is a global leader in blank apparel manufacturing, known for affordability, consistency, and mass availability. The brand’s extensive product range includes t-shirts, hoodies, polos, and fleece, widely used for events, promotions, and staff uniforms.
Key highlights:
- Affordable price point suitable for bulk printing.
- Wide range of fabric blends (cotton, polyester, DryBlend).
- Large size and colour variety for flexible branding.
- Great option for promotional use or large-volume orders.
AS Colour – Premium and Retail-Focused
AS Colour, originally from New Zealand, is now one of Australia’s favourite premium blank apparel brands. It’s synonymous with quality, ethical production, and modern design. Every piece is made to look and feel like retail-quality clothing, ideal for brands that want a professional image.
Key highlights:
- Premium combed cotton fabrics with a soft hand feel.
- Modern, fashion-forward cuts and colour options.
- Certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) for ethical production.
- Perfect for retail brands, merchandise, and corporate wear.
Quick Take:
Gildan: Budget-friendly and reliable.
AS Colour: Premium and presentation-driven.
Fabric Quality and Feel
Gildan
Gildan offers a mix of fabric compositions depending on the range:
- Ultra Cotton & Heavy Cotton: 100% pre-shrunk cotton, known for durability and structure.
- Softstyle: Ring-spun cotton for smoother texture and comfort.
- DryBlend: Cotton-poly blend for moisture-wicking and breathability.
The texture is typically more utilitarian, ideal for durable workwear or event merchandise, but less refined than AS Colour for retail use.
AS Colour
AS Colour focuses on premium-quality, combed cotton fabric that feels soft and smooth against the skin.
- Most tees (like the Staple Tee) are 180 GSM combed cotton, providing a balanced midweight feel.
- Surface is exceptionally clean and even, making it perfect for detailed prints or embroidery.
- Minimal shrinkage and shape retention even after multiple washes.
Verdict:
Gildan provides dependable everyday comfort, while AS Colour delivers a more luxurious and premium feel.
Fit and Sizing
Gildan
Gildan garments are known for their classic, unisex fit, roomy, boxy, and practical.
- Ideal for staff uniforms, clubs, and large-scale event wear.
- Available in a broad size range (often from S–5XL).
- Designed for inclusivity and comfort rather than a fashion fit.
AS Colour
AS Colour offers modern, retail-inspired fits, slightly tapered for a sleek look without sacrificing comfort.
- Available in multiple cuts (Staple, Classic, Heavy, Maple, etc.).
- Options for men, women, and kids across multiple styles.
- Ideal for brands that prioritise aesthetics and presentation.
Verdict:
If you want a fitted, premium retail appearance, go AS Colour.
If you need a standard fit for general-purpose wear, Gildan is a great option.
Colour Range and Dyeing Process
Gildan
- Offers one of the largest colour selections on the market.
- Features both vivid solid shades and heather tones.
- Reactive dyeing ensures strong colourfastness.
- Excellent consistency across bulk orders, making it reliable for corporate branding.
AS Colour
- Known for clean, modern colour palettes inspired by retail fashion.
- Offers trending tones like sand, sage, and ecru alongside classic black and white.
- Reactive dyes create a consistent, long-lasting finish.
Verdict:
Gildan wins in sheer variety and affordability, while AS Colour leads in style-forward colour curation that suits premium branding.
Printing and Embroidery Suitability
Screen Printing
- Gildan: Excellent for screen printing large batches. Holds ink well, especially on the Ultra Cotton and Softstyle lines. Ideal for solid designs with minimal colour gradients.
- AS Colour: Equally strong performance, with its smoother surface delivering crisp, detailed print results.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
- Gildan: Works well with pre-treatment, though open-end cotton can yield slightly textured prints.
- AS Colour: Outstanding for DTG, the fine, tight-knit cotton allows vibrant, detailed prints.
Embroidery
- Gildan: Good for embroidery on polos, hoodies, and caps. Thicker fabrics provide stability.
- AS Colour: Even better structure for embroidery, giving a premium finish for logos and monograms.
Verdict:
For complex, photo-quality or detailed designs, AS Colour provides better surface quality.
For budget-conscious screen printing in high volumes, Gildan remains the go-to.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Gildan
- Actively invests in sustainability, reducing water and energy use through eco-efficient production.
- Runs the Genuine Responsibility® program, focusing on responsible labour and environmental standards.
- Produces many items in vertically integrated facilities for better oversight.
AS Colour
- Certified by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) for ethical and transparent supply chains.
- Uses OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics to ensure products are free from harmful chemicals.
- Prioritises sustainable dyeing and reduced water consumption.
- Emphasises durability to promote long-lasting apparel.
Verdict:
Both brands are moving toward sustainability, Gildan with large-scale efficiency, AS Colour with ethics and transparency.
Product Range and Availability
| Category | Gildan | AS Colour |
| T-Shirts | Ultra Cotton, Softstyle, Heavy Cotton | Staple Tee, Classic Tee, Paper Tee |
| Hoodies & Sweatshirts | Heavy Blend, DryBlend, Premium Cotton | Classic Hoodie, Heavy Hood, Stencil Hoodie |
| Polos | DryBlend Polos | Chad Polo, Womens’ Polo |
| Singlets & Tanks | Wide range, affordable | Fashion-forward cuts and fits |
| Accessories | Caps, totes, fleece blankets | Totes, caps, and minimal accessories |
| Printing Suitability | Best for screen printing | Best for DTG and embroidery |
| Fit & Style | Classic, roomy | Modern, tailored |
Availability:
- Gildan: Available across multiple distributors throughout Australia, often at lower cost and higher stock levels.
- AS Colour: Readily available locally with faster dispatch and consistent quality control.
Pricing and Value for Money
- Gildan: Budget-friendly and ideal for high-volume runs, event merchandise, and uniforms. Low per-unit cost.
- AS Colour: Premium pricing reflects fabric quality, ethical sourcing, and retail-grade finish. Best suited for resale or professional uniforms.
Verdict:
If price is your main factor, Gildan wins.
If quality and presentation matter more, AS Colour is the investment.
AS Colour vs Gildan: Which Should You Choose?
| Scenario | Best Brand |
| Large event or corporate giveaway | Gildan |
| Premium merchandise line | AS Colour |
| Tight budget but reliable quality | Gildan |
| Custom streetwear or fashion brand | AS Colour |
| Detailed or colourful DTG designs | AS Colour |
| Basic screen printing with bold logos | Gildan |
| Ethically sourced corporate wear | AS Colour |
In short:
- Choose Gildan when affordability, quantity, and practicality are your main priorities.
- Choose AS Colour when premium feel, modern design, and print precision are essential.
Both brands perform exceptionally within their respective categories.
Gildan offers dependable, affordable apparel perfect for mass printing and promotional projects.
AS Colour, on the other hand, represents the next tier, refined, modern, and ideal for brand merchandise or retail-quality prints.
Where to Get Custom Gildan or AS Colour Apparel in Australia?
Garment Printing proudly prints on both. Our team will help you select the right brand, fabric weight, and printing technique to ensure your design stands out and lasts long.
If you’re planning your next custom printing project, Garment Printing makes it simple. Whether you’re after Gildan’s cost-effective basics or AS Colour’s premium blanks, our experts will guide you every step of the way, from design setup to final delivery.
Choose Garment Printing because of:
- Professional screen printing, DTG, and embroidery services.
- Fast turnaround and nationwide delivery.
- No minimum order options available.
- Sustainable and ethical apparel choices.
Ready to get your custom Gildan or AS Colour apparel printed in Australia? Contact our team for a fast quote and expert guidance on the perfect blanks for your project.
