Different Printing Methods to Create Custom Apparel

Different possible methods that can be used to get custom made apparel for an event, team, business, organization, fundraising, and much more.

Which method will work best depends on many several factors including quantity, type of garment, number of colors in the design, time frame of need to mention but a few.

Screen Printing

This is by far the most common way used to create custom made shirts. The process includes using a mesh screen to imprint the design on the desired surface by pushing the paint through it.

Each color in the design requires a different screen and since this process works like a stencil, the higher quantity of shirts ordered, the lower the unit price it will be.

This process uses the best quality print for a design or logo.

For large quantity orders screen printing is ultimately the better option for its speed and efficiency.

Advantages:

• Vibrant colors

• High quality image

• Durability

• Cost effective for large quantity orders

Disadvantages:

• Higher set-up cost when compared to other methods

• Requires a minimum quantity order

• Multiple colors require multiple screens, adding to the set-up cost making small quantities more expensive

• Shading and Many Colors

Machine Embroidery

Embroidery is the art of applying designs onto fabric using a needle and thread. Machine embroidery is accurate and designs can be produced with perfect symmetry giving an aesthetic appealing image making the work look elegant.

The benefit of using custom embroidery for a company team apparel can benefit the business in many ways and provide a significant return on the investment as it remains timeless and a popular way to brand apparel.

Advantages:

• Durable

• Long-lasting color

• Suited for Hard-To-Print-On Materials

• More colors at no extra cost

• Quality look

• Ideal for logos

Disadvantages:

• Not suited for some designs

• Limited to size

Direct to Garment Printing (DTG)

Direct-to-garment, or DTG, is a printing method that adds the ink onto the garment. The ink then soaks into the fibers of the garment. It is precise and a method that allows printing images in higher detail with no limit to colors. The ink remains solid and is embedded into the fabric of the shirt.

Advantages:

• Full color high detail printing

• Preserves the soft feel of the garment

• Single shirts can be produced easily

Disadvantages:

• In comparison to Screen Printing for large orders, this process is slow

• Not all DTG Printers are able to print white ink or on polyester material