What Is americanapparel? A Brand Built on Basics
americanapparel, stylised as one word or two, is the iconic brand founded in 1989 in Los Angeles by Canadian-born Dov Charney. Known for its vertical integration and “Made in USA” ethos, the company pioneered the term sweatshop‑free to describe fair‑wage, cruelty‑free production standards. Today, even under Gildan ownership, American Apparel continues to emphasise ethical manufacturing, now split between U.S. and audited factories in Honduras and Nicaragua.
americanapparel basics include american apparel t shirts, american apparel singlets, american apparel hoodies, and american apparel sweatshirts—all designed to be soft, blank canvases for everyday wear or custom printing.
Why Shopping american clothing online at PS Apparel Matters
A Trusted american clothing brand for Ethical Basics
At PS Apparel, our blanks clothing features a curated range of american apparel / australian stock—the same classic cuts that made American Apparel popular globally:
- Fine‑jersey tees like the 2001 CVC T‑Shirt
- Heavyweight dyed basics like the 1301
- american apparel tank tops
- The classic american apparel black hoodie and american apparel purple hoodie
Comprehensive Range: From T Shirts to Sweatshirts
We offer american apparel t shirts at wholesale prices, american apparel t shirts in bulk, for screen printers, brands or bands. If you’re searching for american apparel custom shirt options or american apparel t shirt printing, our blank tees are ideal. Plus, we stock the entire range:
- american apparel 2001
- american apparel 2007 (unisex long-sleeve t-shirt)
- 2007w long‑sleeve soft combed ring spun fabric fine jersey
- american apparel tri blend t shirt including the 50/50 shirt and tri‑blend long sleeve
- Basics like american apparel white t shirt, grey t shirt, black t shirt, and all sizes in american apparel unisex and women’s profiles
Fabric, Fit & Iconic Styles
What Makes American Apparel The Gold Standard
American cotton t shirts from this brand are renowned for ring‑spun, combed cotton that performs well in print, feel soft on skin, and drape well across body types. The fine jersey tee is a staple among american cotton apparel lovers and american apparel fine jersey tee fans.
For heavier garments, the 1301 heavy weight tee and ReFlex fleece hoodies deliver durability and visual punch. For some extra style, check out the 1301GS Heavy Weight Dyed T-Shirt.
Fit & Style Options
- American apparel t shirts like the 2001 and 2007 offer a regular retail fit
- American style t shirts and American style long sleeve t shirt versions are cut slightly slimmer and inspired by vintage lines
- American apparel tank top and racer‑neck styles fit snugly and flatter all body shapes
- The American apparel jumper (crewneck or hoodie) is offered in standard and oversized fits, including the American apparel black hoodie and American apparel purple hoodie for statement layering
Rich Collections & Stocked Lines at PS Apparel
Tops & Tees Collection (T-Shirts, Tanks & Long Sleeve)
Explore american t shirts, american t shirt brands, american apparel polo shirt, and american apparel tank. Stocked items include:
- 2001 CVC T‑Shirt
- 1301 Heavyweight Dye Tee
- 2007 Fine Jersey Long Sleeve
- Tri‑blend options, including american apparel tri blend shirt, 50/50 shirt, and tri blend long sleeve
Everyday Essentials, Underwear & More
PS Apparel’s range covers american apparel mens, women’s t shirts, american apparel unisex styles, american apparel blanks for customisation, and fill categories like american apparel clothes, american apparel sale, and american apparel online exclusives.
Wholesale & Bulk Options
Ideal for printers, event merch, or resale, we supply american apparel wholesale, american apparel wholesale shirts, bulk shirts, and even a American apparel wholesale catalog on request. Our stock includes american apparel tall tee, bulk hoodies, and bulk tri‑blend or cotton shirts. For bulk orders over $5,000 and $10,000, contact us for wholesale prices.
American Apparel in Pop Culture & Streetwear
American Apparel helped define the american street wear look of the 2000s—plain basics worn by indie sleaze fans, Tumblr bloggers, and minimalists alike. Its provocative ad campaigns, diversity-first marketing, and in-house photo shoots made american themed shirts and american classics shirts instantly recognisable.
