Creating an apparel line for your brand can be a challenge if you aren’t familiar with what your decoration options are. From screen printing to embroidery, you’ll need to make a decision about which decoration method will work with which types of apparel.
All apparel items have a suggested or default decoration method, and each decoration option has its own set of pros and cons. For example, appliqué is often used on crewnecks, hoodies, and jackets. When you add appliqué over them, the value of that garment increases substantially and that product will typically be kept for 5-10 years in someone’s closet.
The Brand+Aid team is available to help guide you in the right direction regarding your company or brand’s apparel program. The following paragraphs break down four decoration techniques to get you thinking outside the box as you begin to plan out your company’s apparel program.
Screen Printing
During the 1960s, the emergence of Andy Warhol’s artwork, the burgeoning printed T-shirt trend, and the invention of the rotating multi-color screen printing method pushed screen printing into the mainstream. The basic concept hasn’t changed: ink is transferred to fabric through a mesh stencil. Screen printing is perhaps the most well-known and widely used method of clothing customization. If you want your logo to pop, screen printing is the way to go.
Embroidery
Companies & brands who put extra time into refining their products exude a sense of respectability. Apparel products such as t-shirts, polos, jackets, jeans, fleece wear, aprons, and headwear can be personalized with embroidery. Since embroidery does not require the item to be laid flat like screen printing, it is also ideal for tote bags, backpacks, and hats. Embroidery’s detail evokes a sense of professionalism and high-perceived value. It is also more durable and long-lasting than other promotional decoration methods. When it comes to marketing your company or brand, it pays to stand out with embroidery.
Appliqué
One of the most unique decoration methods is appliqué. The term appliqué – meaning “to apply”- is the process of attaching a cloth to another piece of fabric. It is an overlay of cloth material stitched to another fabric to give dimension to your apparel product. Appliqué is an excellent decoration option because of its durability. Applique is also a great alternative to embroidery, having the advantage of replacing thousands of stitches!
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer is an excellent decoration choice if you want to cut down on costs. Heat transfer is applied by printing your logo or artwork onto transfer paper and thermally transferring it onto the fabric using heat and pressure. Heat transfer is an excellent decoration method for athletic and performance wear. Heat transfer allows for full-color printing and more refined detailing than embroidery and comes with various finishes and designs. In addition to it being cost-effective, it is also eco-friendly!
