Adding your logo on apparel is an awesome way to improve your brand. You want your specifically designed clothes to be attractive and durable at the same time. This means that you have to choose a method to print a logo on clothes that is effective yet suitable.
Finding the right method to print your design depends on various factors, such as the type of design, budget, and the fabric of the garments. That’s why we are here for you. This article will guide you through the different printing techniques and practical tips for successful outcomes. We will even explain the difference from simple printing to the complicated options right here.
Cloth Printing Logo: The 4 Main Methods
Any brand can easily print its design on the clothes. Gaining knowledge about the different methods will be helpful in making an informed decision. Here are the four most popular methods of printing logos in clothes.
Screen Printing
An age-old, time-tested method that remains one of the most reliable, it is based on semi-automatic screen printing. Here, the ink gets forced through a mesh of the screen which is the exact opposite of your logo. You will require an independent screen for every color in your design.
This method works best for bold, minimalistic designs with only a few colors. It is cheaper for bulk orders of t-shirts and hoodies. The printed image looks shiny, it is durable, and it has a little bit of a feeling of being 3D on the fabric. Read more about our professional Screen Printing services.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Another name for Direct-to-Garment printing is DTG and it looks like a big inkjet printer that you would use for fabric. The printer uses water-based ink that directly prints on the piece of clothing. The ink gets absorbed into the fibers of the fabric.
DTG is suitable for the use of a variety of colors or images such as photos. It functions with small series of clothes or even single prints. The printed fabric will be soft because the ink actually becomes a part of it.
Heat Transfer (Including Vinyl)
The heat transfer printing technique involves having the design print on a special material first. This material could be vinyl or transfer paper. The design is then applied onto the clothes by means of a heat press.
This method works well when you have only simple logos, numbers, and names to print. In fact, many people use it for sports clothing or just for making one simple item tailored for someone. The finish is a layer of plastic which gives the surface of the fabric a little extra feel.
Embroidery
Embroidery is by no means a method of printing, but it is one of the best techniques to add a logo to clothing. In this process, the machine does the work of stitching your design onto the fabric with thread. The result is a very high-quality look with a nice texture.
This technique is most suitable for promotional clothes like polo shirts, jackets, and hats. Simple designs look nice and 3D signs give them a feeling of a premium product. A logo that is made with embroidery can also be very durable.
Choose the Printing Method that Suits You Best.
Deciding which way to print a logo on clothing may look difficult. Nevertheless, it becomes simple once you understand what to focus on. The choice should be made according to your specific needs.
A Brief Comparison of the Printing Methods
The following table outlines the most significant differences to help you evaluate your alternatives.
| Printing Method | Best for Design Complexity | Durability | Ideal Fabric | Cost at Low Volume | Cost at High Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Simple (1-4 colors) | Very High | Cotton, Blends, Polyester | High | Very Low |
| DTG Printing | Very Complex (Photos) | Good | 100% Cotton | Low | High |
| Heat Transfer | Simple to Medium | Moderate | Cotton, Polyester, Blends | Low | Moderate |
| Embroidery | Simple (Logos, Text) | Excellent | Heavier fabrics (Polos, Hats) | Moderate | Moderate |
Four Important Questions to Guide You in Choosing the Right Equipment
Answering these questions will allow you to find the printing choice that is best suited for your project.
1. What number of products do you want to print?
When you get a bigger number of items (50 or more), the preferable choice becomes screen printing. The money spent on the setup shifts over many garments, which makes the individual piece price very low. But for smaller orders, DTG or heat transfer is the better choice because there are fewer setup costs.
2. What is the complexity of your design?
If you need a simple design, screen printing is the best choice for your logo’s colors. It is bright, clean, and results are great. On the other hand, if your logo has different colors, color gradients, or small details such as a photo, DTG is the only printing method that will do it well.
3. What kind of fabric are you designing?
The fabric type is very critical. It’s informative to keep in mind that DTG printing has to be done with 100% cotton clothing. In contrast, screen printing is more flexible, and it works well on both cotton, polyester, and blends. As for performance wear fabric made of polyester, the main options are heat transfer or screen print as applicable. It’s essential to establish how textured fabrics can greatly influence the final print.
4. Is your priority – durability, feel, or the cost?
It’s time to decide which is the most important for you. If you want the logo to last the longest, go for the embroidery method. If you choose DTG, the fabric will be the softest. For the least cost but a big volume, the recommendation is screen printing. Each printing method has its unique way of fulfilling these.
