The word “t-shirt” derives its moniker from a shirt shaped like a “T” with a body and two sleeves. The trend of t-shirts, as we know today, has a fascinating history behind its creation and evolution. T-shirts were initially designed to be an undergarment in the nineteenth century and then transitioned into casual clothing in the twentieth century.
However, t-shirts are seen as a style statement in the twenty-first century. They are worn as an accessory, an extension of the person’s personality. No wonder, many t-shirt designer software providers have seen a potential market in the industry in question.
However, let us take a step back to understand why so many shirt design software companies are thriving by only selling t-shirts. Here are six different types of t-shirt printing techniques that will enthrall and inspire you:
1. Screen Printing
One of the oldest methods of t-shirt printing, this technique involves the use of single colors, and a stencil or a template of the design to be printed on the t-shirt. The model is held in place by a nylon mesh screen, to which colored ink is dispensed.
The said method is exceptionally scalable, cost-effective, and versatile. However, it comes with a few disadvantages of its own. Screen printing does not allow for high-resolution prints, or gradient colors because the method is relatively elementary.
Therefore, if your t-shirt design software solution has mostly vectors in its resource library, screen printing will be apt for you.
2. Transfer Printing
Transfer printing does what it suggests, i.e., it transfers the print from one surface onto another surface using heat and pressure. Primarily, in this method of t-shirt printing, the design print is transferred from a heat press paper to the t-shirt using a heat press fusing machine.
That is a relatively easy method of t-shirt printing because the execution is uncomplicated. Also, it is considerably economical because the design prints are stored on paper. And because the designs can be made on paper, the technique allows for more unique and intricate designs to be printed on the t-shirt – an essential trait for t-shirt design software users.
However, the process is time-consuming. And, it has limitations in terms of the fabric of the t-shirt used for printing the designs. For instance, the method cannot be applied to wool and similar materials. Additionally, the print quality in this method is lower than the other techniques.
3. Direct-To-Garment (DTG) Printing
As the name suggests, this method of t-shirt printing derives its name because the design is directly printed onto the garment by an inkjet printer. The technique is relatively recent, and advancements in technology have enabled its improvisation; thus, making it a highly popular method in the t-shirt designer software domain.
The DTG method is highly customizable and is capable of producing good quality design, the accuracy of colors, and the high resolution of the print. However, the nature of the printer limits the placement of design because unconventional printing designs is a challenge. Besides, the ink used for printing in this technique is expensive, which makes bulk printing a costly affair.
4. Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing can be used to print designs all over a t-shirt. The method uses heat and pressure to transfer the design print onto the material of the t-shirt.
The design is stored on a heat press paper, and a fusing machine is used to transfer the print on the paper to the t-shirt using high temperature and pressure.
The method causes the t-shirt pores to expand the sublimation dye or ink on the heat press paper turns into liquid and gas and gets printed on the fabric.
While this method’s durable and provides good quality, long-lasting print, it comes with a few limitations. For instance, the sublimation printing method can only be applied to the polyester fabric and can only employ a lighter range of colors.
5. Embroidery
Although not conventionally regarded as a form of t-shirt printing, embroidery creates designs on a t-shirt by using a sewing machine to sew designs on to the fabric. Polo t-shirts and corporate apparel widely popularize this form of print – hence, a favorite among shirt designer software companies.
One of the primary benefits of embroidery is that it is incredibly long-lasting as compared to all other printing techniques, and it has an exquisite presence. The only setback to this method is that it is time-consuming, as embroidery is a slow process. And, it places several limitations on design and color.
6. Vinyl-Cut Printing
Vinyl-cut printing uses a heat press machine to print designs on t-shirts. This method is increasingly used in sportswear, and for printing logos, brand, and company names on t-shirts.
Vinyl sheets are cut based on the design using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) cutter and plotter. The cut-out design is then placed on the t-shirt and transferred onto the fabric using a heat press.
This method is considered to be useful when it comes to design placement because it allows for the installation of design all around the t-shirt. Also, the setup cost is minimal when compared to other printing techniques.
On the contrary, this method is not scalable because the cost increases with quantity. It also has size restrictions as large designs would increase the weight of the t-shirt.
Over to you
While which printing technique you choose depends on you, you must find an apt web-to-print software solution provider to carry out other tasks properly. That includes sending a prompt quotation, inventory and order management, timely deliveries, and more. Build a t-shirt printing marketplace with a W2P software solution to stay ahead of competition.
Besides, you also need to ensure your customers can customize their t-shirt designs properly using the right t shirt designer software. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for a custom demo at inquiry@designnbuy.com, and transform the way you do your business.
Author bio:
Abhishek Agarwal, CMO & Co-Founder of DesignNBuy comes with a huge experience in Web-to-Print & IT. With a mission to deliver the best and innovate new ideas in w2p he and his team always deliver challenging and exciting results. Delivering the best and with utmost perfection has always been his life’s motto.