Tips for Selecting the Right Garment


There are many different fabric types printers are charged with printing as higher end, thinner, and softer materials dominate the marketplace. Lower cure temperatures solve many of the problems that these fabrics present.

  • Material. Shirts with higher thread counts are often softer. These shirts are easier to print because they are more tightly woven. Fabrics that present problems are blends that include viscose as well as performance polyester products that are dyed on the cheap. Always choose Sportek from Sanmar whenever possible. They dye their products universally with a posicharge bleed resistant dye.

  • Consider Your Customer. Basic 100% Cotton Tees are a strong option for your average customer. These shirts are cheap and picture-perfect for bulk orders. Polyester lightweight fabrics are an excellent option if the customer is looking for athletic wear for sports events. Regular plastisol ink sits on top of polyester instead of adhering to the fabric. Dye Migration is also a problem with Polyester, but not with Fusion 180° Ink. You will be able to print on polyester by lowering the temperature of your dryer. 

  • Fusion 180° Ink. Curing Fusion 180° at 240°F will enable you to print on all fabrics without a catalyst. The low cure temperature will prevent shrinking and melting of heat sensitive materials including nylon, 50/50, and non woven fabrics. Fusion 180° covers fibers on 100% cotton, blocks dye migration on 100% polyester, and 50/50 with excellent coverage and opacity. 

  • Request Samples. Always request a sample from your supplier. It can be impossible to judge a shirt from a website or catalog.

  • Run Test Prints.  Test print the new garments. Make sure your ink works with the garment you are working with. Fusion 180° works well with all fabrics. You need to also confirm you are properly curing Fusion 180° for each specific garment. Proper Curing and Mesh Guidelines click here.

  • Test Garments. Wear, wash, and dry the garments that you are offering. Understand how they hold up.

    Read Similar Blog Posts:

    1. 7 Screen Printing Mistakes to Avoid

    2. 6 Reasons You Should Switch to Fusion 180° Ink

    3. Tips for Targeting the High School and College Market to Expand Your Business 

1 thought on “Tips for Selecting the Right Garment

  1. These simple tips are really helpful! Thanks for sharing.

    Bruce, https://www.printavo.com

Comments are closed.