The first time I heard about AS Colour was in 2007. I had received a catalog from New Zealand for Alstyle Apparel that they distributed. Shortly after, they expanded out of being a distributor of the "AAA" line and introduced what we know today as AS Colour.
At the time, it was easier (and cheaper) to ship in cartons of American Apparel from the US with a more favourable USD exchange rate and we did until around 2012. The famous American Apparel 2001 had started the new t-shirt movement and we'd been using AA since the late 90s when Dov Charney setup shop.
The AS Colour Staple Tee (5001) is somewhat of a nod to the American Apparel Fine Jersey T-Shirt (2001). Although the Staple Tee is far superior being side-seamed vs. tubularly constructed and of heavier grammage.
Prior to the men's Staple and women's Maple tees, AS Colour had the Paper & Wafer styles. The Paper & Wafer tees were listed in a November 2008 price list along side 16 additional styles, now long been discontinued or replaced. Over time, these were paralleled with the Staple and Maple styles and eventually replaced across the majority of colourways.
Today, the Staple Tee comes in 59 colours
The idea of having 59 colourways available in Australia is unheard of.
A credit to how far AS Colour has come in the local market. We have no shortage of alternative local options including multinationals such as Gildan Brands acquiring Australian distributor, Superior Activewear in 2017. But no one has the market share, range and overall quality of AS Colour (ASC).
With recent pricing increases across Gildan brands, JBs Wear, RAMO and other available Australian t-shirts ranges, it's amazing that anyone would consider using a lower graded product to save 50 cents or a dollar. Our customers love AS Colour as I suspect do their customers. AS offers so many varieties of the Staple from long-sleeve to tank and many other blank options, that there is little need to go elsewhere. ASC even has a price pointed blank tee called the Block Tee with a tearaway label for branding.
• Regular fit
• Crew neck
• Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles
• 100% combed cotton (marles 15% viscose)
• Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage
AS Colour Fabrics
Their unique production process involves not only cut and sew but also the manufacture of textile yarn, meaning that their suppliers are not buying off the market. Although this lengthens the production timeline it is essential to ensure consistent high quality output for their customers.
Combed Cotton
Their bread and butter. Combed cotton is made from long fibres with a fine weave making it ideal for printing. AS Colour produces this is in various weights: 120 – 220 GSM. Used for the majority of our T-Shirt styles including Classic, Maple & Staple Tee ranges.
All of that said, I'd like to thank Zeb Aitken and the AS Colour team for punching above their weight and driving t-shirt culture in Australia and New Zealand. I know it wouldn't be the same with them and we wouldn't have so many fantastic options to imprint and embellish.
The Staple is an appropriate name for what's become the stock standard imprintable tee for the Australian (and beyond) market. There's a high possibility that if you are reading this, you're wearing one right now.
If you are looking for a quality screen printer or embroider that works with AS Colour, check out agogo.
The Staple is now much wider than a single t-shirt w/ 16 total styles now part of the Staple family. Colours come and colours go, but the AS Colour Staple is here to stay and I'm sure there will be more and more staples added to the stable.
About AS Colour
AS Colour designs and manufactures quality basics. They believe in taking time with every product they make. Only designing and producing premium apparel that will stand the test of time. AS Colour is guided by three key principles:
• Quality is key
• Respect the details
• Keep it simple
Australia - https://www.ascolour.com.au
United States and Canada - https://ascolour.com
New Zealand - https://www.ascolour.co.nz
United Kingdom - https://ascolour.co.uk
About agogo
agogo is Australia's premiere screen printer, merch and promotional products provider to many iconic Australian brands. From Qantas, Afterpay, Martinus Rail, 1spatial, Budget Petrol, GMS Marketing, HJDA Hotels, Life UNCUT podcast, TeamViewer. Check out agogo for your printed t-shirts using AS Colour, JBs Wear, Gildan, Next Level and more.
agogo ● agogo.com.au ● Phone: 1300 246 461 ● smile@agogo.com.au
