If you’re running a custom apparel business or experimenting with print-on-demand, finding the right t-shirt brand is crucial. At Side Hustle Playbook, we’ve primarily used Bella Canvas and Anvil for our designs. But today, I’m diving into AS Colour t-shirts to see if they’re worth the hype. Here’s what I discovered during my test run.
First Impressions: AS Colour Staple Tee
AS Colour is a brand that’s been buzzing in the custom t-shirt world. After hearing great reviews and trying a shirt from another brand that used AS Colour blanks, I decided to order a few Staple Tees for testing.
The first thing I noticed? These shirts feel great. They’re soft and smooth to the touch but heavier compared to Bella Canvas. Not “heavy” in a stiff, low-cost shirt way — they feel sturdy yet comfortable. For anyone seeking a more substantial shirt with softness, the Staple Tee is a promising option.
Printing and Pre-Treatment Process
To test the print quality, I used my Pearl PTM pre-treater and Firebird FBX solution at a setting of 45. This setting typically balances the softness of the shirt and prevents over-crystallization from the pretreatment.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Pre-treated the shirts (black and charcoal colors).
- Cured them using a heat press (still waiting for my conveyor dryer to be fixed).
- Printed our Side Hustle Playbook logo using a high-quality DTG process.
Results: How Did AS Colour Perform?
Black Shirt:
The black Staple Tee performed wonderfully. The print came out sharp and vibrant, with the white ink popping beautifully. After heat pressing, there was no noticeable “boxing” or discoloration from the pre-treatment process. The final product looked and felt high-quality, almost like a plastisol screen print.
Charcoal Shirt:
Charcoal was more challenging. The pre-treatment caused slight discoloration, especially where the heat press applied pressure. While the issue was less noticeable after cooling down, a faint “box” effect remained visible. This is a known challenge with darker, non-black colors and something to keep in mind if you plan to work with charcoal.
Is AS Colour Worth It?
In short: yes, but it depends on your goals.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Quality: AS Colour shirts are premium. They feel sturdy yet soft, and the print quality is top-notch. The black Staple Tee, in particular, exceeded my expectations.
- Cost: AS Colour shirts are pricier than Bella Canvas. However, they’re a great choice if you’re targeting a high-end market or want to stand out from competitors.
- Challenges: Charcoal and similar colors may present issues with pre-treatment discoloration. While manageable, it’s something to consider for your workflow.
If you’re looking to elevate your brand and offer a premium product, AS Colour is definitely worth testing. I’ll continue experimenting with other colors and washes to see how they hold up, but so far, I’m impressed.
Final Thoughts
AS Colour might not completely replace Bella Canvas in my lineup due to its higher price point, but it’s a fantastic option for certain projects. I’m considering using AS Colour for one of my brands where quality is a top priority and the audience expects premium designs.
If you’ve been curious about AS Colour, I encourage you to give it a shot. Try it for a premium collection or a project where quality is non-negotiable. You might find it’s the perfect fit for your side hustle!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments — have you used AS Colour before? How does it compare to your go-to t-shirt brands?
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