A must know guide to avoiding pitfalls before buying printed T-shirts or hoodies
1. Heat transfer printing (sublimation)
✅ advantage
Ultra clear pattern: suitable for photos, gradients, and complex designs.
Lightweight and breathable: The print has a soft, barely noticeable feel, ensuring excellent airflow and comfort.
Strong durability: machine washed 50 times without fading (assuming polyester fabric).
❌ disadvantage
Only suitable for synthetic fabrics: Pure cotton T-shirts are prone to color fading and cracking when printed!
High temperature may cause yellowing: Light colored clothes may turn yellow after prolonged high-temperature pressing.
💡 Who is suitable for
People who like sportswear, POLO shirts and anime cartoon patterns.
2. Digital Direct Spray (DTG)
✅ advantage
Pure cotton exclusive: printed directly on cotton T, breathable and not stuffy.
No minimum order required—single-piece printing is available, making it perfect for custom and low-volume production.
Exquisite pattern: capable of printing photo level effects.
❌ disadvantage
Dark colored clothes are expensive: they require spraying a white base coat first, which is costly.
Initial color difference: The color is bright after printing, and it will slightly fade after washing a few times.
💡 Who is suitable for
Consumers who want pure cotton T-shirts with complex patterns (such as customized uniforms, commemorative shirts).
3. Screen printing
✅ advantage
Vibrant colors: Spot color ink, more eye-catching than digital printing.
Highly cost-effective for bulk orders—ideal for team uniforms, events, or group apparel.
Ultra durable: Proper washing can last for 2-3 years without shedding.
❌ disadvantage
Not suitable for small runs—typically requires a minimum of 50 pieces, making low-volume production less cost-effective.
The hand feel is relatively hard: the adhesive feeling is obvious, and large-area printing will affect comfort.
💡 Who is suitable for
Corporate group uniforms, event commemorative shirts, and monochrome logo enthusiasts.
4. Adhesive printing
✅ advantage
Strong coverage: Dark colored clothes can be printed directly without the need for a white background.
Can achieve three-dimensional effects, such as 3D thick plates and raised textures.
❌ disadvantage
Hard to the touch: It feels like a layer of rubber has been applied, and wearing it in summer may make you sweat profusely.
Easy to crack: The edges may curl up after multiple machine washes.
💡 Who is suitable for
People who like trendy brand style, street style, and thick prints.
5. Water jet printing
✅ advantage
Softest to the touch: almost seamlessly integrated with the fabric, with good breathability.
Environmental safety: Water based slurry, no irritating odor.
❌ disadvantage
Only light colored clothes can be printed: dark colored T-shirts are almost invisible!
Limited color vibrancy: Best suited for minimalist designs, but not ideal for bold or high-saturation graphics.
💡 Who is suitable for
Children’s T-shirts, minimalist enthusiasts who pursue comfort.
6. Hot stamping/silver stamping
✅ advantage
Bling bling effect: Metallic luster, suitable for trendy and holiday brands.
Upgrade level: More advanced than ordinary printing.
❌ disadvantage
Easy to lose powder: After washing a few times, the metal layer may peel off.
Not heat-resistant: Ironing can cause the print to melt or distort.
💡 Who is suitable for
Holiday gifts, concert costumes, limited edition designs.
Consumer purchasing advice
1.Look at the fabric
-Pure cotton → choose digital direct spray or water slurry.
-Polyester/Blended → Choose Heat Transfer Printing.
2. Look at the pattern:
-Complex color → heat transfer printing, digital direct printing.
-Monochrome logo → screen printing.
3. Check the budget:
-Low price mass production → screen printing.
-High end customization → digital direct spraying.
Summary of Avoiding Pits
Don’t buy pure cotton T-shirts with heat transfer printing (easy to fade!)
Do you want a soft touch? Avoid glue and hot stamping!
Water-based printing is not recommended for dark fabrics due to its low opacity, which can result in faint or washed-out prints.
Next time you buy printed clothes, remember to check the craftsmanship before placing an order! If you have any questions, please feel free to communicate in the comment section~