The recent Netflix documentary Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel revisits the brand’s controversial rise and spectacular fall amid Dov Charney’s erratic leadership, sexual harassment allegations, and bankruptcy filings in 2015 and 2016. Today, that history fuels nostalgic love for american apparel 2001 tee, track shirt women’s, and other retro-inspired pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions – What are the best American Apparel t shirts for printing?
The best American Apparel t-shirts for printing are:
– American Apparel 2001 Fine Jersey T-Shirt: Known for its smooth 100% combed ring-spun cotton surface, it’s perfect for high-detail screen printing.
– American Apparel 1301 Classic T-Shirt: A durable staple made for bulk orders and printing. It holds colour well and is popular for promotional apparel.
– American Apparel 2001W Women’s Fine Jersey Tee: Offers a flattering fit with the same high-quality cotton used in the 2001. Perfect for custom women’s screen-printed tees.
– American Apparel Tri-Blend T-Shirts (e.g., TR401): Ideal for a softer, vintage-style look. Though tri-blends absorb ink slightly differently than cotton, they’re great for distressed prints.
All of these options are available at PS Apparel, your trusted source for American Apparel t-shirts in Australia.
Is American Apparel ethically made?
Yes – with some caveats. When American Apparel was originally founded in Los Angeles, it was widely praised for its “sweatshop-free” manufacturing, fair wages, and vertical integration model. That commitment to ethics was a central part of its branding.
However, after the brand’s bankruptcy and relaunch under Gildan Activewear, most production was shifted outside the U.S., with a mix of international and U.S. manufacturing. Today, some lines are still made in the USA, but many are now produced in ethically audited overseas facilities that adhere to Gildan’s strong environmental and labour standards.
So while modern American Apparel may not be 100% “Made in USA,” its ethical sourcing still aligns with international labour responsibility standards.
Where is American Apparel made now?
Currently, American Apparel products are manufactured in two main regions:
– United States – Select items, such as the 2001 and 1301 lines, are still proudly made in the USA, appealing to customers who prioritise locally made and ethically produced garments.
– International Gildan-owned facilities – The majority of products are now made in Gildan’s WRAP-certified factories located in Central America and the Caribbean, including Honduras and Nicaragua.
What is the difference between American Apparel 2001, 1301 & 2007?
- 2001 CVC T-Shirt: fine‑jersey ring‑spun cotton blend, soft and light.
- 1301 Heavyweight Tee: durable 100% cotton, ideal for printing, more vintage feel.
- 2007 Long Sleeve: same fine jersey, longer sleeves with rib cuffs, comfortable layering.
What’s the difference between American Apparel Tri-Blend vs Cotton?
| Feature | AmericanApparel Tri-Blend | AmericanApparel 100% Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Blend of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon | 100% combed ring-spun cotton |
| Feel | Lightweight, soft, vintage-style texture | Crisp, smooth, high-opacity fabric |
| Best For | Vintage-style printing, casual fashion | Bold prints, durability, promotional wear |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | Slight shrinkage if not pre-shrunk |
| Print Style | Softer/diffused ink finish | Sharp, vibrant colours |
The Tri-Blend offers a retro, heathered look and is ultra-soft, making it great for premium fashion labels. Meanwhile, the cotton tees are preferred for high-contrast screen printing, where precision matters.
You can shop both types in bulk or single units at PS Apparel’s American Apparel collection.
Are AmericanApparel garments still sweatshop‑free?
Yes. Their modern tagline remains “Ethically Made – Sweatshop Free”, with audits in Honduras and Nicaragua factories. They also offer limited Made in USA styles.
Can I buy American Apparel wholesale in Australia?
Absolutely. PS Apparel carries the entire American Apparel ranges—tees, hoodies, tanks, custom blanks, and more. We ship across Australia with fast turnaround.
Why americanapparel Remains Essential
From american shirts and american cotton clothing, through american apparel blanks and t shirts for printing, to american street wear and custom merch, American Apparel continues to lead.
Contact PS Apparel for a custom print quote, or simply purchase to print yourself or wear as blanks.


