Your Guide to Custom Apparel Printing: Elevate Your Brand with These Techniques

At Constant Creates, we specialize in holistic brand design, meaning we help you with strategy, design, and expansion. A very critical way we can help you expand your brand is through t-shirt design services, providing print-ready files so you can print your custom apparel locally. Custom apparel is a game-changer for brand building. Everybody who walks around with your custom t-shirt is subtly promoting your brand, boosting your visibility, creating a sense of unity, and serving as a powerful marketing tool. There will be a lot of options available to you when you work with those local printers to get your t-shirts created though! So, let’s dive into the different printing methods that are typically available in your journey to creating awesome custom apparel.

Benefits of Branded T-Shirts

Branded t-shirts are more than just pieces of clothing; they’re powerful tools for promoting your brand and creating a cohesive image. Here’s why you should consider investing in branded t-shirts:

• Enhances Brand Visibility and Recognition: Every time someone wears your branded t-shirt, they’re acting as a walking advertisement. This boosts your brand’s visibility and helps people recognize your logo and message.

• Creates a Sense of Unity and Professionalism Among Employees: Matching t-shirts create a unified look for your team, whether at events, in the workplace, or during promotional activities. This sense of unity can boost team morale and present a professional image to clients and customers.

• Serves as Effective Marketing Tools and Conversation Starters: Cool, well-designed t-shirts can spark conversations. When people ask about the shirt, it opens the door for discussions about your brand and what you offer. This organic marketing can be highly effective.

• Potential Revenue Through Merchandise Sales: Selling branded merchandise can create an additional revenue stream. Fans and supporters of your brand may purchase t-shirts as a way to show their loyalty, providing you with both financial and promotional benefits.

• Builds Brand Loyalty: Giving away or selling high-quality branded t-shirts can help build loyalty among your customers. They’ll appreciate the value and thoughtfulness of a well-made item, increasing their affinity for your brand.

• Expands Your Reach Beyond Your Existing Audience: When people wear your branded t-shirts, they take your brand to new places and audiences you might not reach otherwise. It’s a simple but effective way to expand your brand’s reach.

Investing in branded t-shirts is a smart move for any business looking to enhance its visibility, professionalism, and customer engagement. Whether you use them for promotional giveaways, employee uniforms, or merchandise sales, branded t-shirts offer a high return on investment in terms of marketing and brand loyalty.

Custom Apparel Printing Methods

Now that we've explored the benefits of branded t-shirts, let's dive into the many printing methods available to bring your custom apparel to life. Each method has its unique advantages and is suited for different types of designs and fabrics. Understanding these methods will help you choose the best approach for your specific needs, ensuring your brand stands out with high-quality, eye-catching apparel.

Embroidery

Embroidery is a classic method where designs are stitched onto the fabric with threads. It's known for its durability and professional look, making it a popular choice for corporate apparel and promotional items.

• About the Process: Embroidery involves using a needle and thread to stitch designs directly onto the fabric. The process is typically done with an embroidery machine that can handle complex designs and multiple colors.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: Embroidery works great on thicker fabrics like polo shirts, hats, and jackets. It’s perfect for logos and text-based designs, providing a clean and professional appearance.

• Pros: Embroidery is super durable and long-lasting. It provides a professional and high-quality appearance, making it great for small, detailed designs and logos. Additionally, it adds a textured, tactile element to your apparel.

• Cons: Embroidery can be pricey, especially for complex designs. It has limited color options compared to other printing methods and is not ideal for large, full-color designs.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent damage to the threads.

• Different Types:

  • Regular Embroidery: Flat and classic stitching.

  • 3D Puff Embroidery: Adds a raised, textured effect to your designs, making them pop. However, it is more expensive and not suitable for all designs.

By understanding the ins and outs of regular and 3D puff embroidery, you can choose the best method to make your designs stand out. Whether you’re looking for a classic, durable look or something with added texture and dimension, embroidery offers versatile options to enhance your custom apparel.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is like using a super-advanced inkjet printer on your t-shirt. It applies ink directly to the fabric, capturing high detail and a wide range of colors. This method is perfect for complex, colorful designs and smaller print runs.

