A cotton-polyester blend is a fabric made by combining cotton and polyester fibers. Manufacturers can vary the proportions of cotton and polyester or even blend with another fiber to achieve certain desirable characteristics.

Cotton and polyester are two popular fibers in the textile industry and are known for their seaming opposite qualities – one is natural and one is synthetic. In an attempt to create a material that combines all the benefits of each material and balances their unfavorable characteristics.

The mix of cotton and polyester brings out the best characteristics of each fiber. Cotton polyester blends are soft, breathable, moisture-absorbent like cotton, and at the same time, inherit the durability and wrinkle resistance from polyester.

Cotton polyester blend’s composition and ratio

Cotton-polyester blends are available in various ratios, each offering different characteristics in terms of comfort, durability, and performance.

The choice of blend ratio depends on the specific requirements of the application and the desired balance between the characteristics of cotton and polyester. For example, higher polyester percentages increase durability and wrinkle resistance but may reduce breathability and softness. Conversely, higher cotton percentages enhance softness and breathability but may decrease durability and wrinkle resistance.

Manufacturers select blend ratios based on the intended use of the fabric, considering factors such as comfort, performance, cost, and ease of care. It’s essential for consumers to be aware of these ratios when choosing clothing or textiles to ensure that the fabric meets their preferences and needs.

Here are some popular cotton-polyester blend ratios used in the textile industry:

50% Polyester, 50% Cotton

This is the most popular cotton polyester blend ratio for clothing. It offers a balanced blend that combines strengths from both fibers – the softness and breathability of cotton and the durability of polyester. 50% polyester/50% cotton fabrics are commonly used to make T-shirts, sweatshirts, and bed linens.

60% Polyester, 40% Cotton

The ratio of 60/40 between polyester and cotton creates a blend that balances durability and comfort, with a slight emphasis on durability. This cotton polyester blend, therefore, is often used in sportswear, work uniforms, or casual fashion.

65% Polyester, 35% Cotton

The higher percentage of polyester enhances durability, wrinkle resistance, and color retention.

Cotton’s share provides a softer feel and improved breathability which are absent in pure polyester fabrics. This blend leans more toward the durability side, which makes it suitable for casual wear, workwear, or uniforms.

65% Cotton, 35% Polyester

A 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester blend emphasizes the natural feel of cotton with added durability from polyester. This blend increased comfort and breathability while maintaining some wrinkle resistance. It is suitable for a wide variety of applications from casual wear to home textiles.

80% Cotton, 20% Polyester

With cotton taking the majority of the proportion, this blend leans more toward the breathability and soft side. At the same time, it demonstrates enhanced durability and wrinkle resistance if compared to the 100% cotton fabric.

As it focuses more on providing a natural and comfortable feeling, this type of fabric is preferred when it comes to making sleepwear, casual wear, or summer clothing.

Pros of Cotton Polyester Blends

The cotton polyester blend brings the best of both cotton and polyester to the fashion table, offering a winning combination that designers and wearers alike can’t get enough of.

Now, let’s dive into the world of cotton-polyester blends and find out what are the charms of this material and how they became so popular in the textile industry.

Comfort and Breathability

The softness of cotton, coupled with breathability will keep you cool and chill on a hot summer day. Cotton-polyester blends strike the perfect balance between comfort and practicality, ensuring that your favorite tee or casual wear doesn’t just look neat and wrinkle-free but feels like a soft hug. Fashion designers love playing with these blends to create garments that offer maximum comfort without sacrificing style.

Durability and Strength

Have you ever experienced panic when your favorite shirt succumbs to the harshness of everyday wear or your washing machine cycle? With cotton polyester blends, you won’t have to worry about such things. With the addition of polyester, the material becomes stronger and more resistant to all wear and tear.

This is also why cotton polyester blends are widely used for sportswear or work uniforms. They are comfortable enough to make the toughest workout or activities feel more tolerable, at the same time, they are robust and tough enough to endure the daily grind with ease.

