Apparel Print & Decoration Methods

Involves printing the design directly onto a clear or opaque film, which is then heat pressed onto the garment. Advantages: No minimum order requirements, full-color printing, and the ability to print on a wide range of fabrics. Disadvantages: Designs may crack or peel over time, and can be more expensive for larger designs. Best suited for small runs of highly detailed or photo-realistic designs. Care instructions: Machine washable, will usually not fade over time. Turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.

Uses specialized inkjet printers to print directly onto the fabric of the garment. Advantages: No minimum order requirements, full-color printing, and the ability to print on a wide range of fabrics. Disadvantages: May not be as durable as screen printing, and more expensive for larger designs. Best suited for small runs of highly detailed or photo-realistic designs. Care instructions: Machine washable, may fade and crack over time. Turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.<

Involves printing a design onto special transfer paper and then using heat to transfer the design into the fibers of the garment. Advantages: Full-color printing, durable, and long-lasting. Disadvantages: Limited to synthetic fabrics only, and designs may fade over time. Best suited for polyester shirts and items that will not be washed frequently. Care instructions: Machine washable, will usually not fade over time. Turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.<

Similar to sublimation printing, but instead of using heat to transfer the design, it uses dye to permanently color the fibers of the garment. Advantages: Full-color printing, durable, and long-lasting. Disadvantages: Limited to synthetic fabrics only, and more expensive than other print methods. Best suited for items that will not be washed frequently. Care instructions: Machine washable, will usually not fade over time. Turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.<

Involves using a needle and thread to stitch a design onto the garment. Advantages: Durable and long-lasting, suitable for small text and detailed designs. Disadvantages: More expensive than other print methods, limited to only a few colors, and minimum order requirements. Best suited for hats, bags, and other items where a raised texture is desirable. Care instructions: Depends on the garment, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Involves creating a stencil (screen) and using it to transfer ink onto the garment. Advantages: Durable, long-lasting and can produce detailed designs. Disadvantages: Limited color options, minimum order requirements, and more expensive for small orders. Best suited for bulk orders of t-shirts, hoodies, and other cotton items. Care instructions: Machine washable, may fade and crack over time. Turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.<

Involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the garment. Advantages: No minimum order requirements, full-color printing, and easy to use. Disadvantages: May not be as durable as screen printing, and designs may peel or crack over time. Best suited for small runs of simple designs. Care instructions: Machine washable, turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.

Involves cutting a design out of colored vinyl and then applying it to the garment. Advantages: Durable, easy to produce, and suitable for small designs and text. Disadvantages: Limited to solid colors only, and designs may peel or crack over time. Best suited for small runs of simple designs. Care instructions: Machine washable, turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.

Involves printing a design onto special transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the garment. Advantages: No minimum order requirements, full-color printing, and easy to use. Disadvantages: May not be as durable as screen printing, and designs may peel or crack over time. Best suited for small runs of simple designs. Care instructions: Machine washable, turn garment inside out before washing to extend lifespan.