Imagine your Adelaide business orders 100 branded polos for a big event, and within weeks, the print starts peeling off. Frustrating, right? 

You can avoid this mistake by choosing the right printing method. 

Selecting custom apparel is not as simple as picking a T-shirt and adding a design to it. The same design looks different on different apparel, and it depends on how you print it. The problem is not always in the fabric and print; sometimes, choosing a printing method that doesn’t match the fabric affects the final result of the apparel.

Whether you are searching for school uniforms, corporate apparel or Personalised T-shirts in Adelaide and WA. This blog will guide you on how to choose the right method and what points you should consider while choosing the right technique.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing 

Several factors affect the overall look and impression of your apparel; some of these are-

Quality of Fabric

Not every fabric is suitable for every printing method; different materials hold and absorb ink differently,  producing different results.

For example, Cotton is used for printed T-shirts and works well with several printing methods. While Sublimation works best on synthetic fabrics used for sportswear.

Before placing an order, check whether your preferred printing method suits best with the exact fabric you plan to use. 

Assess Your Design’s Complexity 

Not every design needs the same approach. A simple logo or text works well with screen printing, while detailed designs with graphics need DTF or DTG printing. For sportswear made from a synthetic fabric, sublimation works well for vibrant designs.

Matching the printing technique to the artwork can help in preserving the details and creating the best final look.

Budget

Evaluating the budget accurately is crucial before choosing the printing method, as setup costs, material waste, and labour scale differently depending on your order volume and the printing method. 

• Screen printing has high upfront setup costs, but the cost per shirt becomes lower in bulk orders, which makes it a cost-effective option among people comparing screen printing services in Adelaide.
• DTF and DTG require less setup, which makes them suitable for smaller orders, but the cost per shirt increases when the quantity increases. 

Comparing the setup cost, labour and raw material cost helps you choose the best technique that provides better options within your budget.

Durability and Wash Requirements

Daily-use apparel like uniforms and workwear needs regular washing; hence, prints must resist cracking and fading. While Sportswear faces extra demands such as stretching, sweat and different weather conditions. Keep some points in mind while choosing the right printing method for your apparel. 

• Sublimation is ideal with polyester sportswear as it faces extra demands such as regular training stretching and friction.
• Screen printing is ideal for cotton uniforms and workwear as it can hold ink well and resist frequent washing.
• DTF or DTG is ideal for event T-shirts made up of cotton or cotton blend, as this apparel faces less frequent washing, as it is used occasionally.

Consider Speciality Inks and Finishes 

Speciality inks and effects give your apparel a different look from simple printing inks. Screen printing produces metallic and glow-in-the-dark effects.

At the same time, heat transfer offers reflective, glitter and other decorative finishes ideal for names, numbers, logos and promotional designs. However, it can increase the overall production cost. Make sure to choose the effect that works well with the garment and meets the purpose of the apparel.

Some Popular Printing Methods 

Screen Printing

It is the oldest and most commonly used method. It works by pushing ink through a mesh stencil into the fabric, with different screens used for different colours. It works well on bold artwork and solid colours and simple logos, but speciality inks add more finishes to it.

Best for – School uniforms, workwear and promotional clothing.

Embroidery 

It involves stretching the design directly onto the fabric using coloured thread rather than applying ink through different machines. It creates a textured finish. Hence, suitable best suited for logos and simple branding such as jackets and caps.

Best for: Custom polo shirts, workwear and uniforms with simple designs.

Sublimation

It involves transferring the dye into the suitable fabric through heat. As with other methods that apply a layer of ink on fabric, this method creates a smoother finish within the fabric. It is suitable for designs that need bright colour gradients and details. It works best for polyester and other synthetic fabrics.

Best for: Sports jerseys, team uniforms,  overall printed apparel 

Final Thoughts

As customised apparel is becoming a popular choice in WA, there are several points to keep in mind while customising. The printing method is not the only factor that affects the overall appearance of apparel, but there are several factors like fabric quality, quantity for customisation, budget and others.

Combining all these factors will help you to find a better result and meet your expectations. If you are planning for custom clothing for your business, team, school, or organisation, Australianess offers a range of apparel options to help you create clothing that reflects your needs and style.