Choosing promotional T-shirts to print may seem like a simple task, but in reality, it is a process that requires careful consideration and a good understanding of the various factors. Whether you are a company looking to promote your brand, an association organising an event, or an individual seeking to create a personalised gift, choosing the right T-shirt is essential to ensure that the end result meets all your expectations.
The key criteria to consider when making the right choice—from the quality of the fabric to the cut and the different printing techniques available—will be of great help. Read our tips and turn your ideas into unique, high-quality promotional T-shirts!
What is textile printing?
Textile printing is a process used to transfer patterns, images, or text onto fabrics. This process allows the personalisation of garments and textile accessories using avariety of techniques to achieve varied and durable results. Each of these techniques has its own characteristics and is chosen according to the specific needs of the product, the type of fabric, and the desired result.
Printing on textiles opens up a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing people to realize their ideas on different textile media. The most popular promotional medium remains the T-shirt.
The importance of the T-shirt as a personal medium
A T-shirt is much more than just a piece of clothing. It has become an essential means of personal expression and visual communication. Its versatility and popularity make it the preferred choice for personalised printing, whetherfor companies, events or individuals.
As a blank canvas, the T-shirt is the ideal surface for displaying messages, logos, or artistic designs. Companies often use branded T-shirts as marketing tools to help promote their brand in a sophisticated and effective way. They can also serve as lasting souvenirs at festivals, concerts or sporting events, increasing participant engagement and loyalty.
For individuals, a personalised T-shirt is a unique way to stand out and express creativity. Whether it’s a personalised gift or a way to express personal ideas, the possibilities are endless. The T-shirt thus becomes a means of communication that reflects the tastes and interests of its wearer.
The T-shirt has established itself as a privileged advertising object becauseit combines utility, accessibility, and conceptual possibilities. It represents a versatile solution tailored to the needs of companies and individuals, solidifying its place in the world of visual expression and marketing.
Tips for choosing the right T-shirt for printing
There are several key factors to consider when choosing the right T-shirt for a high-quality and long-lasting print. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Above all, know the different types of fabrics so you can make the right choice.
The choice of material is essential to ensure long-lasting printing on promotional T-shirts. Choose quality fabrics that ensure comfort and durability.
Cotton is a popular choice due to its softness and durability, ensuring a clean and long-lasting print while providing optimum comfort.
Cotton/polyester blends are also available. This combination combines the softness of cotton and the durability of polyester, providing the ideal balance between comfort and longevity. T-shirts made from this blend are often more resistant to creasing and shrinking.
Organic fibres are increasingly popular for their environmental friendliness. Organic cotton, grown without pesticides or chemicals, is an eco-friendly alternative that ensures top quality. T-shirts made from this material are ideal for eco-conscious consumers.
For more intense or outdoor activities, choose technical fabrics such as microfibre polyester. These fabrics are lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, making them ideal for sports activities.
Don’t forget the weight of the T-shirt
When printing on T-shirts, the density of the fabric is an often overlooked but important aspect. The weight corresponds to the weight of the fabric per m² and can vary considerably. Does grammage really matter when printing?
The answer is yes, because weight matters. Higher weight fabrics have a higher density, which can affect ink absorption during the printing process. These shirts often have a smoother and more even surface, which allows for better ink or colour absorption.
On the other hand, lighter weight T-shirts can present printing challenges as the fabric can be thinner and less stable. This can lead to uneven ink absorption and less satisfactory print quality. In addition, such T-shirts are more likely to deform or wrinkle during printing, affecting the final result.
It is advisable to choose T-shirts with the appropriate weight for the type of printing you want to do. For intricate prints or light colours, a higher grammage t-shirt is best for optimum results. For simpler prints or lighter patterns, lower grammage T-shirts may be more suitable.
Check the quality of the seams
Although these details may seem minor, stitching and finishing significantly impact durability and comfort.
A quality personalised T-shirt features strong and well-executed seams. Poorly aligned or executed seams are not only aesthetically unpleasing but can also compromise the durability of the promotional product.
Attention should also be paid to the finishing touches. The edges and trims of a quality T-shirt should be clean and tidy. Poorly done hems can easily unravel and give the garment a messy appearance.
Special care should be given tothe collar and sleeves. A well-finished collar adds sophistication, while well-cut sleeves ensure a comfortable fit and a smart look.
Choosing the right cut and style
T-shirt cuts vary depending on the style and type of print. Narrow cuts hug the figure and provide a modern look, ideal for minimalist prints or centred patterns. Standard cuts, which are more relaxed and comfortable, suit a wider range of prints, offering more room for complex patterns or bold messages. Larger cuts are perfect for artistic patterns or larger motifs due totheir fullness and relaxed comfort, allowing freer creative expression.
By choosing the right cut of T-shirt for your print, you can ensure that the graphic design stands out in the best possible way, in line with the style and creativity you aim to achieve.
The best printing techniques for long-lasting results
Here is an overview of the printing techniques used for promotional T-shirts:
· Let’s start with screen printing, the star of T-shirt printing. This method produces vividly coloured prints with impressive durability thanks to the layer-by-layer ink application process.
· There is also DTG or direct-to-garment printing, which is similar toprinting a photograph on a T-shirt. It offers high precision and is ideal for intricate or highly detailed patterns.
· Imagine a “collage” of your design on a T-shirt. In thermal transfer printing, the printer transfers the ink onto special paper and then the press transfers it onto the fabric, allowing great flexibility in colour and detail.
· For vivid colours that blend into the fabric, sublimation printing is the solution. This technique turns the ink into a gas that penetrates the fibres, providing vibrant and long-lasting results. It is suitable for white substrates.
· A great technique for simple patterns and distinctive logos is vinyl cutting, whichinvolves cutting shapes out of coloured vinyl and then pressing them onto a T-shirt with a heat press. The result is clean and professional.
Each of these techniques has its own advantages and suits different branding needs for T-shirts.
The best t-shirt brands for seamless printing
Here’s a brief overview of the best t-shirt brands for printing:
Gildan
The Gildan brand is known for offering economical and versatile T-shirts ideal for various printing techniques. The brand stands out for the durability and variety of its products, making it a popular choice for companies and individuals seeking good value for money.
Roly
Roly T-shirts are characterized by excellent quality and sophisticated cuts. The brand focuses on ecological practices and uses sustainable and ecologically responsible materials. Roly is ideal for those who want to combine style, comfort and environmental responsibility.
Sol’s
At Sol’s, quality materials and ethical production are synonymous with excellence. The brand offers a range of fashionable T-shirts perfect for staying stylish while supporting responsible production practices. Sol’s combines contemporary style with eco-consciousness.
Kariban
Kariban brand offers the perfect combination of comfort, style and easy-to-print surfaces. The brand’s T-shirts are designed to provide a clean, long-lasting print whileoffering a comfortable and stylish fit.
Fruit of the Loom
This brand is known for its excellent value for money and the reliability of its promotional T-shirts. Fruit of the Loom represents tradition and recognition worldwide.
In conclusion, several key criteria must be considered when choosing a quality promotional T-shirt for long-lasting branding: prefer durable materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester, and choose the right grammage for durability. Ensure the chosen printing technique suits the fabric type to maximize pattern durability.By following these recommendations, you can produce attractive and durable promotional T-shirts that effectively convey your message while providing lasting satisfaction to those who wear them.
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