T-Shirt Buying Guide | Selection Criteria – Costs and More

When buying blank t-shirts in Australia whether for personal wear, custom printing, or promotional merch choosing trusted brands like AS Colour, Gildan, or Biz Collection ensures a premium feel, quality, durability, and ethical manufacturing. These brands offer pre-shrunk fabrics, consistent sizing, and print-friendly surfaces, so your tees last longer and look professional, while cheap alternatives often fade, shrink, or fall apart after a few washes. Plus, their reputation for sustainable practices and reliable performance means better value for your money and a smarter choice for your brand or wardrobe. For the best results, always start with quality blanks then make them uniquely yours with custom printing!

Here is a complete checklist to look for before buying a t-shirt:

• Fabric Quality: Choose breathable, soft materials like 100% combed cotton or cotton blends. They offer comfort, durability, and better resistance to pilling and fading.
• Fit & Style: Select a fit that complements your body type and intended use options include slim, regular, or relaxed fits, with neckline choices like crew, V-neck, or scoop neck.
• Printability: Opt for smooth, tightly knit fabrics like ring-spun cotton that hold print and embroidery well, ensuring clean, vibrant, long-lasting designs.
• Durability: Check for double-stitched seams, high GSM (fabric weight), and reinforced shoulders to ensure the T-shirt can handle regular wear and frequent washes.
• Shrinkage: Choose pre-shrunk fabrics to prevent sizing issues after the first wash this is especially important when ordering in bulk for custom printing.
• Colour Range: A broad colour selection allows for better brand alignment or theme matching. It s also useful when customising for teams, events, or retail.
• Fabric Weight (GSM): Lightweight tees (130 150 GSM) are ideal for summer or layering, while mid to heavyweight (160 200 GSM) tees are better for structured wear and decoration.
• Neckline and Sleeve Type: Decide based on the final use crew necks are classic, V-necks offer a stylish edge, and raglan or long sleeves provide alternative looks or seasonal options.
• Sustainability and Ethical Production: Look for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or brands with ethical manufacturing practices (e.g., Fair Trade, GOTS certified).
• Brand Reputation: Choose reputable T-shirt brands like AS Colour, Gildan, or American Apparel for better quality control, fit consistency, and print compatibility.
• Tag vs Tagless: Tagless or tear-away labels enhance comfort and simplify rebranding, especially useful for private label or promotional apparel.
• Stretch and Recovery: T-shirts with elastane or spandex should return to shape without sagging ideal for activewear, fashion fits, or all-day comfort.

Fabric Quality

When buying a T-shirt whether for personal use, retail, or customisation the quality of the fabric should be your top priority. It affects how the tee looks, feels, lasts, and even how well it prints or embroiders. Let s break down what fabric quality really means and why it matters:

• Comfort and Feel: High-quality fabrics like combed cotton, ring-spun cotton, or cotton blends (e.g. cotton-poly or cotton-viscose) offer a soft, smooth finish that feels better against the skin. Unlike cheaper options that may feel stiff or scratchy, these fabrics are breathable and lightweight, ideal for Australia s warm climate.
• Durability and Longevity: Low-quality T-shirts tend to pill, shrink, or fade after a few washes. Premium fabrics, on the other hand, resist wear and tear, retain their shape, and maintain their colour longer. This means you ll get more value from your purchase, especially if you re ordering T-shirts for staff uniforms, retail merchandise, or promotional events.
• Fabric Construction: Carded vs Combed vs Ring-Spun: Carded cotton is more basic, often used in budget T-shirts.
• Combed cotton undergoes an extra process to remove short fibres, resulting in a softer and stronger yarn.
• Ring-spun cotton is even finer, giving the shirt a smoother texture and higher durability perfect for custom printing.
• Blends for Added Benefits: Blended fabrics like cotton/polyester combine the best of both worlds: cotton s breathability and poly s wrinkle resistance and moisture-wicking properties. They re excellent for activewear or workwear that needs to perform throughout the day.
• Print & Embroidery Compatibility: For anyone planning to customise T-shirts, fabric quality directly impacts how well your artwork appears. Rough or uneven fabric can distort designs or result in poor ink absorption. High-quality, tightly woven fabric ensures sharp lines, bold colours, and long-lasting results, crucial for branding.