Wrinkle Resistance

With pure cotton materials, you might have to make a tradeoff between feeling comfortable and looking sharp and flawless because cotton fabric tends to wrinkle easily. No matter how carefully you iron your cotton clothes, it will quickly crease and rumple in just a short time.

But when polyester enters the mix, its resilience and ability to fight off wrinkles will enhance the look of cotton polyester blends, and keep it smooth all day.

Easy Care

Have you ever wondered why cotton, despite all its great qualities, is not that popular in the modern apparel industry, especially for casual wear? One reason is that cotton is high-maintenance. But with cotton polyester blends, you can still enjoy the benefits of soft and breathable cotton but don’t have to pay too much attention to take care of the garment.

You can simply toss your cotton polyester pieces into the washing machine and it comes out just the same. That’s when you can feel the joy of having clothes that demand minimal fuss and still look fantastic!

Color Retention

Polyester in the blend acts as a keeper of colors, ensuring the fabric colors stay undamaged over time. Its ability to retain colors also makes it easy to care. Despite all the wear and tear, it can retain the original colors and look fresh like new.

Affordability

Quality meets budget-friendly – that’s the magic of cotton-polyester blends. Polyesters are more affordable than cotton. By blending polyesters with cotton, you can lower the cost of fabric production. The higher the percentage of polyester, the more affordable the fabric is.

The lower price point for materials allows designers and brand owners to reduce the price of their products and increase their competitiveness.

Apparel Versatility

Cotton-polyester blends are the chameleons of the fashion world. From comfortable casual wear, and breathable activewear, to durable workwear, these blends can effortlessly adapt to various styles and service different purposes.

With such a highly versatile material, fashion designers can create garments for different settings and occasions.

Cotton-polyester blends are the magic material that makes our clothes not just fashionable but also functional, offering a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and style. So, next time you slip into your favorite tee or throw on that versatile dress, remember – it’s probably a cotton-polyester blend, working its magic to make you look and feel fantastic!

Cons of Polyester blends

Potential Shrinkage

Imagine this: You find the perfect tee, it fits like a dream, and then it shrinks after a wash! The potential for shrinkage is a common con of cotton-polyester blends, especially if they’re not treated with care.

To avoid this nightmare, you can opt for blends with pre-shrunk or pre-treated labels. Always check the care instructions and, when in doubt, wash in cold water and air dry.

Impact on the Environment

Polyester, being a synthetic fiber derived from petrochemicals, takes a long long time to resolve. This material is not considered an environmentally friendly fabric.

Cotton polyester blends even though aren’t entirely green, it is still a better option compared to pure polyester materials.

One way you can lower the impact of cotton polyester blends on the environment is to choose blends made from recycled polyester or consider supporting sustainable fashion brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. When making mindful choices, you are casting a vote for a greener planet.

What is cotton polyester blends used for?

Cotton polyester blends are the rising star of the textiles industry. This dynamic duo isn’t just dominating your apparel market but also penetrating the home decoration section.

1. Bedding

Cotton polyester blends are widely used to make bedding products like bed sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and duvet covers. The blend’s breathability (courtesy of cotton) meets the durability (thanks to polyester), creating bedding that’s a dream to sleep in and easy to care for. With cotton polyester blend bedding, you can say bye to wrinkled sheets and enjoy a comfortable, soft, and crease-free bed.

2. Curtains and Upholstery:

Other than the bedroom area, cotton polyester blends can also be found in other spaces within your home. It can be used to make curtains, drapes, sofa covers, etc.

Fully polyester is highly resilient and durable. However, polyester may have a shinier or less natural appearance, or even be cheaply made sometimes. Natural fiber materials are preferred for home decoration products.

With cotton polyester materials, you can get durable yet soft and elegant. They resist wrinkles, withstand everyday wear, and offer a touch of refinement to your living spaces. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean, making your home both stylish and low-maintenance.

