Fabrics and Printing, and Which One Your Order Needs
The right combination depends on what you are making, how many and how it will be washed. This page explains the choices so your quote makes sense.
Printing methods
How Each One Works
Sublimation
Ink turns into gas under heat and becomes part of the polyester fibre, so the print is inside the fabric, not on top of it.
- Good for
- Team jerseys, dri-fit tees, full-colour all-over designs, names and numbers.
- Keep in mind
- Works only on polyester or polyester-coated items and on white or light bases.
- Wash care
- Wash inside out in cold water. The print does not crack or peel.
Screen Print
Each colour is pushed through its own fine mesh screen onto the garment.
- Good for
- One to three colour logos on bigger runs. The best value per piece at volume.
- Keep in mind
- A setup cost for every colour, so it suits larger quantities.
- Wash care
- Wash inside out; avoid ironing on the print.
DTF Print
The design is printed onto a film with a glue powder and heat-pressed onto the garment.
- Good for
- Full-colour logos and art on cotton and dark garments, and small batches.
- Keep in mind
- A slight feel on the fabric over large areas.
- Wash care
- Wash inside out in cold water; do not iron directly on the print.
Vinyl (HTV)
Single-colour letters and numbers are cut from heat-transfer vinyl and pressed on.
- Good for
- Names and numbers on cotton, and short runs.
- Keep in mind
- Best for simple shapes and text, not detailed art.
- Wash care
- Wash inside out; avoid high heat in the dryer.
Embroidery
The logo is stitched into the fabric with thread by a multi-head machine.
- Good for
- A premium finish on polos, caps and jackets.
- Keep in mind
- Fine details and very small text do not stitch well.
- Wash care
- Wash as normal; iron on the reverse.
Laser Engraving
A laser marks the logo or name permanently into steel, wood or leatherette.
- Good for
- Steel bottles and sippers.
- Keep in mind
- Single tone only; no colours.
- Wash care
- Permanent; does not wear off.
Which One Do I Need?
A quick guide. On the quote form you can also pick “suggest the best”.
- If you are making a team jersey with names and numbersSublimation
- If you are making cotton polos with a company logoEmbroidery or DTF
- If you are making 500 event tees with a one-colour logoScreen print
- If you are making 10 t-shirts with namesVinyl or DTF
- If you are making full-colour art on a few cotton teesDTF
- If you are making names on steel bottlesLaser engraving
Fabrics
What We Print On
| Fabric | Feels | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester knit (dri-fit)100% polyester | Light and smooth, dries quickly. | Jerseys, sports and event tees. | Cold wash, no bleach, line dry. |
| Cotton100% cotton | Soft and breathable. | Everyday tees, family and festival tees. | Wash with similar colours; may shrink slightly in hot water. |
| Cotton blendCotton and polyester | Soft, holds its shape after washing. | Uniform tees and polos. | Warm wash, tumble dry low. |
| Pique cottonCotton or cotton blend in a textured weave | Textured, smart and breathable. | Corporate polos. | Warm wash, iron on the reverse. |
Want to feel the fabric first? Visit our unit or ask for a swatch on WhatsApp.
Need advice?
Not Sure Which Fabric or Print? Ask Us
Tell us about the order and we suggest the fabric and the print that suit it, with the price.
+91 95759 90599 Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM
Tell Us This and We Suggest the Finish
- What it is for: sport, office or an event
- How many pieces you need
- How many colours are in your design
- The date you need it by
We get back to you with a price and a mockup. Nothing is printed until you approve it.