• About the Process: DTG printing involves a specialized printer that sprays the ink directly onto the garment. The printer uses water-based inks that are absorbed by the fibers of the fabric, resulting in high-quality prints with a soft feel.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: DTG works best on cotton shirts and other natural fibers. It’s ideal for detailed and colorful designs, including photos, gradients, and intricate artwork. Light-colored fabrics yield the best results, though white ink can be used for darker garments.

• Pros: DTG offers high detail and vibrant color range. It requires no minimum order quantity, making it cost-effective for small batches. The prints have a soft feel since the ink is absorbed rather than sitting on top, and it provides a quick turnaround time for small orders.

• Cons: DTG works best on light-colored fabrics, as dark fabrics may require a pre-treatment. It is less durable than screen printing, with the design potentially fading after multiple washes. Additionally, it has a higher cost per unit compared to bulk printing methods like screen printing.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to extend the print’s life.

By understanding the DTG printing process and its benefits, you can choose this method for designs that require high detail and vibrant colors, especially for small orders and quick turnarounds.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

DTF printing is a versatile method that involves printing your design on a special film, which is then transferred to the fabric using heat. This method is gaining popularity for its ability to print on a wide variety of materials with excellent color and durability.

• About the Process: DTF printing starts with printing the design onto a special transfer film using a DTF printer. The printed film is then coated with a powder adhesive and cured. Once the film is ready, it is heat-pressed onto the garment, transferring the ink and adhesive to the fabric.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: DTF printing is incredibly versatile and works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-fabric items like leather and nylon. It’s perfect for both simple and complex designs, offering vibrant colors and fine details.

• Pros: DTF printing works on a variety of fabric types, not limited to cotton. It produces vibrant colors and fine details and results in durable prints that withstand washing and wear. There is no need for fabric pre-treatment, even on dark fabrics, and it is suitable for both small and large orders.

• Cons: DTF printing requires specific equipment, which can be a barrier for small operations. The process is longer compared to some other methods due to the multiple steps involved, and the feel of the print can be slightly stiffer than DTG, especially with larger designs.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use a mild detergent, avoid bleach, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to preserve the print’s quality.

By understanding the DTF printing process and its benefits, you can take advantage of its versatility for a variety of projects, ensuring vibrant and durable prints on different types of fabrics and designs.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing

HTV printing involves cutting designs from vinyl sheets and then heat-pressing them onto the fabric. This method is known for its durability and vibrant colors, making it ideal for creating eye-catching custom apparel.

• About the Process: HTV printing starts with cutting your design from a sheet of colored vinyl using a cutting machine. The vinyl design is then weeded (removing the excess vinyl) and positioned on the fabric. A heat press is used to apply heat and pressure, transferring the vinyl design onto the garment.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: HTV is highly versatile and can be applied to many fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and blends. It's ideal for simple designs, bold graphics, and text. HTV can also be used on non-fabric items like bags and shoes.

• Pros: HTV printing is extremely durable and long-lasting when well taken care of. It produces vibrant colors that stand out and is suitable for a variety of materials. It’s easy to create multi-colored designs by layering different vinyl sheets and is great for small to medium-sized runs.

• Cons: HTV can feel stiff on the fabric, especially with larger designs. It is not ideal for highly detailed designs due to the weeding process. It requires a heat press for application, which can be a barrier for small operations, and it is limited to solid colors unless using specialty vinyl like glitter or holographic. If not handled carefully, the design can peel off.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use a mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to maintain the vinyl's adhesion.

HTV printing is a fantastic option for creating durable, vibrant designs on a wide range of apparel. Whether you’re making team jerseys, promotional items, or personalized gifts, HTV can deliver high-impact results.

Patches

Patches are a cool way to add some flair to your apparel. They’re removable and customizable, making them super versatile. You can get them embroidered, woven, or even made from PVC, each offering a unique look and feel.

• About the Process: Patches are created separately from the garment, using embroidery machines or other methods to create the design on a base material. Once the patch is made, it can be sewn or ironed onto the garment. Some patches come with adhesive backing for easier application.

• Different Types:

  • Embroidered Patches: Made by stitching the design with thread, offering a classic, textured look.

  • Woven Patches: Created with thinner threads to allow for more detailed designs and a flatter finish.