3. Casual Wear:

This category is where cotton polyester shines. It offers a more durable, low-maintenance alternative to the famous cotton materials. At the same time, it still retains much-likable characteristics like softness and breathability, making your favorite pieces withstand the rigors of daily wear while keeping you feeling at ease.

4. Sportswear:

Cotton or polyester alone is not ideal for sportswear. Cotton isn’t strong enough to endure all the high-intensity workouts or frequent washing. Polyester is durable but it doesn’t absorb moisture well, and blocks the airflow, making it irritating, especially during extensive workouts.

That’s why you often see mostly polyester blends used in sportswear. It could be polyester spandex blends or polyester-cotton blends. These types of blends offer better moisture management and durability. The result is sportswear that supports your active lifestyle without sacrificing comfort.

5. Workwear

What makes a great workwear? Workwear doesn’t require excellent looks. However, it should be first, highly durable and robust, and secondly, comfortable enough to get through the whole day. Another plus is low maintenance. And cotton polyester blends are the perfect option that meets all the above criteria.

Tips for polyester blends care

Cotton-poly’s low maintenance makes it a go-to option for many customers. However, it still requires proper care to keep the fabric in its best condition.

Tips for washing and drying:

• Wash with cool water/Use a gentle cycle setting for washing

Polyester isn’t made to endure hot water. And harsh cycle might cause the fabric to pill up. So you should opt for cool water and a gentle cycle to keep your blend happy.

• Separate colors, always. Cotton poly fabric isn’t immune to color bleeding. Make sure to separate your light and dark clothes before putting them in the laundry.

Tips for stain removal: 

• Remove stains as fast as possible. Stains are like uninvited guests – the sooner you deal with them, the better. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or towel, then treat it with a stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and water.

Tips for ironing:

• Use low heat setting: Polyester is sensitive to high heat. Keep it cool to avoid a meltdown afterward. Set your iron to a low or medium heat setting only!
• Use a steamer to remove wrinkles. Polyester loves a bit of steam. It helps relax the fibers and smooth out the wrinkles.

Remember, caring for your polyester-cotton blend is like tending to a garden – a little love, attention, and the right tricks make all the difference. Your blend will reward you with lasting softness, vibrant colors, and wrinkle-free adventures.

The post Cotton Polyester Blend Explained: Pros, Cons, Applications appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

Now, let’s travel into the world of hoodies and discover the uniqueness and beauty of hoodies.

Style

Even with a simple item like a hoodie, you can still leverage your fashion by simply twisting the hoodie style. By playing around with different hoodie styles, you will know how versatile and stylish hoodies can be.

Pullover hoodie

Pullover hoodie, the most popular type of hoodie, is somewhat the equivalent of hoodie for many. It is a hoodie in its simplest form, with no zipper, no button, just a sweater with a hood to cover the head.

Of course, pullover hoodies really deserve their irreplaceable place in everyone’s wardrobe. They are super convenient to wear, taking no more than 2 seconds to get ready. Whenever in doubt, you can just pull it in and sprint out of the house.

More than just convenient wear, hoodies also check the box for being stylish. With their sleek and simple look, hoodies can go with different aesthetics. From casual, and sporty to even formal ones, they complement them very well.

Pull-over hoodies are the classic options that can deliver everything you would ever ask for a hoodie – comfort, style, and coziness.

If you are planning to open a hoodie-selling business, the pull-over hoodie is a must-have in your store. This, without a doubt, will be one of the most in-demand products in your store.

Zip-up hoodie

Zip-up hoodie is a variation of the standard hoodie that features a full-length zipper up front. This design allows an easy on-and-off, making it easy to adjust to different temperatures or weather conditions. For example, when it’s cold in the morning, you can grab a zip-up hoodie. When it’s getting warmer later on, you can take it off or partially unzip the hoodie.

Zip-up hoodies are particularly popular in athletic and sports settings as it is perfect for transitioning between pre-workout, actual workout, and post-workout.

