Clothing Decoration Techniques Offered
We recognize that different types of clothing projects require different styles of decoration. Choices depend on the type of clothing, details in the design, the overall appearance of the clothing, and the number of garments being decorated. At Winning Imprints, we offer many in-house decorating techniques as well as partnerships with trusted decorators. Click the titles below the images to learn more about each option.
SCREENPRINT aka SILKSCREEN
Screen printing is one of the most common types of decoration and the most cost-effective option for larger quantities. Screen printing is used on both apparel and promotional products. Ink is literally pushed through a screen like a stencil in order to produce the design. Price is based on the number of colors, the type of garment, as well as the number of pieces.
A good time to use screen printing compared to embroidery is when you’re trying to convey a more relaxed and casual attitude, as embroidery gives off a higher perceived value with its intricacy. It’s great for party swag, trade show giveaways, and customer appreciation giveaways, as screen-printed T-shirts are cost-effective especially when you have a large order. Screen printing is the go-to method for decorating sweatshirts, hoodies, and tees.
EMBROIDERY
One of the most popular methods of decorating is embroidery. We can match the PMS colors of your logo, which is important for representing your brand accurately! Embroidery will not wear out over time and washing. Ideal products to be decorated using embroidery are polos, outerwear, headwear, shirts, hoodies, pants, blankets, (soft) luggage, and much more! Embroidery is charged by the number of stitches in the design and the number of units being decorated.
HEAT TRANSFER
Heat transfer is a great decoration choice if you are looking for affordable design options with unlimited colors. Our heat press, laser cutter, and vinyl print-cut allow us to easily decorate as low as one piece with full color. Pricing is based on the size of the design as well as how many layers are in the art.
Also known as a digital transfer, this process first starts by printing out the artwork and then applying it onto the surface with a heat press.
Heat transfer designs are affordable and great for decorating your orders, whether large or small. It can also be used on a wide range of fabrics as compared to dye sublimation, which typically only works on polyester fabrics.
We are also able to purchase heat transfers that have been screen printed ahead of time that can then be saved for later decorating. This results in a lower cost for decorating. Heat transfers are great for t-shirts, activewear, sweatshirts, backpacks, teamwear, uniforms, jerseys, sports apparel and more.
DIRECT TO GARMENT
This newer process allows you to have the feel of screenprinting but the ability to print very detailed images with lots of colors on as few as one garment. The image shows the best the closer to 100% cotton. There are many more items being produced now with 100% cotton on the outside, even if the entire garment isn’t all cotton.
SUBLIMATION
We offer dye sublimation on both hard goods, including awards, and clothing. It is now one of the most popular ways of printing your artwork onto clothing and promotional products, and for good reason! This unique decoration method offers all sorts of possibilities for your branded apparel with full-color, high-resolution prints that will never fade.
Here’s a basic explanation of the dye sublimation process. It works by bonding water-based dye (in a gaseous state) with the molecules of the fabric you’re printing on through the use of a heat press and some transfer paper. Dye-sublimation requires 100% polyester and ideally white clothing to produce a bright design. It’s perfect for sports or retail apparel with its razor-sharp details, and can even print text as small as 8 points. This method is priced based on the size of the decoration and the quantity being decorated.
We have a fantastic partner who creates all-over, full-color apparel. Because of the individual process of preparing one image per garment, it is a great option for team uniforms where each item is personalized with a player’s name and number. The technique is also ideal on mouse pads, golf shirts, athletic gear, t-shirts, lanyards, socks, jerseys, tote bags, and more!
Recent projects include blankets, polo shirts, towels, and even slides/sandals.