Private label, from a small first run
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen, one colour at a time. Bold, long-lasting and the best value once quantities grow.
- Best on
- Cotton tees, hoodies, workwear
- Feel
- Soft to bold
- Home
- Technology
Every finish your brand can wear
Eighteen print, stitch and finishing techniques, each matched to the fabric, the garment and the size of your run.
The finish lab
Hover any swatch to see how the finish behaves on cloth. On a phone, scroll and each one plays as it reaches the middle of the screen.
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Printing
Ink and transfers for graphics of any size, from one-colour logos to full photographic prints.
DTF printing
Your artwork is printed onto film and heat-pressed onto the garment. Full colour and fine detail on cotton, polyester and blends.
- Best on
- Small runs, multicolour art
- Feel
- Smooth, light film
DTG printing
Ink goes straight into the fibres, like a desktop printer for fabric. Photo detail with no screens to set up.
- Best on
- Cotton, samples, one-offs
- Feel
- Very soft
Puff printing
An additive makes the ink swell as it cures, so the logo stands up off the fabric with a spongy feel.
- Best on
- Streetwear, hoodies
- Feel
- Raised, spongy
Rubber printing
High-density ink builds a thick, glossy layer with crisp edges that holds up to hard training.
- Best on
- Gym tees, team kits
- Feel
- Raised, glossy
Metallic print
Ink with metallic pigment that catches the light, softer than foil and easier to wash.
- Best on
- Fashion tees, event merch
- Feel
- Smooth sheen
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Embroidery
Thread stitched into the cloth for logos that last as long as the garment does.
Flat embroidery
Thread stitched flat into the fabric. The classic, premium finish for chest logos and names.
- Best on
- Polos, scrubs, uniforms
- Feel
- Smooth, textured
3D puff embroidery
Stitches are laid over a foam base, so the logo stands up with a rounded, sculpted edge.
- Best on
- Hoodies, varsity, headwear
- Feel
- Raised, firm
Terry embroidery
Looped thread that feels like towelling, the chenille look of varsity letters.
- Best on
- Varsity jackets, sweatshirts
- Feel
- Plush loops
Applique embroidery
A fabric shape stitched on with a satin edge. Big letters and numbers without a wall of thread.
- Best on
- Team names, varsity, kids
- Feel
- Layered
Embroidered patches
Embroidered, woven or PVC patches, sewn on or heat-applied, so they can move from garment to garment.
- Best on
- Workwear, jackets, fight wear
- Feel
- Badge
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Special effects
Finishes that catch the eye, the light or the hand, for pieces that need to stand out.
Foil printing
Metallic foil bonded onto an adhesive print for a mirror shine.
- Best on
- Fashion, launch drops
- Feel
- Smooth, mirror
Glitter
Glitter flake vinyl or ink that sparkles under light.
- Best on
- Dancewear, events, kids
- Feel
- Lightly textured
Rhinestones
Heat-set crystals placed in a pattern, from a single line to a full graphic.
- Best on
- Fashion, dance, statement pieces
- Feel
- Raised, glassy
Flocking
Short fibres bonded onto the print for a velvety, raised surface.
- Best on
- Streetwear, vintage graphics
- Feel
- Velvet
Reflective printing
Glass-bead ink or film that bounces light straight back when it hits it at night.
- Best on
- Running gear, workwear, hi-vis
- Feel
- Smooth
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Finishing
Tonal marks pressed or cut into the cloth itself, with no ink at all.
Embossing
Heat and pressure press your design into the fabric, raised or sunk, in the garment's own colour.
- Best on
- Fleece, patches, tonal branding
- Feel
- Tonal, raised
Laser cutting and etching
A laser cuts vents and perforations or etches a tonal mark into the surface.
- Best on
- Performance wear, fleece
- Feel
- Clean cut
Which finish for which garment
A quick guide we use on every brief. We confirm the right method once we see your fabric and artwork.
| Garment | Screen | DTF | Embroidery | 3D embroidery | Puff | Rubber | Reflective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts and hoodies | |||||||
| Gym and activewear | |||||||
| Fight shorts and rash guards | |||||||
| Team kits | |||||||
| Medical scrubs | |||||||
| Workwear and hi-vis | |||||||
| Uniforms and polos |
Recommended Works well Not usual
From your artwork to the finished piece
The same four checks for every logo, whatever the method.
- 01
Send the artwork
Vector files are best. A sketch or a photo of a logo is enough to start.
- 02
We match the method
We pick the technique for your fabric, colours and quantity, and explain why.
- 03
Strike-off on a sample
The finish goes onto a real garment so you can check size, colour and placement.
- 04
Bulk, checked piece by piece
Once you approve, every garment is decorated to the signed-off sample.
Questions about print and embroidery
Which print method is best for my order?
It depends on the fabric, the artwork and the quantity. Screen printing suits bold artwork on bigger runs, DTF suits full-colour art on small runs, and embroidery suits chest logos on polos, scrubs and uniforms. Send the artwork and we recommend one.
What artwork files do you need?
Vector files such as AI, PDF or SVG are best. A high-resolution PNG works for DTF and DTG. If you only have a sketch, send it and we can help prepare the file.
Can I mix techniques on one garment?
Yes. A common mix is an embroidered chest logo with a screen-printed back graphic, or a reflective strip on a printed running top.
Will I see the finish before bulk production?
Yes. Every decoration is placed on a sample first so you can check colour, size and position before we start bulk.
Do the finishes survive washing?
Each method is matched to the fabric so it holds up to normal washing. We share care instructions with your order so your customers know how to look after it.