In terms of style, zip-up hoodies are open for more ways of styling – you can adjust the zipper to your preference. With the zip-up opening, it allows you to show up the layering underneath – a bold graphic T-shirt, a stylish button-down, or a classy polo. It is a great option for styling and layering your clothes.

In the market, there are also a few variations of the zip-up hoodie, which provides more unique options for your hoodie wardrobe, for example half-zip hoodie or a full-zip-up hoodie. These unique designs can add a twist to your outfit and elevate the style in a way like never before.

Cropped hoodie

A cropped hoodie is a trendy and playful and trendy rendition of the classic hoodie that will give your outfit a refresh. The cropped silhouette makes the hoodie look more youthful and sporty,  as well as enhances your outfit’s proportion.

This type of hoodie is more popular among the younger generation. Cropped hoodies are both casual and flattering, which match perfectly with the trendy athleisure fashion. This versatile item can be paired with high-waisted bottoms, skirts, or any other layering pieces, offering countless opportunities to mix and match.

It is also a must-have item to add to your clothing line if you are inspired to build a streetwear or sports apparel clothing line.

Tunic hoodie

In contrast to the cropped hoodies, we have the tunic hoodie which is the longer version of the standard hoodie. The added length provides extra comfort and warmth on the colder days.

With its distinctive silhouette, the tunic hoodie delivers some unique opportunities for your casual fashion. At the same time, this hoodie is also suitable for sleepwear. You can just combine this with a comfortable legging or shorts to wear inside the house – this is the perfect formula for a comfy indoor outfit.

The longer version of the hoodie is also called a hoodie dress. The hoodie dress version is the perfect addition to your Women’s clothing category. With this option, your female customers can enjoy a combination of comfort and style.

It is a go-to item for every woman whenever she feels like wearing something feminine but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort and coziness. A hoodie dress can keep them cozy and comfortable while still looking stylish in an elongated form.

Short sleeve/Sleeveless hoodie

Who says that hoodies aren’t for summer? Short-sleeve and sleeveless hoodies are made specifically for the hotter weather or the transitional season.

Without the full-length sleeves, short-sleeve and sleeveless hoodies feel more comfortable and breathable, making them suitable to wear when the weather is warmer. Plus, it is particularly preferable to wear during gym sessions and workouts for its open and easy-for-movement designs.

The short sleeve or sleeveless design also offers wearers an opportunity to show up their tough muscles. Overall, it is a perfect athleisure item that is both comfortable and stylish to wear.

Decoration

Other than switching between different hoodie styles, hoodie lovers are also provided with different types of hoodie decoration to diversify their hoodie collection.

Plain Hoodie

A plain hoodie is a simple and unadorned version of a hoodie. Even though their designs seem straightforward and basic, these basic hoodies are super versatile. They make the perfect canvas from which you can build up your outfit. Whether you want to dress up or dress down, a simple plain hoodie can do it for you.

Don’t underestimate the power of a plain hoodie. Even when there is nothing much going on with the decoration, you will have to ponder a lot to pick out a color as these hoodies can come in all sorts of colors, or sometimes, a combination of a few!

Graphic Hoodie

Graphic hoodie is the centerpiece of the hoodie fashion. They are particularly popular in streetwear fashion.  Compared to the classic basic hoodie, a graphic hoodie not only looks better but also has more characters to it.

With graphic hoodies, you can add unique designs, patterns, images, or even texts to make it different from others. In terms of style, graphic hoodies can make a good fashion statement piece for your outfit with their visually striking and attention-grabbing design.

These unique additions allow not only designers but also the wearer to express their personal styles, interests, or beliefs. Through the graphic hoodie that you wear, you can show your personality and creativity.

This also is where the money lies. If you want to sell a hoodie, the market for graphic hoodies is where you can sneak in. To be fair, it is unimaginably hard to compete with other competitors if you only sell plain hoodies. To stand out and set yourself apart from others, you can create a beautiful graphic hoodie.