The Pre-Print Checklist: 5 Steps to a Perfect Logo Print
Through our experience as a clothing maker, we have identified five major steps that are essential. Fixing them before sending your file to the printer will save you a lot of time, and money, and ensure that you meet the professional standard you expect.
Step 1: Logo Design Completion & File Type Selection
The print quality will largely depend on your file. You must select the right file type. There are two major types: Vector and Raster.
Vector files (such as AI, EPS, or SVG) contain only lines and curves. These files are scalable endlessly without any impairment of quality, hence, they are best for printing. Raster files (such as PNG or JPG) are composed of pixels therefore they might be blurred if you try to enlarge them. It is important to start with an optimum quality digital file of the logo to get a professional-looking product.
Step 2: Specify Your Brand Colors (Pantone Matching)
The color seen on the computer monitor is not always the same as the printed one. The screens are made of light and the printers are made of ink. Our approved method of ensuring the colors are okay is through the Pantone Matching System (PMS). It is a system that assigns a unique code to every color, thus, ensuring that your brand always has the same shade of red.
Step 3: Pick the Right Garment
The fabric itself plays a huge role in determining the quality of your print. If you take a cotton only shirt, it will be way different than a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend with holding ink differently and feel differently. The color of the garment is also significant. A logo that is yellow will have a different appearance on a white shirt as compared to a black shirt. We can give you valuable advice on the best clothes for your specific project.
Step 4: Scale and Position the Logo
The logo size and position can be as important as the logo itself. The most common placements and sizes are:
- Left Chest: Usually 3 to 4 inches wide.
- Full Front: Usually 10 to 12 inches wide.
- Upper Back (Yoke): Usually 3 to 4 inches wide.
- Sleeve: Usually 1 to 3 inches wide.
Figure out the size and placement beforehand to avoid surprising you with needed amendments.
Step 5: Request a Mockup and a Physical Sample
Always ask for a digital mockup. A mockup is a picture that shows what your logo will look on the clothes. This will help you approve of the size and placement before proceeding with the printing. A physical sample is a big recommendation for all huge orders. The physical sample lets you see and feel the clothing article and determine if the final product is up to standard.
Specialty Printing: Transforming Your Logo Into a Different Level
At times, the basic printing design is not enough for companies to get brand positioning. They can achieve unique textures and finishes through specialized printing. These options can raise your clothing from just promotional items to trend-setting garments.
3D Effect Puff Printing
Puff printing is a special technique that combines a special ink additive and a puffing effect to achieve a 3D look. This is a very fun way to add a textural element and a whole new dimension to your design.
Puff print is excellent with bold text as well as simple shapes on sweatshirts and hoodies. It gives the clothes a ’90s retro that is fun and is popular right now. For all of them wanting to set a new fashion standard, this is the way to go. We provide the service of custom manufacturing puff print hoodies and find more in the ultimate guide to puff screen printing.
The Last Decision: Working with a Professional vs. DIY
You have already made yourself familiar with the techniques but you are now in a position to decide who will take care of the printing. You could either choose to make it yourself or you may want to rely on a specialist.
The DIY Path
Doing it yourself is good for a hobby or one-time gift. The biggest plus is that the initial cost is quite low for the first item as you get only one. However, the negative sides are that you have to climb a steep learning curve, face fluctuating results, a considerable time investment, etc. In short, a mistake could lead to damaging your garments.
The Professional Way
Collaborating with a professional is the best solution for corporate, branding, and events. Specialists provide a top-quality and standardized output repeatedly. You also get access to their knowledge and a wide range of printing modalities. Some printing companies may have minimum order quantities but they guarantee quality. The best choice for a professional result is to join forces with an established maker. At Clothing Manufacturer Ltd, we help you through this whole process.
Summary: Making Your Ideas, Clothes Will Work as Your Brand Will.
Discovering the optimal way to print a logo on clothing is not just a crucial interim step but a building block for your pride. Your decision is conditioned by your logo design, the size of the order, the fabric, and your end goal. Assuredly, you can follow our pre-printing steps to complete the task smoothly, and ensure an excellent outcome.
Branded clothes are a means of joining people to your brand. Now, you possess the required knowledge to design and produce custom clothing that is appealing and durable.
