Best Printing Methods for Manufacturing
of Sports Apparel
Pro Bravio employs various printing techniques in the production of sports apparel, incorporating interactive logos and custom designs based on customer preferences. These methods include direct-to-garment, heat transfer, screen printing, digital printing, and sublimation. Each technique has its own advantages and limitations—direct-to-garment is perfect for T-shirts due to its vivid colors and durability, while heat transfer enables intricate designs with precise placement. Screen printing is a cost-effective choice for large orders, whereas digital printing provides full-color options but may be expensive for bulk production. Sublimation delivers vibrant colors on polyester fabrics. Pro Bravio ensures high-quality, long-lasting prints by selecting the most suitable method for each project.
Unlocking the Potential of Your Apparel Brand
with Suitable Printing Method
Silk Screen Print
Silkscreen printing is one of the many techniques used to transfer designs onto various items. Its compatibility with fabric makes it ideal for printing solid-color designs on nearly any material, regardless of its blend or processing. Pro Bravio utilizes negative ink for certain designs, instead of traditional paper methods, resulting in sharper and more defined images.
A key advantage of our printing approach is its flexibility—we are not limited to specific machines when handling intricate designs. This enables optimal coverage and precise color matching, ensuring high-quality results.
Flock Screen Printing
Flock is primarily made from synthetic fibers such as cotton, rayon, and polyester. It is applied to a designated area after coating it with an adhesive liquid.
Flock screen printing creates a raised, smooth texture. To achieve different colors, a flock-colored dye is first used as the base, followed by layering it over the adhesive coating through a screen. The final result is a soft, velvety finish.
Water Based / Pigment Screen Printing
Pigment screen printing, also known as water-based screen printing, is similar to discharge screen printing due to its use of water-based pigments instead of Plastisol-based inks. This method is mainly used on white and light-colored fabrics, allowing for a soft and natural feel while maintaining vibrant colors.
Discharge Screen Print
The discharge screen printing technique uses specialized inks with the same machinery, primarily for shirts. These inks remove the original fabric color during application, resulting in a natural, fabric-like texture. They can be used independently or as a base layer for other inks, much like water-based printing on darker fabrics.
Pro Bravio offers expert printing services and guidance on selecting the right technique. While high-quality, high-definition printing shares similarities with puff printing, they have distinct characteristics. Puff printing creates soft, slightly irregular edges, whereas high-density printing uses low-viscosity inks for crisp, defined edges and a 3D effect. Puffy inks produce smooth edges with a subtle raised effect, though frequent washing of high-grade prints is not advised. Ironing on non-washable surfaces can help maintain the print quality.
Digital Printing
Digital printing plays a crucial role in sports apparel manufacturing, offering an efficient and cost-effective way to produce sportswear for individual athletes, teams, and clubs. By utilizing advanced technology, digital printing transfers designs directly from computer files, significantly reducing production costs and delivery times. Many apparel brands use this method to print high-resolution images onto fabric, resulting in garments that are not only lightweight and comfortable but also durable enough to withstand intense physical activity.
Pro Bravio provides a more reliable and long-lasting alternative to sticker heat transfer printing, with a lower removal rate and greater durability. While this printing method creates a sticker-like effect, it ensures a high-quality, long-lasting finish, making it ideal for printing realistic images on apparel.
Puff Screen Printing
Puff printing is a popular screen printing technique used to give t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets a vintage look. It involves applying specialized puff inks through screens to create a raised, textured effect.
During the process, heat is applied after a generous amount of ink has been transferred, causing the print to expand and form the puff effect. Some designs require pure puff ink, while others use Plastisol additives to enhance their shine. Although puff screen printing appears raised, it primarily consists of air trapped within the ink. As a result, larger puffs increase the risk of cracking over time.
Glow in the Dark Printing
Glow-in-the-dark printing follows the same process as standard printing, with the key difference being the use of special glow-in-the-dark ink. Neon inks are typically used to enhance and highlight designs, making them stand out.
This effect works best on darker fabrics, creating a striking visual contrast. The technique is commonly used for bold, stylish designs that add a fun and unique touch. Ideal for themed clothing lines, these prints glow most vividly in the dark, making them perfect for nighttime wear.
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a versatile technique used for printing on t-shirts, sports apparel, uniforms, and more. It is an excellent choice for sportswear due to its ability to produce high-quality prints that are resistant to fading and peeling, ensuring long-lasting results.
The process involves transferring an image onto a film, which is then exposed to a special light source. Once developed, the film is directly adhered to the fabric. Compared to other printing methods, DTF is faster and more efficient, making it ideal for time-sensitive print jobs. Additionally, it enhances print consistency, improving the visibility and durability of designs. This technique ensures outstanding longevity and superior resistance to fading.
Direct To Garment (DTG)
DTG printing, while widely used in industrial applications and known for its high cost, remains one of the easiest and most effective printing methods. However, it typically requires a higher minimum order.
Pro Bravio ensures top-quality prints with a minimum order requirement of just 100 pieces. Meanwhile, Mega Sports Apparel is dedicated to enhancing clothing brands through its premium Direct to Garment printing services.