  • PVC Patches: Made from flexible plastic, offering a modern, durable, and weather-resistant option.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: Patches can be applied to almost any fabric, including jackets, hats, backpacks, and denim. They’re perfect for logos, team badges, and decorative elements. The choice of patch type depends on the desired look and use.

• Pros: Patches are removable and transferable; they can be reused on different garments. They are highly customizable with various materials and finishes, adding a unique, high-quality look to apparel. They are also durable and resistant to wear and tear.

• Cons: Patches may require additional sewing or ironing for application. They can be more expensive than direct printing methods, and the application process can be time-consuming, especially for large quantities. Adhesive-backed patches may lose stickiness over time.

• Basic Care: Follow specific care instructions based on the patch type, avoid excessive washing and drying to maintain adhesive quality, and for sewn patches, wash and dry the garment according to the fabric’s care instructions.

Patches are a great way to add a unique and customizable element to your apparel. Whether for fashion, branding, or identification, patches offer a versatile and durable solution.

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses stencils and ink to create vibrant designs on fabric. It’s a go-to for bulk orders and simple, bold designs, known for its durability and cost-effectiveness.

• About the Process: Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color in your design. Ink is then pushed through the screen onto the fabric. Each color is applied separately, and the fabric is typically cured under heat to set the ink.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: Screen printing works best on flat fabrics like cotton and polyester. It’s ideal for bold, simple designs with solid colors. It’s commonly used for t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more.

• Pros: Screen printing is cost-effective for large orders and produces vibrant, long-lasting prints. It works well with a wide range of fabrics and is suitable for bold, simple designs with few colors. The prints have excellent durability, withstanding many washes.

• Cons: The initial setup cost can be high due to screen creation. Screen printing has a limited color range per design (each color requires a separate screen) and is not ideal for highly detailed or multicolored designs. It is best suited for bulk orders, as setup costs are spread over more units.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to extend the print’s life.

Screen printing is perfect for large orders where durability and vibrant colors are key. Its cost-effectiveness and quality make it a popular choice for promotional items, sports teams, and event merchandise.

Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation is a process where dye is turned into gas without passing through a liquid state and transferred onto fabric. It’s perfect for polyester fabrics and produces vibrant, permanent prints with no feel on the fabric.

• About the Process: Dye sublimation involves printing your design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. The printed paper is then placed on the fabric, and both are subjected to heat and pressure. The heat turns the dye into gas, which penetrates the fabric and solidifies, creating a permanent bond.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: Dye sublimation works best on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items. It’s ideal for creating full-color, all-over prints on t-shirts, sportswear, and promotional items like mugs and phone cases.

• Pros: Dye sublimation produces vibrant, permanent colors, and the design is embedded in the fabric, leaving no texture. It is ideal for complex, full-color designs and photographic prints. The print won’t crack, peel, or fade over time and allows for all-over printing, covering the entire surface of the fabric.

• Cons: Dye sublimation only works on polyester fabrics or polymer-coated items and is not suitable for cotton or dark-colored fabrics. It has a higher cost per unit compared to some other methods and requires specific equipment and materials.

• Basic Care: Wash in cold water, use mild detergent, avoid bleach, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to maintain the vibrancy of the colors.

Dye sublimation is the go-to method for high-quality, vibrant, and durable prints on polyester fabrics. It’s perfect for sportswear, fashion items, and promotional products, offering a premium look and feel that lasts.

Plastisol Transfers

Plastisol transfers involve printing your design on a special transfer paper, which is then heat-pressed onto the fabric. This method combines the durability of screen printing with the convenience of transfers, making it a versatile option for custom apparel.

• About the Process: Plastisol transfers are created by screen printing your design onto transfer paper using plastisol inks. The printed transfer is then cured slightly to set the ink. When you’re ready to apply the design, the transfer is placed onto the fabric and heat-pressed, bonding the ink to the garment.

• Suitable Materials and Design Options: Plastisol transfers work well on most fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-fabric items like bags and hats. They’re ideal for designs with multiple colors and fine details.

• Pros: Plastisol transfers produce vibrant, durable prints that can withstand frequent washing. They offer versatile application on a variety of fabrics and items and allow for detailed, multicolored designs. Transfers can be produced in bulk and applied as needed, reducing waste. This method also eliminates the need for direct screen printing on the garment, making it easier to handle complex designs.