From the standpoint of a brand owner, graphic hoodies are the perfect canvas to incorporate their logo or brand elements. A lot of big fashion brands are offering this type of graphic hoodie. This is possibly the best way to build your brand with graphic hoodie designs.

All-over print hoodie

The opposite of a plain hoodie is definitely the all-over print version. With an all-over print hoodie, you can print all over the garment, even the hood, sleeves, or waistband.

With this hoodie decoration type, you can go overboard and create insanely stunning designs that look like no others. There is no limitation to what you can do with the all-over print design. It could be geometric patterns, surrealist designs, abstract art,

For customers, these intricately designed all-over print hoodies serve as the focal point of their outfits, allowing them to create a bold and impressive look.

There is no denying that all-over print hoodies have a huge commercial potential. Still, there are a few downsides that you might have to consider before deciding to sell an all-over print hoodie:

• High cost of production: Unlike the regular graphic hoodie that you can make by simply printing on a ready-made blank hoodie, an all-over print hoodie requires you to build it from scratch. In other words, you will have to print the design into the garment and then cut and sew the fabric into a hoodie. These processes require a longer process and cost much higher cost.
• Higher polyester fabric content: All-over print hoodies are made with sublimation printing technology. This specific printing technique includes exposure to high-temperature. Under this condition, materials with high natural fiber content couldn’t last. That’s why most all-over print hoodies are made with higher polyester fabric content. This type of material is more durable but at the same time less comfortable and breathable, compared to other cotton types.

Embroidered hoodie

If you want something bold and striking that captures attention from all directions, an embroidered hoodie might not be as good an option as a graphic one. However, if you want to create something unique, simple yet elegant, and tasteful, then embroidered hoodies are what you go for!

Compared to traditional printing, embroidery is much more expensive. It also takes more time and effort to make. But in return, you will get intricate, simplistic, and beautiful embroidery designs that instantly elevate the hoodie and make it worth more.

Embroidery carries a sense of delicacy and professionalism, which makes it qualified for formal settings as well. Embroidered hoodies are great for work attire, team uniforms, corporate merch, or promotional goods.

Besides, the customized embroidered hoodies with their exquisite details also make a thoughtful gift to loved ones. Embroidered names, dates, or even special messages can turn a simple hoodie into a meaningful lasting keepsake.

Fit

Fit is also an important criterion for many customers when choosing the right hoodie. Different fits will change the look of an outfit entirely. Here are the three popular fits for hoodie:

• Classic fit Hoodie: This is the classic, most common form of hoodie for everyday fashion. The classic fit offers a relaxed silhouette that looks simple and flattering. A classic fit hoodie is also easy to layer over a t-shirt or a button-down and match with all different types of bottoms.
• Slim-fit hoodie: Slim-fit hoodie is tailored for a closer fit to the body, creating a modern and neat appearance. With a slimmer fit, this type of hoodie doesn’t add up too much volume and is perfect to wear under winter jackets.
• Oversized Hoodie: Oversized hoodie is characterized by a loose, relaxed fit, often chosen for a casual and comfortable style. They are also a great option for plus-size people.
• Athletic Hoodie: Athletic hoodies are designed to maximize comfort and breathability – two important factors when it comes to sporty clothing. This specific fit looks slim, yet offers generous shoulder and chest rooms to create an optimal, stretchy design that is suitable for heavy exercise and physical activity.

Materials

Hoodies come in various materials, and each material comes with its unique characteristics. Let’s explore the different types of hoodies in terms of materials:

• Cotton hoodie: Cotton is soft, comfortable, and moisture-wicking, which makes it an ideal material for a daily wear item like a hoodie. For hoodies, heavyweight cottons are usually selected to match the weather conditions.
• Fleece hoodie: Hoodies with fleece inner are great companions for the cold weather. The soft and warm fleece adds insulation and comfort for wearers and helps them through the cold.
• Sherpa-lined Hoodie: A Sherpa-lined hoodie is quite similar to fleece hoodies but with extra coziness and comfort thanks to the plush sherpa lining.
• Polyester hoodie: This material offers incredible durability and wrinkle resistance. They are also great materials for all-over print sublimation printing. Polyester blends are also commonly used for performance, sporty hoodies thanks to their great quality.

