Articles
American Apparel: What Sets it Apart from Other Brands?
Feb
Introduction
American Apparel is a well-known brand in the fashion and blank apparel industry, recognized for its high-quality fabric, ethical manufacturing, and trend-setting styles. But how does it compare to other major brands in Australia, such as AS Colour, Gildan, and JB’s Wear? This article explores why people choose American Apparel, whether it’s a good option for screen printing, and how it stands out in the Australian market.
What Makes American Apparel Different?
1. Premium Fabric and Fit
American Apparel is renowned for using high-quality cotton and innovative fabric blends that provide a soft feel and superior comfort. Unlike Gildan and JB’s Wear, which focus more on affordability and durability, American Apparel places a stronger emphasis on premium fabric and fashion-forward fits.
- Fabric Composition: American Apparel’s t-shirts often feature ringspun cotton, which is softer and more breathable compared to standard cotton used by brands like JB’s Wear.
- Fit and Style: American Apparel’s t-shirts have a more fashion-oriented, slim-fit cut compared to Gildan, which offers a more relaxed and boxy fit.
- Sustainability: The brand incorporates organic and recycled materials in some of its collections, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers.
2. Ethical Manufacturing & Sustainability
Unlike many budget-focused brands that outsource production to low-cost factories overseas, American Apparel has a strong reputation for ethical manufacturing.
- The brand was originally known for producing garments in the USA with fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Although now owned by Gildan, American Apparel maintains high ethical standards in production, with some of its products still manufactured in North America.
- AS Colour also emphasizes ethical sourcing, making it a strong competitor in this space, whereas Gildan and JB’s Wear tend to focus more on cost efficiency.
3. Brand Appeal & Lifestyle Factor
American Apparel is more than just a blank apparel brand—it has a distinct cultural and lifestyle appeal.
- The brand has been associated with minimalistic, urban fashion and has gained a loyal following in Australia’s creative industries.
- It offers stylish options that can be worn as everyday streetwear, setting it apart from utilitarian brands like JB’s Wear and Gildan.
- AS Colour is the closest competitor in terms of lifestyle appeal, but American Apparel maintains a more distinctive fashion identity.
Is American Apparel a Good Choice for Screen Printing?
Printability & Fabric Quality
For screen printers, fabric quality is a crucial factor. American Apparel stands out for several reasons:
- Soft, Ringspun Cotton: Ensures smooth and vibrant prints.
- Tight Weave: Results in less ink bleed, making designs look sharper and more professional.
- Pre-shrunk Fabric: Reduces post-wash shrinkage, ensuring consistency in printed designs.
In comparison:
- AS Colour also offers high-quality cotton and excellent printability.
- Gildan is a budget-friendly option but may have coarser fabric, leading to less crisp prints. Although things are changing with the Gildan Softstyle Adult T-Shirt 64000.
- JB’s Wear is more suited for bulk promotional printing rather than high-end fashion printing.
Longevity of Prints
The durability of screen-printed designs depends on fabric quality. American Apparel’s premium cotton and durable stitching help prints last longer without cracking or fading, making it a preferred choice for high-end custom apparel.
American Apparel vs. AS Colour, Gildan, and JB’s Wear: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | American Apparel | AS Colour | Gildan | JB’s Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Quality | Premium ringspun cotton | High-quality cotton | Standard cotton | Basic cotton |
| Fit & Style | Slim, fashion-forward | Modern, well-fitted | Relaxed, boxy | Basic, loose |
| Printability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Decent |
| Sustainability | Ethical sourcing, some eco-friendly fabrics | Strong focus on ethical production | Mass production, less emphasis on ethics | Primarily cost-driven |
| Best For | Fashion, high-end printing | Streetwear, printing | Budget printing, bulk orders | Workwear, promotional apparel |
Where to Buy American Apparel in Australia
For those looking to purchase American Apparel in Australia, PS Apparel offers a range of blank American Apparel t-shirts perfect for screen printing and retail purposes. Here are some specific product links:
- American Apparel Fine Jersey T-Shirt
- American Apparel Adult Heavy Weight Dyed T-Shirt
- American Apparel Adult CVC T-Shirt
Additionally, external resources like Fashion Industry Research provide insights into trends and market performance of apparel brands in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is American Apparel still made in the USA?
While American Apparel originally manufactured all products in the USA, some production has since shifted overseas under Gildan’s ownership. However, the brand still maintains high ethical standards.
2. Is American Apparel better than AS Colour for printing?
Both brands offer high-quality cotton and excellent printability. AS Colour has a broader variety of blank styles, but American Apparel is known for its soft fabric and trendy fits.
3. Does American Apparel offer eco-friendly options?
Yes, some of American Apparel’s collections include organic and recycled materials, aligning with sustainability trends in Australia.
4. How does American Apparel compare to Gildan?
American Apparel offers softer, more stylish garments, whereas Gildan focuses on affordability and bulk production.
5. Where can I buy American Apparel in Australia?
You can find American Apparel products at PS Apparel, a leading online retailer for blank t-shirts and screen-printing apparel.
Conclusion
American Apparel remains a standout choice for Australians seeking high-quality, stylish blank apparel. Whether for screen printing or everyday fashion, it offers premium fabric, ethical manufacturing, and a strong brand appeal. While AS Colour is a close competitor, American Apparel’s unique aesthetic and commitment to quality continue to make it a preferred choice in the market.