• Cons: Plastisol transfers require a heat press for application, which can be a barrier for small operations. The transfers can feel slightly stiffer on the fabric compared to direct screen printing. The transfer process can be more time-consuming compared to direct printing methods.

• Basic Care: Wash inside out in cold water, use mild detergent, avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and tumble dry on low heat or air dry to preserve the print’s quality.

Plastisol transfers are a great option for creating vibrant, durable designs that can be applied to a variety of items. Whether you’re making t-shirts, hats, or promotional items, this method offers flexibility and high-quality results.

Beyond T-Shirts: Other Custom Apparel Options

Custom printing is not limited to t-shirts; the versatility of modern printing methods allows for branding across a wide array of apparel. Here are some noteworthy options:

• Hats: Hats, including baseball caps, beanies, and visors, offer a prominent placement for logos and brand messages. They are ideal for outdoor events, sports teams, and promotional giveaways. Benefits: High visibility in public settings, useful and functional, increasing the likelihood of frequent use, and various styles to suit different audiences and occasions.

• Hoodies: Hoodies are popular for their comfort and utility, making them a favored item for both casual and corporate branding. They provide ample space for large designs and are suitable for cooler climates. Benefits: Large printable area for creative designs, high perceived value, enhancing brand prestige, and suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts.

• Sweaters & Sweatshirts: Sweaters, including crewnecks and cardigans, offer a more formal branding opportunity. They are suitable for corporate events, employee uniforms, and promotional merchandise for a more refined audience. Benefits: Adds a professional touch to the branding, is suitable for layering, increasing visibility, and can be used in corporate environments.

• Denim: Custom-printed or embroidered denim jackets and shirts provide a stylish and durable option for branding. They are ideal for fashion-forward audiences and can be used in casual and semi-formal settings. Benefits: Durable and long-lasting, ensuring extended brand exposure, fashionable, appealing to trend-conscious consumers, suitable for both casual and more refined looks.

• Joggers and Sweatpants: Joggers and sweatpants, commonly used in sports and leisure contexts, offer a relaxed yet stylish branding option. They are excellent for athletic teams, gyms, and lifestyle brands. Benefits: High usage frequency in casual and athletic settings, comfortable and trendy, increasing consumer appeal, and large printable areas on the legs.

• Bags and Accessories: Beyond apparel, custom printing can extend to totes, bags, backpacks, and other accessories. These items are practical and offer significant exposure as they are used daily. Benefits: Functional items that see regular use, broad surface area for branding, and versatile applications in various contexts.

Tips for Choosing the Right Printing Method

Selecting the appropriate printing method for your custom apparel is crucial to achieving the desired quality and impact. Here are some essential considerations:

• Design Complexity: Methods like screen printing and HTV are excellent for bold, simple designs with solid colors. DTG and DTF printing are suitable for intricate, multi-colored designs, including photographic prints.

• Fabric Type: DTG and screen printing work well on cotton and other natural fibers. Dye sublimation and DTF are ideal for polyester and synthetic blends.

• Order Quantity: DTG and HTV are cost-effective for small batches due to minimal setup costs. Screen printing and plastisol transfers become more economical with higher quantities due to the initial setup spreading over more units.

• Budget: Low budget methods like HTV and plastisol transfers can be more affordable for small runs, while methods like embroidery, especially 3D puff embroidery, and dye sublimation may have higher upfront costs but offer premium results.

• Desired Durability: Embroidery, screen printing, and plastisol transfers provide long-lasting prints. DTG prints are a bit less durable but offer high detail and vibrancy.

• Application Versatility: DTF and plastisol transfers can be used on various fabric types and non-fabric items, offering broad application possibilities.

• Production Time: DTG and HTV provide faster production times for small orders. Screen printing and embroidery may take longer due to setup and processing times but are ideal for bulk orders.

• Pro Tip: Consulting with industry experts can help navigate these factors effectively, ensuring the chosen method aligns with your specific needs and goals.

Getting a T-Shirt Designed with Constant Creates

Custom apparel offers a dynamic way to enhance brand visibility, create unity, and serve as an effective marketing tool. By exploring various printing methods and considering factors like design complexity, fabric type, and budget, you can select the best approach for your branding needs. Ready to get started? Contact us for all your custom t-shirt design services and more!

