Branded Apparel Decoration Options
If you are looking to promote your organization, then branded apparel is a fantastic way to spread the word. It’s also an effective marketing tool that can help you to stand out and build a sense of brand identity. That said, there are a wide variety of ways to decorate apparel, and not all are created equal. Allow us to compare some of the most popular options so you can promote your organization with confidence.
Screen Printing
One of the most versatile ways to customize apparel is through screen printing. This method involves using a mesh screen to transfer inks directly onto fabric before curing them with heat. Screen prints have a long-lasting finish and can be made with multiple colors, making them perfect for almost any design you may have in mind.
The downside of screen printing is its initial setup cost. That is why this printing method is generally best for larger orders. Luckily, screens and stencils can be reused multiple times once they are made, and screen printers generally store them safely. This tends to reduce the cost of repeat orders in the future.
Direct to Garment Printing
Direct to garment (DTG) printing uses specialized inkjet technology to print ink directly onto apparel. This allows for more detailed and intricate designs than traditional screen printing. DTG printing is ideal for creating brilliant full-color prints on both light and dark fabrics, as well as all diverse types of garments like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops.
DTG printing also has a quick turnaround time. The downside of this method is that it doesn’t hold up as well as other some other methods do. Sadly, some DTG prints can fade if they’re washed in hot water or machine dried. That’s why we always recommend washing DTG prints in cold water, then air-drying them for the best long-term results.
Embroidery
While embroidered clothing has been around for thousands of years, it still remains fairly popular today. Modern embroidery involves using a machine to stitch designs directly into fabric with high-quality threads. Embroidery is great for logos and text, as it produces a classic look that can last for many years.
Embroidery works best on heavier fabrics like twill or canvas, but it can also work on more delicate materials, too. Unfortunately, embroidery isn’t always cost-efficient when ordering small quantities since there are setup costs involved for each new design.
Heat Transfer Prints
Heat transfer printing uses heat presses to apply vinyl or film transfers onto apparel like hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. It can create colorful designs without using multiple screens or needles like in screen printing or embroidery. Heat transfer prints are perfect for small orders, as they don’t require much setup and can produce brightly colored designs with complex details both quickly and easily.
Sublimation
Like heat transfer prints, sublimation printing combines heat and pressure to transfer ink and create branded apparel. However, designs printed via sublimation tend to last much longer than those created with other methods. Plus, they lay flat on the fabric, which helps to resist fading and flaking over repeated uses and washes.
With sublimation printing, the whole design is printed at once. Not only can this save you money, but small design details also come out crisp and clean, and you can order as many pieces as you need. Sadly, sublimation printing is less than ideal for natural materials and cotton apparel. Its heat-activated ink works best on white or light-colored synthetic materials like polyester and polyester blends.
Ask Us about Branded Apparel
There are countless ways to create branded apparel. While screen printing may be an excellent choice for large orders with multicolor graphics, DTG may be better if you need detailed images printed quickly in smaller quantities. On the other hand, embroidery creates durable, long-lasting designs, and heat transfer prints are perfect for complex designs at a low cost per piece.
Each of these methods offers its own advantages depending on your unique needs, order size, and budget constraints. If you have any questions or concerns about branded apparel options, then we encourage you to give us a call, reach out via email, or contact us online. We’d be happy to walk you through our options and even introduce you to our personalized concierge service.