What Are the Different Printing Techniques for Custom T-Shirts?
The customisable T-shirt is currently one of the most popular tools for communication and promotion. Flexible and available in many colours, it allows you to showcase your brand or commercial activities in an engaging way. It’s a simple way to drive engagement and turns every wearer into a visual ambassador for your identity.
But do you know how these custom T-shirts are made? What are the key criteria considered in their production? And what are the different garment printing techniques used to create them?
SOL'S Europe, your textile printing partner, invites you to discover the main methods used to create the T-shirt that fits your goals.
Flocking (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
Highly durable, flocking is one of the most popular textile printing techniques. It works through a heat pressure process. First, the text/logo/image is cut from a heat-adhesive material, which will bond with the fabric when heated. Using a heat press, the cutout is then transferred to the textile.
Printing a custom T-shirt using this method ensures strong durability — this is the type of printing commonly used for football jerseys.
Best for:
- Cotton and polyester fabrics
- Adding relief and texture
- Customised sports kits (football, handball, basketball, etc.)
Screen Printing
This technique is similar to stencilling, but on a larger scale. A frame representing the shape of the design is placed on the garment. Then, ink is pushed through the screen and transferred onto the fabric. This technique allows the production of large volumes at very high speed.
Best for:
- All types of fabrics
- Large-scale production
- Bright and solid colours
Digital Printing
This is one of the most rapidly evolving techniques, rich in innovation. It works much like traditional paper printing. Using a type of inkjet printer designed for textiles, the ink is applied directly onto the fabric. The ink penetrates the fibres, ensuring excellent durability.