At Constant Creates, we make the process of designing custom t-shirts seamless and enjoyable. We will work with you from concept to completion, ensuring your vision is perfectly captured in the design. We provide print-ready files that you can easily use with your local printers, guaranteeing high-quality results every time. Whether you need t-shirts for promotional events, employee uniforms, or merchandise sales, our comprehensive approach to brand design will help you achieve your goals. Trust Constant Creates to deliver creative, professional, and impactful t-shirt designs that elevate your brand.

• What are the benefits of branded t-shirts for my business?

  Branded t-shirts enhance brand visibility and recognition, create a sense of unity and professionalism among employees, serve as effective marketing tools and conversation starters, generate potential revenue through merchandise sales, build brand loyalty, and expand your reach beyond your existing audience.

• What printing methods are available for custom apparel?

  There are several printing methods including Embroidery, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing, Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing, Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing, Patches, Screen Printing, Dye Sublimation, and Plastisol Transfers.

• How do I choose the right printing method for my custom apparel?

  Consider factors such as design complexity, fabric type, order quantity, budget, desired durability, application versatility, and production time. Consulting with industry experts can help you navigate these factors effectively.

• What is embroidery, and what are its pros and cons?

  Embroidery involves stitching designs onto fabric using threads. It is durable and professional-looking, suitable for thicker fabrics like polo shirts, hats, and jackets. However, it can be pricey and has limited color options, making it less ideal for large, full-color designs.

• What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?

  DTG Printing is like using an advanced inkjet printer on your t-shirt, applying ink directly to the fabric. It’s perfect for detailed and colorful designs on cotton shirts. Pros include high detail and no minimum order quantity, while cons include less durability compared to screen printing and higher cost per unit.

• How does Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing work?

  DTF Printing involves printing your design on a special film, which is then heat-transferred to the fabric. It’s versatile, suitable for a variety of materials, and produces vibrant, durable prints. However, it requires specific equipment and has a longer process.

• What is Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing?

  HTV Printing involves cutting designs from vinyl sheets and heat-pressing them onto fabric. It’s durable and vibrant, suitable for various materials. The cons are that it can feel stiff and is not ideal for highly detailed designs.

• What are the benefits of using patches for custom apparel?

  Patches are removable, customizable, and durable. They can be embroidered, woven, or made from PVC, suitable for various fabrics. However, they may require additional sewing or ironing and can be more expensive than direct printing methods.

• Why should I consider screen printing for my custom t-shirts?

  Screen printing is cost-effective for large orders, producing vibrant, long-lasting prints suitable for bold, simple designs on flat fabrics. The initial setup cost can be high, and it’s less suitable for highly detailed or multicolored designs.

• What is dye sublimation, and what fabrics is it best for?

  Dye sublimation involves transferring dye to fabric in a gas state, creating permanent, vibrant prints. It works best on polyester fabrics and polymer-coated items. It’s not suitable for cotton or dark-colored fabrics and requires specific equipment.

• How do plastisol transfers differ from other methods?

  Plastisol transfers involve screen printing your design onto transfer paper, then heat-pressing it onto fabric. It combines the durability of screen printing with the convenience of transfers. However, it requires a heat press and can be more time-consuming.

• Can I use these printing methods on items other than t-shirts?

  Yes, custom printing can be applied to a variety of apparel including hats, hoodies, sweaters, denim jackets, joggers, and accessories like bags and backpacks.

• How should I care for my custom printed apparel to ensure longevity?

  General care tips include washing inside out in cold water, using mild detergent, avoiding bleach and fabric softeners, and air drying or tumble drying on low heat. Specific care instructions may vary based on the printing method used.

• What is the process of getting a custom t-shirt designed with Constant Creates?

  At Constant Creates, we make the design process seamless and enjoyable. We work with you from concept to completion, ensuring your vision is perfectly captured. We provide print-ready files for high-quality results with your local printers. Contact us to start your custom t-shirt design journey.

• How can I get started with my custom apparel project?

  Reach out to us through our contact form to discuss your needs and start creating something exceptional together. Your dream design is just a form away!