The Ultimate Guide to Buying Plain Blank T-Shirts in Australia: Best Options for Screen Printing and Everyday Wear

Plain t-shirts are an essential — everyone wears them. Whether you’re looking for something casual or a blank canvas for screen printing or transfers. Their versatility, affordability, and endless styling potential make them an essential part of everyday wear. In Australia, there are plenty of options to choose from, but finding the perfect plain t-shirt for both comfort and screen printing can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fabrics, styles of plain t-shirts, and help you pick the right one for you or your business.

1. Why Plain T-Shirts Are Essential

A plain t-shirts are the ultimate blank canvas in fashion. From casual weekend wear to business casual outfits, these t-shirts can be dressed up or down for nearly any occasion. Here’s why:

Versatility: Whether paired with jeans, shorts, or even layered under a blazer, plain t-shirts offer an easy and adaptable styling option. You can create a laid-back or polished look depending on the occasion.
Comfort: Comfort is key, especially for everyday wear. Plain t-shirts, especially those made from cotton, offer breathable and lightweight options that feel soft on the skin.
Customisation: For anyone interested in screen printing or transfers, plain t-shirts are perfect for customising. Whether for a business, event, or personal use, blank tees offer a versatile canvas for any design.

In Australia, the demand for t-shirts continues to rise. According to recent statistics, Australians spend millions annually on t-shirts, making it one of the most popular clothing items in the country. The T-Shirts market in Australia is projected to grow by 3.02% from 2024-2028, reaching a market volume of US$0.98bn in 2028.

2. Best Fabrics for Plain T-Shirts

The fabric you choose plays a huge role in the comfort, durability, and printability of your t-shirt. Here’s a breakdown of the most common t-shirt fabrics and what they’re best for:

Cotton: This is the go-to fabric for most plain t-shirts. Cotton is breathable, soft, and ideal for screen printing. For long-lasting durability, look for ring-spun or combed cotton t-shirts, as these are finer and stronger.
Polyester Blends: These are commonly known as “poly-cotton blends.” They offer the softness of cotton with the moisture-wicking properties of polyester. Polyester blends are a great option for sportswear or active t-shirts but can also work for casual wear.
Organic Cotton: For eco-conscious buyers, organic cotton is an excellent choice. It’s free from pesticides and uses less water to produce. Organic cotton t-shirts are softer and a more sustainable option, perfect for those looking for an eco-friendly choice.
GSM (Grams per Square Metre): This refers to the weight of the fabric. T-shirts typically range from 120 to 200 GSM. Lightweight t-shirts (120-150 GSM) are great for hot climates, while heavier t-shirts (180-220 GSM) offer more durability and structure, especially for printing.

Example: Gildan, American Apparel, Urban Collab, JB’s Wear, and Syzmik offers a wide range of t-shirts in different fabrics, including ring-spun cotton and polyester blends, giving customers more flexibility in finding the right fabric for their needs. You can purchase those blanks to decorate yourself.

3. How to Choose the Perfect T-Shirt for Screen Printing

When selecting a plain t-shirt for screen printing, it’s important to consider more than just fabric. Fit, weight, and color can all impact the final product. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Fit: T-shirts come in different fits, such as regular, slim, and oversized. For a classic look, regular-fit t-shirts are the most popular, while slim-fit tees offer a more modern, tailored appearance. It’s essential to pick a fit that complements the intended use or style of the wearer.
Necklines: The two most common necklines are crew neck and v-neck. Crew necks offer a more traditional, unisex look, while v-necks are often favored for their flattering cut and casual vibe.
GSM and Thickness: As mentioned earlier, heavier fabrics (180+ GSM) are typically more durable and better suited for screen printing, as they provide a solid base for ink adhesion. Lightweight fabrics (under 150 GSM) might not hold prints as well but are great for casual, everyday wear.
Colour: Opt for neutral colours like white tshirts, black, and grey for the most versatility in screen printing. These colours work well for most designs and prints, ensuring your design stands out.

Example: AS Colour is a popular brand for screen printing due to its high-quality, pre-shrunk cotton t-shirts. The heavyweight t-shirts from their range provide an excellent base for long-lasting prints.

4. Our Recommendation to Buy Affordable Plain T-Shirts in Australia

Australia is home to numerous brands offering plain t-shirts that are perfect for everyday wear or screen printing. Here’s a list of some of the best brands to shop for high-quality, affordable options:

AS Colour: Known for premium blank apparel, AS Colour offers a wide range of t-shirts in various fits and colours. Their t-shirts are durable and well-suited for screen printing. Best sellers are the Staple Tee, Classic Tee, and Block Tee. Conditions apply to the AS Colour brand.
Gildan: One of the most affordable brands on the market, Gildan provides a vast selection of plain t-shirts ideal for bulk orders. Their t-shirts are comfortable and perfect for customisation. Best sellers are the Gildan Softstyle, Gildan Heavy Cotton, and the classic Gildan Hammer.
American Apparel: This brand offers soft, fashion-forward t-shirts made from high-quality cotton. American Apparel t-shirts are perfect for anyone looking for a stylish, screen-print-friendly option. Best sellers are the American Apparel Heavy Weight Dyed T-Shirt, Adult Tee 1301, and the Fine Jersey T-Shirt.
Urban Collab: A great option for corporate and teamwear, Urban Collab offers plain t-shirts that are both affordable and durable, making them ideal for uniforms and promotional wear. Best seller t-shirts are the Set Tee and the Club Tee.
Comfort Colors: Popular for their vintage feel, Comfort Colors t-shirts are soft-washed and garment-dyed, making them a favourite for those seeking a more laid-back, lived-in look. Best sellers t-shirts are the Comfort Colors Heavy Weight Tee, and for something a little more unique — the Comfort Colors Color Blast T-Shirt.
Syzmik: A little less know, is the Streetworx Tee. This t-shirt is unique with its 100% super compact cotton at 160GSM making it super soft to wear and lasts forever. It is a soft lightweight and breathable cotton fabric with a longer tail with curved hem and tear-away back neck label. One of our favourite to wear!
JB’s Wear: JB’s Wear is known for its reliable and affordable t-shirts, often used for uniforms or promotional events. Your go-to t-shirt is the JB’s Tee 1HT.

Price Comparison: While t-shirts retail for around $25 to $35 each, PS Apparel offers t-shirts at wholesale prices ranging from $9 to $15 on average, making it a cost-effective option for large orders with an additional free shipping for orders above $500. For larger events orders exceeding $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 and above — contact us to check stock levels and to receive an additional discount code.

5. How to Care for Your Plain T-Shirts and Keep Them Looking Fresh

Proper care is essential to maintaining the look and longevity of your plain t-shirts, especially after screen printing. Here are some tips to help:

Washing: Always turn your t-shirts inside out before washing, especially if they have prints on them. Use cold water to preserve the fabric’s integrity and prevent fading.
Drying: Avoid tumble drying, as this can cause shrinkage or damage to the printed design. Instead, lay t-shirts flat to dry or use a low heat setting.
Ironing: Never iron directly over a screen-printed design. If ironing is necessary, turn the shirt inside out and use a medium-heat setting.

Data: According to a consumer survey, improper washing techniques cause nearly 70% of t-shirt damage. By following the correct care instructions, you can extend the life of your t-shirts by years.

6. Customising Your Plain T-Shirt: Screen Printing and Design Tips

Screen printing for 1, 2 or 3 colours is a popular way and cost effective method for large volumes. Perfect to launch your new brand, business branding, events, or just for fun. Our Ultra Soft Transfers or Water-Based Transfers are best for complicated and multi-colours designs. Here are some tips to get the best results:

Design Choices: Minimalist designs, logos, and text are the most common choices for screen printing. Keep the design simple and bold to ensure it looks great on the t-shirt. For transfers, you can let your imagination go wild.
Print Placement: Centre chest is the most popular placement for prints, but you can experiment with other locations such as the pocket area or lower back.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Make sure to choose the right ink colour for your t-shirt’s fabric. For dark t-shirts, white or light-coloured ink works best. Similarly, make sure your design is properly aligned and the print size fits well on the shirt (e.g. what t-shirts sizes you are requiring from XXS to 7XL).

Example: Small businesses mostly use screen-printed t-shirts as a cost-effective way to promote their brand, focusing on minimalist logo designs in a central chest placement. AS Colour t-shirts are mostly used as a “you can’t go wrong” base and ensure their brand stayed visible through many washes. Check our Instagram for some examples of t-shirt designs.

7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable T-Shirt Options

As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, many are opting for eco-friendly t-shirt options. Organic cotton and recycled fabrics are popular choices among Australians who want to make environmentally conscious purchases.

Organic Cotton: These t-shirts are made from pesticide-free cotton and use less water in production, making them a sustainable option, here is an example of Organic Tee.
Recycled Fabrics: Some brands are producing t-shirts made from recycled materials, helping to reduce waste in the fashion industry such as the American Apparel CVC T-Shirt that contains recycled polyester materials.

Data: In 2023, Australia saw a 15% rise in sales of eco-friendly clothing as more consumers embraced sustainable fashion practices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plain t-shirt doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable everyday tee or a blank canvas for screen printing, there are plenty of high-quality options in Australia. By considering fabric, fit, and purpose, you can find the perfect t-shirt for your wardrobe or business needs. Start shopping today and elevate your style with a high-quality plain t-shirt.

FAQ Section

What is the best fabric for screen printing on plain t-shirts?
Cotton, particularly ring-spun or combed cotton, is the most popular choice for screen printing due to its softness and durability.
Where can I buy plain t-shirts in bulk in Australia?
PS Apparel sells popular curated t-shirt brands like AS Colour, Gildan, JB’s Wear, Comfort Colors, Urban Collab, Syzmik and more at wholesale bulk discount prices .
How should I wash my screen-printed t-shirts?
Turn the t-shirt inside out, use cold water, and air dry to preserve the print and fabric quality.
What are the most popular t-shirt sizes?
Medium large and extra large are the most commonly purchased t-shirt sizes in Australia.
Are eco-friendly t-shirts more expensive?
Eco-friendly options like organic cotton t-shirts tend to be slightly more expensive, but they offer sustainability and higher quality.

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