Printing on to garment for workwear explained
Garment printing is a key part of creating professional, on-brand corporate clothing and workwear.
There are several different techniques, each with its own advantages depending on the type of garment, order size, design complexity, and budget.
1. Screen Printing (Silk Screening)
What it is:
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the garment, one colour at a time.
Best for:
T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts—especially in larger runs.
Benefits:
- Vibrant, long-lasting colours
- Cost-effective for bulk orders
- Great for bold, simple designs
- Suitable for a wide range of fabrics
Ideal for: Company events, uniforms, and promotional tees with consistent designs.
2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
What it is:
A digital printer applies ink directly onto the fabric, like printing onto paper.
Best for:
Cotton garments with detailed, multi-colour designs and short runs.
Benefits:
- Full-colour, photo-quality prints
- No setup fees—great for small orders or one-offs
- Ideal for complex, artistic designs
Ideal for: Small teams, one-off employee gifts, or when personalization matters.
3. Heat Transfer / Vinyl Printing
What it is:
Designs are printed onto special transfer paper or vinyl, then heat-pressed onto the garment.
Best for:
Small runs, personalization (like names/numbers), or synthetic fabrics.
Benefits:
- Sharp, vibrant results
- Great for adding custom names or departments
- Works well on both light and dark fabrics
Ideal for: Sports teams, high-visibility workwear, or personalized items.
4. Dye Sublimation
What it is:
A heat transfer method where dye turns into gas and bonds with polyester fibres.
Best for:
100% polyester or poly-blend garments, especially performance and athletic wear.
Benefits:
- Designs become part of the fabric—no texture
- Doesn’t crack or fade over time
- Excellent for all-over prints
Ideal for: Tech teams, activewear, or high-performance uniforms.
Choosing the right decoration method
-
- Criteria
- Best Method
- Durability
- Screen Printing
- Detail & Colour Depth
- DTG or Dye Sublimation
- Bulk Orders
- Screen Printing
- Personalization
- Heat Transfer or Vinyl
- Price
- Depends on quantity
Let us help you decide
Want help matching the right method to a specific product or team type? Let me know what you have in mind.
Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Tel: 020 3399 8060
Email: sales@brandedcompanyclothing.co.uk
