The quality of your custom T-shirt print depends heavily on the shirt brand you choose. Even the best artwork and printing methods can look average if the garment itself feels uncomfortable, shrinks quickly, or does not hold prints well over time.
In Brisbane, four of the most commonly used brands for custom printing are AS Colour, Gildan, Next Level, and JBs Wear. Each brand offers different strengths depending on your budget, audience, fit preference, and intended use.
For businesses, events, workwear, or merchandise printing, choosing the right garment is just as important as choosing the print method. To explore professional printing options using quality apparel brands, visit customtshirtprintingonline.com.au.
Some shirt brands focus on affordability, while others prioritize premium fabrics, modern fits, or durability. Understanding these differences helps ensure your printed shirts look professional and last longer after repeated washing and wear.
This guide compares AS Colour, Gildan, Next Level, and JBs Wear to help you choose the best T-shirt brand for your custom printing project in Brisbane.
Why T-Shirt Brand Choice Matters for Printing
Not all T-shirts print the same way. Fabric quality, cotton type, stitching, weight, and garment construction all affect print performance.
The right shirt brand helps:
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A premium print on a poor-quality shirt often disappoints customers and teams.
AS Colour: Premium Streetwear Quality
AS Colour is one of the most popular premium T-shirt brands in Australia.
Best known for:
- Soft premium cotton
- Modern retail-style fits
- High-quality stitching
- Fashion-forward appearance
Ideal for:
- Brand merchandise
- Creative businesses
- Retail apparel
- Premium event shirts
Pros:
- Excellent print surface
- Minimal shrinkage
- Modern sizing and cuts
- Premium feel
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Less suitable for ultra-budget projects
AS Colour is commonly chosen for businesses wanting a polished, premium appearance.
Gildan: Affordable and Reliable
Gildan is one of the world’s most widely used custom printing brands.
Best known for:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Large colour range
- Reliable availability
- Strong durability
Ideal for:
- Large event orders
- Promotional shirts
- School groups
- Budget-conscious printing
Pros:
Cons:
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Gildan remains popular for high-volume printing where cost efficiency matters most.
Next Level: Soft Premium Comfort
Next Level is known for soft, lightweight, fashion-focused apparel.
Best known for:
- Ultra-soft fabric blends
- Slim modern fit
- Lightweight feel
- Excellent comfort
Ideal for:
- Lifestyle brands
- Gym apparel
- Fashion merchandise
- Premium DTG printing
Pros:
- Soft premium texture
- Great for detailed prints
- Comfortable retail feel
Cons:
- Slimmer sizing may not suit all audiences
- Slightly higher cost than basic brands
Next Level works especially well for modern merchandise and fashion-focused apparel.
JBs Wear: Workwear and Practical Printing
JBs Wear is widely used across Australia for uniforms and workwear printing.
Best known for:
- Durable construction
- Wide size range
- Corporate and trade apparel
- Practical workwear styles
Ideal for:
- Tradie uniforms
- Corporate workwear
- Staff uniforms
- Sports and community groups
Pros:
- Strong durability
- Great for embroidery
- Practical sizing options
- Good value for businesses
Cons:
- Less fashion-oriented styling
- Heavier fabric feel in some garments
JBs Wear is often preferred for professional uniforms and long-term use.
Which Brand Is Best for Screen Printing?
Best options:
- AS Colour
- Gildan
- JBs Wear
Why:
Screen printing performs best on stable cotton fabrics with smooth surfaces.
Recommended for:
- Bulk orders
- Bold graphics
- Workwear branding
- Event shirts
Which Brand Is Best for DTG Printing?
Best options:
- AS Colour
- Next Level
Why:
DTG printing works best on soft, high-quality cotton with smooth fibres.
Benefits:
- Better colour vibrancy
- Cleaner detail
- Softer print finish
Best T-Shirt Brand for Budget Orders
Best choice: Gildan
If affordability is the priority, Gildan offers:
- Competitive bulk pricing
- Wide availability
- Reliable durability
Perfect for:
- School events
- Promotions
- Community programs
- Large-volume campaigns
Best Premium T-Shirt Brand for Merch
Best choice: AS Colour
AS Colour is commonly chosen for:
- Retail merchandise
- Creative brands
- Premium apparel collections
Its modern fit and higher-quality fabric create a more professional impression.
Best Brand for Workwear and Uniforms
Best choice: JBs Wear
JBs Wear is ideal for:
- Tradies
- Construction teams
- Corporate uniforms
- Hospitality staff
Its durability makes it practical for daily wear environments.
Key Differences Between the Brands
| Brand | Best For | Price Range | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Colour | Premium merch | Higher | Modern retail fit |
| Gildan | Budget bulk orders | Lower | Classic relaxed fit |
| Next Level | Fashion & comfort | Medium–High | Slim modern fit |
| JBs Wear | Workwear & uniforms | Medium | Practical relaxed fit |
How to Choose the Right Shirt Brand
Ask these questions:
- Is budget or quality more important?
- Will shirts be worn once or repeatedly?
- Is the project fashion-focused or practical?
- Which print method will be used?
- Does fit style matter for your audience?
Choosing the correct shirt helps maximize both print quality and wearer satisfaction.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a T-Shirt Brand
- AS Colour is best for premium retail-style apparel
- Gildan is ideal for affordable bulk printing
- Next Level offers softer, fashion-focused garments
- JBs Wear works well for uniforms and workwear
- Different fabrics affect print quality differently
- DTG printing performs best on premium cotton shirts
- Screen printing works well on most standard cotton garments
- Garment comfort influences long-term customer satisfaction
FAQs
What is the best T-shirt brand for custom printing in Australia?
AS Colour is widely considered one of the best premium options, while Gildan is popular for affordable bulk orders.
Which T-shirt brand lasts the longest?
JBs Wear and Gildan are known for strong durability, especially for workwear and repeated washing.
Is AS Colour worth the higher price?
Yes, for premium merchandise, fashion brands, and retail-quality apparel.
What shirts work best for DTG printing?
AS Colour and Next Level perform very well because of their smooth cotton surfaces.
Which brand is best for uniforms?
JBs Wear is commonly used for uniforms due to its durability and practical sizing options.
Conclusion
Choosing the right T-shirt brand is one of the most important decisions in custom apparel printing. AS Colour, Gildan, Next Level, and JBs Wear each serve different purposes depending on budget, fit preference, durability requirements, and printing method.
Premium brands create stronger brand perception, while budget-friendly options remain practical for events and bulk orders. Understanding the strengths of each brand helps ensure your printed apparel looks professional, feels comfortable, and lasts over time.
For professional garment recommendations and expert printing support, visit customtshirtprintingonline.com.au.