Fit & Style

When shopping for a T-shirt, many people focus solely on fabric or price yet the fit and style of a tee can make or break how it looks and feels. Whether you’re buying for everyday wear, promotional purposes, or custom branding, choosing the right cut ensures comfort, appeal, and a polished final result.

The fit of a T-shirt affects your overall appearance and how confident you feel wearing it. A shirt that s too tight might restrict movement or highlight areas you d rather not draw attention to, while one that s too loose can look sloppy or oversized. Getting the right fit makes a T-shirt feel like it was made just for you.

Common Fit Options

• Slim Fit: Closer to the body, flattering for athletic builds or a more modern, tapered silhouette. Great for layering or fashion-focused wear.
• Regular Fit: A safe, standard option that suits most body types. Offers enough room without being baggy.
• Relaxed Fit: Provides extra space in the chest and torso. Ideal for comfort, casual settings, or hot climates like much of Australia s east coast.

Style Elements That Matter

T-shirts aren t just about fit they re also about style. Here are the key components:

Necklines:

• Crew Neck: The classic round neckline. Universally flattering and suitable for most occasions.
• V-Neck: Slightly more fashionable, adds length to the neck and looks great under blazers or jackets.
• Scoop Neck: Wider and deeper than a crew neck, often seen in relaxed or fashion-forward looks.

Sleeves:

• Standard Short Sleeve: Most common option.
• Capped Sleeves: Found more in women s T-shirts, offering a slightly more fitted look.
• Long Sleeves or Raglan Sleeves: Suitable for colder seasons or a sporty aesthetic.

Purpose-Driven Selection

Think about where and how you ll be wearing the T-shirt. For workwear or uniforms, a regular or relaxed fit is typically more practical. For fashion brands or modern retail, slim fits and stylish necklines may appeal more. If you re customising T-shirts for events or promotional giveaways, regular fit crew necks offer universal appeal.

Printability

If you’re planning to customise a T-shirt whether it’s with screen printing, DTG (Direct-to-Garment), vinyl, or embroidery the printability of the fabric is absolutely critical. Not all T-shirts are created equal when it comes to decoration. The fabric type, weave, and surface finish all play a role in how well your design turns out.

Why Printability Is So Important

Printability affects the clarity, sharpness, and longevity of your artwork. A poor-quality fabric may absorb ink unevenly, cause colours to appear dull, or even distort intricate designs. For embroidery, thick or loosely woven fabrics may pucker or stretch under the thread.

Best Fabric Types for Printing

• Ring-Spun Cotton: The go-to choice for high-end printing. It has a tight, smooth weave that allows ink or embroidery to sit cleanly on the surface.
• Combed Cotton: Similar to ring-spun, but goes through additional processing to remove impurities. Great for fine detail and soft hand-feel.
• Cotton/Poly Blends: These can also work well, especially for sublimation printing on poly-heavy blends, but may require special inks or underbase layers to achieve vibrant results.

Printing Methods and Fabric Compatibility

• Screen Printing: Best on 100% cotton or high-quality blends with minimal stretch. Requires a flat, consistent surface for bold colours and crisp lines.
• DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Needs a tight-knit fabric, usually cotton, to absorb the ink correctly and maintain vibrancy.
• Vinyl Transfers & Heat Press: Works on a variety of fabrics but adheres best to smooth, even surfaces.
• Sublimation: Requires polyester or poly-dominant blends. Ideal for vibrant, full-colour prints but won t work on natural fibres like cotton.
• Embroidery: Heavier fabrics with structure are better suited, as they can hold stitch density without warping.

Durability

When buying a T-shirt especially for daily wear, workwear, or bulk custom orders durability is a key factor. A durable T-shirt won t stretch out, fade quickly, or develop holes after a few washes. Look for features like double-stitched seams, reinforced shoulders, and taped necklines, which all contribute to a longer-lasting garment. High-quality cotton or cotton-blend fabrics with a good GSM (grams per square metre) also resist pilling and hold their shape better over time.