Each variant of hoodie adds a unique touch to your wardrobe. By understanding the versatility and individual characteristics of these different types of hoodies, you can curate a collection that not only keeps you comfortable but also expresses your personal style. Embrace the diversity, experiment with various fits, fabrics, and styles, and let your hoodie collection tell a story as unique as you are.

The post Explore Different Types of Hoodies for All Styles and Occasions appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

In this post, Merchize will provide you with a complete guide on how to start an embroidery business.

Choose your embroidery business model

DIY Embroidery

Hand embroidery provides top-notch quality, unique design, and exquisite feel to your products. But it is clearly not mass-production-friendly. If you are targeting just the average customers looking for some decent quality but not necessarily one-the-kind embroidery, you should look at the other ways to make embroidery products.

Modern embroidery machine offers a quick solution for mass production of embroidery products. Depending on the budget, you can find an embroidery production solution that matches your requirements

Home Embroidery

With a large budget to spare, you can think about buying embroidery machines to support the production of your embroidery products. With a proper embroidery setup, you can handle orders from your own home.

The biggest challenge of this method is the hefty price of buying your embroidery machine. The price can range from less than $400 up to $20,000.

Of course, if you have a large volume of products with intricate designs, a powerful commercial embroidery machine is required. And these types of professional embroidery embroidery machines will cost no less than $10,000, which is a huge number for a new, small business.

Outsourced production/print on demand

If your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase an embroidery machine, don’t worry. You can either outsource production from an embroidery manufacturer. This option requires a lower initial investment and a stress-free production.

Even better, with print on demand embroidery, you don’t even have to pay upfront. Unlike when you work with a manufacturer, print on demand embroidery companies require no minimum quantity order required. It also means that you have the ability to deliver personalized products for individual customers. With this option, you can start as small as possible.

Moreover, it gives you more time and space to take care of other important aspects of your business, like marketing, market research, customer services, and product design.

Find your niches

If you ever asked any experienced business owners about the secret to a successful business, there is a good chance that you will get this answer: Find your niche!

Yes. Targeting the right niche is extremely important, especially when it comes to e-commerce businesses where customers are empowered to find everything they need online. The online marketplace gives customers more options than ever before. You won’t be able to compete with other competitors if you sell only generic products that everyone else is selling.

By focusing on one small niche, you can lower the competition and differentiate yourself from other competitors.

The same can be applied to the market for embroidery products. On Etsy – the number one marketplace for crafty products like embroidery, if you search the keyword “embroidery”, you will get nearly 2 million active listings. There is nearly no chance for your newly launched business to get to the first result pages with this broad keyword and generic “Your text here” type of design.

But if you start with something more specific, embroidered hats for mom, or funny embroidered hats, you have a higher chance of getting on the first pages and reaching more customers.

If you want to check for new niches, here are a few places where you can research new potential embroidery niches:

• Redbuddle
• Etsy
• Amazon

Other than these popular marketplaces where you can find millions of designs from across all possible niches, there are also effective research tools that allow you to quickly analyze competitors and estimate the competition in specific niches. You can read our guide for more specific tips for in-depth, thorough product research.

Select products to sell

After determining the niches you want to dive into, it’s time to reckon what products are the best matches to sell in your niches.

Start with some popular products

To begin with, you can always start with popular embroidered products like hoodies, sweaters, hats, or totes. Regardless of what niche you are in, these products can be profitable. These products are easy to make with embroidery machines and are in great demand. Most embroidery manufacturers are offering all of these products.

Diverse your products

Don’t just limit your product range to these common products. You can extend your catalog with less popular products that match your niches.

