A logo on a club shirt, a company name on a work jacket or back numbers on a match kit: there are many ways to personalise clothing. But which technique should you choose? In this blog we list the best-known printing techniques and embroidery, with their pros and cons and what they are best suited for.
The printing techniques at a glance
| Technique | Suitable for | Small runs | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer printing | Sports shirts, T-shirts, vests, name and number | Yes | Sharp and colourful |
| Flex and flock | Back numbers, names, simple logos | Yes | Clean, solid colours |
| Screen printing | Large quantities of T-shirts and sweaters | No | Strong colours |
| DTF printing | Full-colour logos on many fabrics | Yes | Detailed, all colours |
| Sublimation | White or light polyester sportswear | Yes | Print in the fabric, cannot be felt |
| Embroidery | Polos, jackets, caps, workwear | Yes | Premium and very durable |
Transfer printing: fast and versatile
With transfer printing the design is first printed on a transfer sheet and then applied to the clothing with a heat press under heat and pressure. The technique is ideal for sportswear and team kit: sharp, colourful and affordable even for small quantities. Perfect for club logos, sponsors and name and back number.
Flex and flock: the classic for names and numbers
Flex (smooth) and flock (velvety) are films that are cut from a sheet and then pressed on. They are very suitable for back numbers and names in one colour. For logos with many colours or small details, another technique is better.
Screen printing: affordable for large quantities
With screen printing a screen is made for each colour, through which the ink is pressed onto the fabric. The set-up costs are higher, but for large runs of the same design the price per item is low. Less suitable if every shirt gets a different name or number.
DTF printing: full colour on almost any fabric
DTF stands for direct-to-film: the design is printed in all colours on a special film and then pressed on. Colour gradients and small details come out well, on cotton, polyester and blends. A modern and flexible variant of transfer printing.
Sublimation: the print is in the fabric
With sublimation the ink vaporises into the fibres of polyester. The print cannot be felt and does not wear off, ideal for fully designed sports shirts. It only works on light-coloured polyester fabrics.
Embroidery: professional and durable
With embroidery the logo is stitched into the fabric with thread. The result looks premium and lasts for years, even after many washes. That is why embroidery is popular for polos, softshells, work jackets and caps. The logo is digitised once, after which you can easily reorder. Less suitable for very large logos or thin, stretchy sports fabric.
Which technique suits you?
- Club shirts with sponsor, name and number: transfer printing or flex.
- Club tracksuits and bags: transfer printing or embroidery.
- Workwear and polos for your company: embroidery on the chest, printing for a large logo on the back.
- Large events with hundreds of identical shirts: screen printing.
- Caps and beanies: embroidery.
Kitting out a whole club or team? Combine it with our team offer: 15% off from 11 sports items.
Printing and embroidery at Jomi
At Jomi Sports & Bedrijfskleding in Dordrecht you can have clothing printed with our heat press, name and number added, and your logo embroidered. Together we look at the fabric, the quantity and your budget and advise which technique gives the best result. View the Printing page or choose your clothing at Jomi Sports or Jomi Workwear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between printing and embroidery?
With printing the design is applied to the fabric with ink or film; it is fast and affordable and suitable for large and colourful logos. With embroidery the logo is stitched with thread; it looks more premium and is more durable, especially on polos, jackets and caps.
Which printing technique lasts the longest?
Embroidery and sublimation are the most hard-wearing. Properly applied transfer printing also lasts a long time with the right washing instructions.
What do I need to have my logo printed?
Preferably a logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF). Only have a JPG or PNG? Send it anyway and we will see what is possible.
Can I have just one shirt printed?
Yes, with transfer printing or embroidery small quantities are possible too. Contact us for the options and prices.