Durability is even more crucial when customisation is involved. A flimsy T-shirt may distort under embroidery threads or fade prematurely after printing. On the other hand, a well-constructed shirt will retain its structure, allowing designs to stay crisp and professional-looking even after repeated use. Investing in durability not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures your brand or message is represented in the best possible way.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is one of the most overlooked issues when buying T-shirts, but it can quickly turn a great fit into a poor one. Natural fibres like cotton tend to shrink when washed and dried, especially if they re not pre-treated. A T-shirt that fits perfectly off the shelf may end up a size smaller after the first wash, causing discomfort or making it unwearable, especially frustrating for bulk orders, uniforms, or customised tees.

To avoid this, always check if the fabric is pre-shrunk. Pre-shrunk T-shirts are treated during production to reduce future shrinkage, helping maintain sizing consistency. This is crucial for brands or events where uniformity matters. It also improves customer satisfaction by ensuring your tees retain their original fit and shape wash after wash no surprises, just reliable wear.

Fabric Type & Composition:

• 100% Cotton is more prone to shrinkage than blends.
• Polyester or cotton-poly blends shrink less, making them more reliable for sizing consistency.
• Tri-blends (cotton, polyester, and rayon) offer excellent shape retention and minimal shrinkage.

Care Instructions Matter: Even pre-shrunk T-shirts can shrink if exposed to high heat in dryers. Encourage cold washes and air drying to maintain garment shape, especially for custom or branded tees.

Fit Allowance for Custom Orders: If you’re ordering in bulk (for events, schools, or uniforms), it s smart to account for potential minimal shrinkage, even in pre-shrunk garments. Going up half a size or advising recipients on proper care can prevent sizing complaints.

Shrinkage Can Affect Print Placement: A shirt that shrinks unevenly may slightly distort printed graphics or embroidery, especially if the design spans across seams or stretches across the chest. This makes choosing pre-shrunk, stable fabric even more critical in custom apparel.

Colour Range

The colour range of a T-shirt isn t just about personal taste it plays a vital role in branding, design clarity, and audience appeal. Whether you’re buying for fashion retail, team uniforms, or a promotional event, having access to a broad spectrum of colours allows you to align better with brand identity, match event themes, or cater to specific preferences. Neutrals like black, white, and grey are versatile staples, while bold shades or seasonal tones help your T-shirts stand out.

For customisation, colour choice directly affects how prints appear. Light-coloured tees (like white, ash, or beige) offer the best canvas for full-colour printing, while dark fabrics may require an underbase layer to make prints pop, especially with DTG or screen printing. A strong colour selection also allows brands to offer product variety without changing styles or fabric, keeping production streamlined while appealing to wider audiences.

Fabric Weight (GSM)

GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre, and it refers to the weight of the fabric used in a T-shirt. It s a key indicator of thickness, structure, and overall feel. Lower GSM (e.g., 130 150) means the fabric is lightweight, perfect for warm climates, layering, or casual daily wear. Higher GSM (e.g., 180 220) indicates a thicker, more durable fabric, often used in premium tees, workwear, or garments requiring a structured look.

Understanding GSM helps you choose the right shirt for your specific needs. Lightweight T-shirts are breathable and ideal for hot Aussie summers, while mid to heavyweight options offer better shape retention and are less see-through, important for corporate uniforms or retail-quality apparel. Heavier GSM is also better suited to screen printing and embroidery, as it supports the ink or thread without puckering. So, always check the GSM to ensure your tee matches its intended use and gives the right balance of comfort and quality.

Neckline and Sleeve Type

When buying a T-shirt, many people overlook the neckline and sleeve type, yet these design elements significantly impact how the shirt looks, fits, and feels. Whether you re shopping for personal wear, uniforms, or branded apparel, these features affect style, comfort, layering potential, and overall practicality, so it s worth paying attention.

Choosing the right neckline and sleeve type affects fit, comfort, and versatility. For example, some sleeve cuts allow better arm movement (important for work or sport), while others may limit where the shirt can be worn. Similarly, certain necklines flatter specific body types better or layer more easily, depending on the outfit. If you’re customising tees, sleeve and neckline choices also affect print placement, visual balance, and wearability.

Neckline Options

Each neckline influences not just how the shirt looks, but how it fits with other pieces a V-neck under a blazer, for example, is less bulky than a crew neck.