For example, with baking niches, you can try with an embroidered apron. Or if you are working on the schools/students niche, products like backpacks should definitely be on your list. These are just a few simple examples. In reality, depending on the demand in your niche, you can select products that fit.

Another direction for your product research is to find products with specific styles and functions that match the tastes and preferences of your customers.

Take hats for example. Instead of going for a standard, regular cap, you can pick different styles of hats. Your target customers are people who love fishing. How about a rugged and well-regulated trucker cap? Or if you want to sell products to cyclists, cool robust embroidered jackets would be a great option.

Seek quality products

What makes embroidered products special than other regular printed alternatives is the feel of premium and delicacy. Generally, customers have higher expectations when it comes to embroidered products. To keep up with their standards, you must put quality first on the criteria list for your product research.

It should also be noted that for the embroidery to look as great as possible, the product material quality is very important. Higher quality, thicker, and more durable materials are what you should look for. On the other hand, thin and flimsy materials are made to withstand the tension of the embroidery process.

Create and turn your design into actual products

This step is where all the fun goes: Create the designs that your customers would love and transfer them into the beautiful embroidery on the real products.

Compared to the regular printing, the embroidery process is much more complicated. Depending on the embroidery technique and machines, there will be some slight differences during the process.

For example, with traditional embroidery, there might be limited in terms of colors and design complexity. However, with more advanced embroidery machines, you will have more space to show your creativity with complex and colorful designs.

Despite all the challenges, this is the most important stage that decides whether the final products are good. Now, let’s see how you can create the most stunning embroidery designs and turn them into actual products.

Find ideas

All good designs come from good ideas. Ideas can come from anywhere. However, if you want to create a design that really sells, it is a must to look at the best-selling designs in the market.

Once you decide what niches you want to focus on, the next step is to dive into the given niches and identify hot designs, analyzing what makes these designs appeal to customers and how you can apply these factors to your own designs.

In the beginning, let’s just focus on creating designs that:

1, are aligned with your niches.

2, incorporate factors from best-selling designs in the market.

After enough experience with the market, you might want to experience more unique and original ideas. But first, let’s just play safe and follow what has been proven successful.

Read our guide to know to learn how to create embroidery designs step by step.

Pick where to put your designs

A great part about embroidery is that you have more freedom to choose where to put your embroidery.

With traditional printing techniques, there are certain limitations in where you can put your prints. Normally, you can only print designs on the front or the back. But with embroidery, you can decorate not only the front and back but also around the collar, on the sleeve, or hems. The reason is that embroidery is more durable it can endure all the extra stretch or movement regardless of the placement.

You can add some twists to your products just by playing with the placement of your embroidery designs. For regular top clothing items, here are a few popular embroidery placements for you to try:

• Center front, center back: Bigger, bolder design
• Right chest, left chest: Smaller designs or logos
• Around collar: Short text with elegant fonts
• Sleeves: Small designs or texts
• Above the waistband/bottom hem: Short text with elegant fonts

Prepare your file

For the embroidery machine to read and process an image, it needs to be converted into a proper format which is completely different than the regular file formats that we used for printing.

Typical printing techniques usually require graphic design files in either raster or vector formats like JPEG, PNG, or SVG. However, embroidery machines can’t process such types and require specific file formats, such as DST (Tajima) or PES (Brother).

Other than the images, these files include special stitching information necessary for the embroidery machine to recreate the design with threads, for example, stitch types, colors, density, and other parameters.

Here’s how you can convert your regular graphic design file into an embroidery-compatible format:

• Open your design file with digitalization software:

There is a special software designed for converting regular graphic designs into embroidery files. You can try popular digitalization software like Wilcom, Embird, Pulse, SewArt, etc. Some embroidery machine also provides special software for creating embroidery design files.

Each software will operate differently to create an embroidery file. Depending on the software you choose, you can create a file accordingly. The detailed steps might be different but all of these software share a similar process as follows

• Import a high-quality graphic design file, preferably in vector formats like SVG or AI. Other formats like JPEG or PNG are still acceptable.
• Trace the graphics:

The next step is to trace the designs based on the original graphic to convert them into stitches. Use all the tools and features on the software to manually trace the design. Some software are built with automatic tracing features that allow a faster and more efficient process.

