Summary
Print-on-demand hoodies and t-shirts are one of the most profitable print-on-demand items to venture in.
You can always go online to place your order with a print-on-demand company without learning about the whole process, but how will that make you more knowledgeable and well informed about your business?
Knowing the process involved in print-on-demand means you know exactly how your products are printed and manufactured, allowing you to be confident in the products you sell.
Are you ready to learn more about this? Keep reading to learn about how print-on-demand hoodies are manufactured.
The Process Involved In The Manufacturing Of Print-On-Demand Hoodies
Choose A Design
Asides from the color and the quality of the material of the hoodie, one other important factor to consider before the manufacturing process is to choose a great design.
Most customers will buy your print-on-demand hoodie based on how aesthetically pleasing and appealing the design is to them. Your design can be pictures, text, or a combination of both.
When choosing a design, make sure you aren't infringing on any copyrighted content. You can hire a designer to help you with one, or if you are a designer you can do this part yourself!
Ensure A Good Quality Garment Material
For customized t-shirts, hoodies, and other types of clothing, the choice of fabric you choose is very important. Fabrics made of a cotton and polyester blend or 100% cotton are the most popular for print-on-demand hoodies. They are very breathable, durable, and a high-quality fabric type.
The color of the fabric you are buying is important as well. We recommend choosing a hoodie color which contrasts with your design to make it pop. For example, if you have black artwork, then a white hoodie would make your hoodie stand out.
Types Of Print On Demand Printing Methods
1. Screen Printing
Screen printing is the most common type of printing. It is also referred to as silkscreen printing. To carry out this method, a stencil held by a nylon mesh is used. There is also a waterproof material that helps you block the negative space of your design area.
If you want a high-quality hoodie design, this method is great, however it often isn't used for smaller quantities. This method is well suited for one color per screen hoodie design. If your design is a complex multicolored one, this method is generally not used.
2. Direct To Garment (DTG)
For this method, an ink and a texture printer is used. Direct to garment method works the same way a paper printer works, only that the ink will be on a piece of fabric, not a paper.
If you have a complex design, then the direct-to-garment method is highly recommended. However, direct-to-garment designs often suffer from fading after a year or two.
3. Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation works well on light fabrics. When the fabric is exposed to heat and pressure, it turns into gas. The fabric molecules then expand, and the gas seeps between the gap that appears in the fabric. In the end, the molecules contracts again when you remove the heat.
Dye sublimation uses a special type of liquid dye. This dye dries up when it is in contact with the polyester fabric. After drying up, it solidifies, and then you can apply pressure and heat to ensure the sublimation takes place.
4. Heat Press Printing
This printing process helps you achieve a durable print on your hoodie. It is very effective if you have small hoodie orders. This economically favorable printing method requires the use of transfer paper. You take your hoodie and press it on a transfer vinyl, then add pressure to transfer the design on to the hoodie.
You repeat the process until the paper’s dye is softened by heat. After this process, remove the glossy paper and remove the dye. The heat press won’t work on dark fabrics because of the translucent dye. This is an ideal method for complex designs.
5. Vinyl Cutting
A soft cloth is used in different designs and shapes and then afterwards it is transferred to your hoodie. Your design is then placed on your hoodie using the heat press method.
You can use different layers to print multiple colors in a design. It is a very durable printing method and is common in printing sports hoodies and small graphics or slogans.
Conclusion
Before choosing any printing method, attempt to understand your customers and their needs. Take in to account the printing quality you're looking for, and the complexity of design when choosing the most appropriate printing method for your print-on-demand hoodies.