• Crew Neck: The most common and versatile style, with a round neckline that suits all genders and body types. Ideal for layering under jackets or wearing alone. Great for casual, corporate, or branded tees.
• V-Neck: Offers a slightly dressier appearance and elongates the neck. Preferred for a cleaner look when worn solo, especially in fashion-focused or retail environments.
• Scoop Neck: A deeper, wider cut than a crew neck. Often seen in women’s styles, this neckline provides a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
• Henley: A hybrid between a crew and polo, featuring buttons. Adds a bit of style to basic wear while remaining casual.
• High Neck or Mock Neck: Offers more coverage and warmth, often seen in winter or fashion-forward collections.

Sleeve Types

Sleeve styles affect comfort, coverage, and mobility short sleeves are ideal for everyday wear, while raglan sleeves offer better shoulder movement for sport or work. Long, cap, or sleeveless options each serve different climates and style needs, making sleeve choice key to function and fit.

• Short Sleeves: The most popular option for everyday wear and events, especially in Australia s warm climate. Easy to print on and highly versatile.
• Long Sleeves: Long Sleeves shirts Offer more warmth and coverage, making them suitable for cooler weather, uniforms, or streetwear.
• Cap Sleeves: Shorter and tighter-fitting, mostly seen in women s fashion. Adds a subtle touch of style while keeping things light.
• Raglan Sleeves: Extend in one piece to the collar, usually in a contrasting colour. Popular in athletic or sporty styles due to greater shoulder mobility.
• Sleeveless (Muscle or Tank Tees): Best for summer wear, workouts, or casual settings, but less ideal for corporate or professional environments.

Sustainability and Ethical Production: Choosing T-Shirts That Do Good

In today s world, many buyers want more than just a good-looking T-shirt they want to know it s made responsibly. Opting for sustainable and ethically produced T-shirts means choosing garments made from organic cotton, recycled fibres, or low-impact dyes, which reduce environmental harm. These materials are often certified by standards like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX, assuring customers that their choices support eco-conscious practices.

Beyond environmental impact, ethical production also covers how workers are treated. Reputable suppliers follow Fair Trade, WRAP, or BSCI guidelines, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and no child labour. When you choose ethically made T-shirts, you re not just getting a product you re supporting a supply chain that values people and the planet. This matters even more for brands and businesses looking to align their merchandise with responsible values.

Brand Reputation

When shopping for blank t-shirts in Australia whether for custom printing, promotions, or everyday wear the brand you choose impacts quality, durability, and ethics. Established brands like AS Colour, Gildan, and Biz Collection deliver pre-shrunk fabrics, reinforced stitching, and print-friendly surfaces, ensuring your tees last longer and look better. Cheap alternatives often fade, shrink, or fall apart, costing you more in replacements.

Reputable brands also prioritise ethical manufacturing and sustainability, which matters to Aussie consumers. AS Colour uses organic cotton, Gildan offers eco-friendly options, and Biz Collection provides affordable yet responsible blanks. Plus, trusted brands hold prints better, so your custom designs stay sharp wash after wash key for businesses printing logos or merch.

In the long run, investing in quality blanks from reliable brands saves money and builds trust. Whether you’re buying for yourself or your brand, sticking with proven names means better comfort, durability, and value.

Tag vs. Tag less

When choosing blank t-shirts for printing or everyday wear, one small but important detail is whether the shirt has a traditional fabric tag or a tagless label. Both have pros and cons here s how they compare.

Tagged T-Shirts

• Classic look  Some brands (like vintage-style tees) use tags for authenticity.
• Easy size identification  No need to check printed labels.
• Itchy irritation  Scratchy tags can annoy sensitive skin.
• Bulkier feel  Tags may show through thin fabrics.

Tag less T-Shirts

• Ultra-comfortable  No scratchy tags, just smooth printed labels.
• Sleek & seamless  Ideal for minimalist designs and athletic wear.
• Better for printing  No tag interference with full-back prints.
• Potential fading  Over time, printed labels may wear off.

Best Choice

• For comfort & modern style? Go tagless (great for workwear, gym tees, and soft fashion).
• For vintage appeal or easy sizing? Choose tagged.

