Garment Sourcing: A Guide to Printing Techniques for Custom Apparel

When it comes to garment sourcing, one of the most exciting parts of the process is choosing the right printing technique for custom apparel. Whether you’re looking to create unique designs for your brand, merchandise, or corporate giveaways, the printing method you choose can have a huge impact on the final product’s quality, durability, and overall appearance. In this blog, we'll explore the different printing techniques used in garment sourcing and how each method can help bring your designs to life.

​

1. Screen Printing: The Classic Choice

​

Screen printing is one of the oldest and most widely used printing techniques in the apparel industry. It involves pressing ink through a mesh stencil (or screen) onto the fabric. This method is perfect for bold designs with a limited number of colours.

​

Pros:

• Durability: Screen printing offers excellent durability and is ideal for large orders.

• Cost-effective for bulk orders: If you're printing a large batch of garments, screen printing can be very economical.

• Vibrant colours: This technique produces vibrant, long-lasting colours.

​

Cons:

• Not ideal for complex or multicoloured designs: Each colour requires a separate screen, so the more colours your design has, the more expensive it becomes.

• Limited to flat fabrics: Screen printing works best on flat, smooth surfaces, making it less ideal for garments with complex textures.

​

2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Precision at Its Best

​

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a newer technology that involves printing designs directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet printers. This technique allows for high levels of detail and color accuracy, making it perfect for intricate designs or photographic prints.

​

Pros:

​

• Highly detailed prints: DTG printing excels at reproducing intricate designs with fine details.

• No color limits: Unlike screen printing, DTG can print complex designs with multiple colors without increasing cost.

• Soft feel: The ink is absorbed into the fabric, creating a soft finish without adding texture.

​

Cons:

​

• Less durable than screen printing: While DTG prints have good durability, they may not be as long-lasting as screen prints, especially after multiple washes.

• Cost per item: DTG can be more expensive for small batches, as each print requires individual setup.

​

3. Heat Transfer Printing: Versatile and Efficient

​

Heat transfer printing is a versatile technique that involves applying a design to fabric using heat and pressure. The design is first printed onto transfer paper, and then it’s transferred to the fabric with a heat press.

​

Pros:

• Cost-effective for small orders: Heat transfer printing is ideal for small, custom orders.

• Great for full-color designs: This method is perfect for complex, multi-colored prints, as it can easily handle intricate designs.

• Suitable for various fabrics: Heat transfer printing works well on different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.​

​

Cons:

• Less durable than screen printing: While the transfer is long-lasting, it can crack or peel after extensive washing or wear.

• Limited scalability: Heat transfer is ideal for small batches but can become labor-intensive for large runs.

4. Sublimation Printing: The Future of Vibrant Prints

Sublimation printing is a dye-based technique where heat is used to transfer ink into the fabric. This method works by turning the ink from a solid to a gas, allowing it to permeate the fibers of the garment.

​

Pros:

• Vibrant, all-over prints: Sublimation printing is great for creating vibrant, full-coverage designs that span across the entire garment.

• No texture added: Since the ink is absorbed into the fabric, there’s no extra layer of ink on top of the fabric, making it feel soft and lightweight.

• Durability: The ink becomes part of the fabric, so the prints don’t fade over time, even after many washes.

​

Cons:

• Works best on polyester: Sublimation printing works best on synthetic fabrics like polyester and polyester blends, making it unsuitable for natural fibers like cotton.

• Limited to light-coloured garments: Sublimation works best on light-coloured garments, as it doesn’t show up well on darker fabrics.

​

5. Embroidery: A Touch of Elegance

​

Although not a printing technique per se, embroidery is often used in garment sourcing to create a high-quality, professional look. In this method, threads are stitched into the fabric to form the design, which gives a raised, textured effect.

​

Pros:

• Sophisticated appearance: Embroidery adds a luxurious and refined feel to apparel.

• Durability: Embroidered designs are highly durable and can withstand frequent washing without fading.

• Works on various fabrics: Embroidery can be applied to a wide range of fabrics, including polos, hats, and jackets.

​

Cons:

• Limited colour range: Embroidery is not suitable for complex, multi-coloured designs and is best for simple logos or text.

• Higher cost for small runs: The setup and labor for embroidery can be more expensive, especially for smaller orders.

​

6. Vinyl Printing: Bold and Modern

​

Vinyl printing uses heat to apply a vinyl sheet to the fabric. The design is cut out from the vinyl material, which is then transferred to the garment using a heat press.

​

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting: Vinyl prints are known for their durability and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling.

• Bold, glossy finish: The vinyl provides a shiny, bold finish, which makes designs stand out.

• Great for small runs: Like heat transfer printing, vinyl printing is cost-effective for smaller orders.

​

Cons:

• Less flexible for intricate designs: Since the design must be cut from vinyl, it works better for bold and simple graphics.

• Heavier feel: The vinyl material can add a slightly heavier feel to the garment compared to other methods like screen printing.

​

Conclusion:

​

When sourcing garments for your custom apparel project, choosing the right printing technique is key to ensuring your designs look their best and are durable enough to withstand wear and tear. Each printing method offers its unique advantages, whether it’s the durability of screen printing, the intricate detail of DTG, or the vibrant full-color coverage of sublimation. Consider your design, the garment material, your budget, and the desired outcome before selecting the best method for your needs.

By understanding the different printing techniques available, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and achieve the perfect result for your custom apparel.