When you think of promotional apparel, what comes to mind? A T-Shirt with a design screen printed on the front? A polo shirt with a logo embroidered on the left chest? What about a jacket with a small logo or message digitally applied on the sleeve? The possibilities are limitless when it comes to customizing bags, caps and clothing for your brand. In fact, there are so many choices that the decision can be overwhelming.
There are many ways to decorate apparel. This document will provide you with a greater understanding of the most popular apparel decoration methods – embroidery, screen print and digital transfer – and when to use them for your projects and promotions.
What is it? Embroidery is the method of decorating fabric using a needle and thread or yarn. This traditional method for customizing apparel can be done by hand. However, professional embroidery is now performed by large machines.
Ideal For:
• Polo shirts
• Caps
• Bags
• Blankets
• Sweatshirts
Embroidery Benefits
• Because the process is so intricate, embroidery carries a high perceived value with end users
• Adds texture
• Can be combined with other decoration methods for a more fashion-forward effect
Embroidery Considerations
• Difficult for small lettering and fine details
• Very large embroidered logos can become heavy and sag
What is it? The process of screen printing, sometimes referred to as silk screening, involves moving ink through a fine mesh screen. The screen is masked in areas where no ink is desired. The item is then sent on a conveyor belt through a heat tunnel to dry or cure the ink. Properly cured screen printed inks will last on a garment or other item through many washes and heavy wear.
Ideal For
• T-shirts
• Bags
• Sports apparel
• Almost anything
Screen Print Benefits
• With specialty inks and creative placement, screen printed promotional apparel can be very fashion-forward
• Almost any design can be achieved with screen print
• Techniques and inks are being improved every year
• Can be combined with other decoration methods for a more retail effect
Screen Print Considerations
• The more colors included in your design, the more the overall cost per item
• Exact quantities may be difficult to achieve (Industry standard 5% overrun or underrun is typical)
Specialty Inks
• Glitter Ink
• Metallic and Shimmer Ink
• High Density Clear Ink
• Gel Ink • Foil Application
• Reflective and Glow-in-the-Dark Ink
• Puff Ink
What is it? The digital heat seal transfer decoration method uses controlled heat and pressure to thermally bond graphics onto a material’s surface. Instead of printing directly onto a fabric, your design is printed on a special material designed to fuse with the garment.
Digital transfer is one of the newer decoration capabilities available in the apparel world, and it is becoming a popular alternative to screen print/embroidery. Staples Promotional Products recently began offering this decoration method at our Marcus decoration center. We have already seen great results and growing demand for digital transfer.
Ideal For
• Almost any apparel
• Bags
• Caps
Digital Transfer Benefits
• Most affordable way to get unlimited color designs produced, even in low quantities
• Photorealistic results
• Unlimited placement options
• Can be combined with other decoration methods for a more retail effect
Digital Transfer Considerations
• Can be costly with logos larger than 15 square inches
• Logos that are too large can result in an odd texture
Every decoration method can be used to accentuate your logo or brand message. The key to making your brand – and your branded products – look great is choosing a decoration method that complements your project. Your promotional products provider can always advise you, but as you consider your product options, understanding some decoration basics will help you plan.