Stretch & Recovery

When choosing blank tees especially for activewear, work uniforms, or fitted fashion stretch and recovery are key factors. Check garment care labels cold washing and air-drying help preserve stretch fabrics longer.

Here s what you need to know:

What Is Stretch?

• Measures flexibility  How much the fabric expands (e.g., 10%, 20% stretch).
• Critical for movement  Ideal for gym wear, performance tees, or snug fits.

What Is Recovery?

• Fabric s ability to bounce back  Does it sag after stretching or return to shape?
• Prevents bagginess  Poor recovery = stretched-out necks and misshapen hems over time.

Best Fabrics for Stretch & Recovery

• Cotton-Spandex Blends (e.g., 95% cotton, 5% spandex) Soft stretch with good recovery (common in premium brands like AS Colour).
• Polyester-Elastane Blends  High stretch, quick-drying (great for Gildan Performance or sportswear).
• Tri-Blends (Cotton-Poly-Rayon) Lightweight stretch with a vintage drape (popular for streetwear).

When Does It Matter?

• Activewear/Gym Tees: Prioritise high stretch strong recovery.
• Fitted Fashion Tees: Moderate stretch prevents tightness and discomfort.
• Workwear/Uniforms: Durable recovery maintains a professional look.

What are the Best T-shirt Brands in Australia?

The best t-shirt brands in Australia are AS Colour, Biz Collection, American Apparel, Gildan, JB’s Wear, RAMO, and Portwest. When it comes to quality blank tees for printing, fashion, or everyday wear, Australia s top brands deliver durability, comfort, and print-friendly fabrics. AS Colour leads with premium organic cotton and ethical manufacturing, while Gildan offers budget-friendly staples like the Heavy Cotton tee perfect for bulk orders. Biz Collection strikes a balance with affordable, reliable options, and American Apparel (now revived) remains a favourite for its ultra-soft tri-blends and fitted styles. For vintage-inspired looks, Comfort Colors delivers that worn-in feel, and JB s Wear is a go-to for workwear and heavy-duty blanks. Other notable brands include Bella Canvas (lightweight ringspun cotton), Hanes (classic basics), and Stanley/Stella (eco-conscious fabrics).

What are the Qualities of a Good T-shirt?

A high-quality t-shirt combines premium fabric (like 100% cotton or soft blends), strong stitching (reinforced seams, double-stitched hems), and consistent fit (pre-shrunk, true-to-size) for lasting comfort. It should have excellent printability (smooth surface for crisp designs), colourfastness (no fading after washes), and breathability (ideal for Aussie climates). Ethical production and durability like those from AS Colour, Gildan, or Biz Collection ensure it stays soft, retains shape, and withstands frequent wear, making it a smart investment for fashion, branding, or everyday use.

How to Check the Quality of a T-Shirt?

Here s how to spot a high-quality t-shirt in seconds:

1. Fabric Feel  Grab the hem and rub it between your fingers. Premium tees use thick, soft cotton (like 180 GSM) or smooth blends cheap ones feel thin and scratchy.
2. Stitch Check  Flip it inside out. Look for tight, even stitching (double-stitched seams = durability) and no loose threads.
3. Stretch Test  Gently tug the sides. Good fabric bounces back; poor-quality fabric stretches out permanently.
4. Neckline Exam  Stretch the collar. A quality tee has reinforced ribbing that retains shape; flimsy necks curl after washes.
5. Print Surface  For custom tees, smooth, dense fabric (like AS Colour s Staple Tee) ensures crisp prints that last. Check the label for fibre content (100% cotton or quality blends) and ethical certifications.

What are the Best Quality Materials for T-shirts?

The best t-shirt materials balance comfiness, reliability, and printability 100% combed cotton (180-220 GSM) is a premium choice for softness and breathability, while cotton-polyester blends (like 50/50 or 65/35) offer added durability and wrinkle resistance. For stretch, cotton-spandex blends (95/5) retain shape, and tri-blends (cotton-poly-rayon) provide a lightweight, vintage feel. Eco-conscious options like organic cotton or recycled fabrics ensure sustainability without sacrificing quality. Always opt for pre-shrunk, ringspun fabrics they re smoother for printing and last longer.