Best Printing Methods for Manufacturing of Sports Apparel
UK Fitwear use various printing methods in manufacturing of sports apparel to interactive logos and custom designs as per customer demand. These apparel printing methods include direct-to-garment, heat transfer, screen printing, digital printing, and sublimation. Each technique has its strengths and weaknesses, with direct-to-garment being ideal for T-shirts due to its vibrant colors and durability. Heat transfer allows for intricate designs and precise placement, while screen printing is cost-effective for large quantities. Digital printing offers full-color options but can be costly for big orders. Sublimation produces vibrant colors on polyester fabrics. UK Fitwear ensures high-quality and durable prints, selecting the appropriate method for each project.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Apparel Brand with Suitable Printing Method
Silk Screen Print
Silkscreen printing is among many ways to print designs onto an item. Due to its cloth-friendly nature, it is able to print solid-color designs onto just about anything, no matter the blend or processing of that material. UK Fitwear employs negative ink to create a few of the designs in their pieces rather than using paper; this results in sharper photos.
The best place for our printing method is that we are open to more than certain machines for printing complex designs. This allows for the best result in terms of coverage and matching colors.


Flock Screen Printing
Synthetic fibres such as cotton, rayon, and polyester are the primary basis for the flock. After applying an adhesive liquid to the designated geographical area, the flock is applied to it.
Flock screen printing has an embossed and smooth texture. To get different colors, the first flock-coloured dye is used for the base, then it’s layered on top of the adhesive coating given a screen. The result is a delicate velvety softness.
Water Based/Pigment Screen Printing
Due to the water-based price of the color, pigment screen printing, also known as water-based screen printing, is a lot like discharge screen printing. Still, the resemblance is that the color is impacted by water-based instead of Plastisol-based liquids or liquids. This technique is primarily employed on white and light-colored fabrics.


Discharge Screen Print
The discharge screen printing technique uses different inks but the same machinery, specifically for shirts. Discharge inks replace the original color upon transfer, creating a fabric-like texture. They can be used alone or as a base for other inks, similar to water-based printing on darker fabrics. UK Fitwear provides exceptional printing services and guidance on technique utilization. High-quality and high-definition printing, although similar to puff printing, has distinct features. Puff printing offers soft characters and imperfect edges, while high-density printing employs low-viscosity inks for sharper, finer edges and 3D effects. Puffy inks ensure smooth edges and a subtle puff while washing high-grade prints frequently is not recommended. Ironing on non-washable surfaces can be beneficial.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a valuable part of sports apparel manufacturing because it provides a highly efficient method of producing sportswear for individual athletes, teams, and clubs. Digital printing uses modern technology to create designs directly from computer files, dramatically reducing print costs and delivery times. Many clothing companies use digital printing to imprint high-resolution pictures on the fabric. The resulting garment is lightweight and comfortable, but it is also durable and made to withstand strenuous activity.
Compared to sticker heat transfer printing, UK Fitwear offers a safer alternative, is much more reliable, and has a lower removal rate than heat transfer printing. As with stickers, this print produces a similar effect to a sticker, but it has a long-lasting effect and can be used to print real-life images on the product.


Puff Screen Printing
It uses specialised puff inks for screen printing t-shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets to give them a vintage appearance. Puff printing, on the other hand, uses specialised puff inks on screens. This technique is prevalent and is currently being applied to add a vintage look to t-shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets.
A puff printing process uses specialised puff printing inks on screens. Heat is applied to the image after ample ink has been transferred to achieve the puff effect. Images may require pure puffs, and some require Plastisol as an additive to enhance their shine. Even though puff screen printing seems to be raised, in reality, it is a puff containing mostly air in between. Consequently, a larger puff increases the risk of cracking the print.
Direct To Garment (DTG)
Due to its industrial utilization and high cost, DTG is one of the easiest and best ways to print, but it also has a higher minimum requirement.
In addition, UK Fitwear provides the best possible quality print for a minimum order of only 100 pieces. Mega Sports Apparel’s mission is to elevate clothing brands with its Direct to Garment printing services.
Compared to sticker heat transfer printing, UK Fitwear offers a safer alternative, is much more reliable, and has a lower removal rate than heat transfer printing. As with stickers, this print produces a similar effect to a sticker, but it has a long-lasting effect and can be used to print real-life images on the product.