• Set embroidery parameters:

After tracing the designs, it’s time to set the parameters of the embroidery, which could be:

– Stitch types: You can choose to use fill stitches, satin stitches, running stitches, etc for specific parts of the design.

– Stitch density: It is advisable to set the stitch density depending on the materials. Basically, thicker and higher-quality materials can withstand higher-density stitches. If your material is pretty light and thin, you should lower the stitch density.

– Thread colors: Unlike printing, a normal embroidery machine wouldn’t be able to print or embroider all colors. Depending on the available stitch colors and the machine’s stitch number, you choose the thread colors and the number of colors for your designs. The less colors, the more convenient and time-saving.

– Optimize stitching sequence: With this step, you have to decide the sequence in which the embroidery design will be embroidered. It’s important to arrange an optimal sequence that minimizes unnecessary jumps, trims, and thread changes.

– Size: Last but not least, you should also pay attention to the size of your design. With embroidery design, you will have to consider the space economics very carefully. First, the design shouldn’t be too large. A large embroidery can alternate the softness of the materials. Also, your embroidery should aligned with the frame size of the embroidery machine.

On the other hand, the size of your designs should be too small and include thin and intricate lines and details, or else, it might cause a loss of details, distorted images, and illegible text

• Save as embroidery file:

After reviewing your embroidery design file, you can save your embroidery design, transfer the file to the embroidery machine, and start embroidering.

Promote your embroidery products

Once your designs are embroidered, the next step is to promote the products to the right audience and convince them to buy from you. The process of promotion can be very complicated and requires a whole lot of experience to figure out the most efficient way to acquire customers. Still, everything all boils down to these core steps:

1- Prepare stunning product images and videos

2- Identify your target audience

3- Select the right platform to promote your products

4- Decide your marketing budget

5- Figure out the best type of advertisement for your products

6- Design initiatives to increase conversion and retention

The post How To Start an Embroidery Business appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

1. Screen Printing vs Vinyl printing: What are these printing techniques?

To fully understand how these two options fare against each other, it is important to have a grasp of how these two printing techniques work.

Screen printing

Screen printing is arguably one of the oldest printing techniques in the world. This printing technique is somewhat similar to stencil printing, with a small twist: Instead of direct application, screen printing uses a stencil screen made of fine mesh.

This stencil is often made of a light-sensitive emulsion that hardens when exposed to light, leaving open areas for ink to pass through. When you apply the ink onto the stencil screen, the ink will pass through and be printed into the fabric.

With this technique, if your design has multiple colors, each color is applied one at a time using a different screen.

Finally, after all the colors are added, the ink is cured or dried, making it permanent on the material.

It’s a versatile and time-tested technique suitable for various surfaces, from fabrics to paper and even metal.

>>> Also read: Screen Printing Vs. Embroidery: Which is Right for You?

Vinyl printing

Vinyl printing works differently from screen printing. You won’t directly apply the ink into the fabric. Instead, the designs will be printed into a vinyl sheet and cut out using a computer-controlled blade, providing a super precise cut design. Next, the excess vinyl that is not a part of your design is peeled away, leaving only your actual design on a sticky backing.

To transfer the design into the fabric, what you need to do is to apply a transfer tape over your design. It’s like a temporary carrier that helps move your design from the backing to the final surface.

Now, you can place the transfer tape onto the surface you want to print on. From here, the print will be heatpressed into the material. After the heat pressing, the transfer tape will be removed, and the design will stick to the fabric, leaving the beautiful print as you wish.

2. What are the differences between screen printing and vinyl printing?

Finding the best type of T-shirt printing is an important issue to consider when you just start your T-shirt clothing line. In the following, we will dive into the pros and cons, and differences between screen printing and vinyl printing.

Print Quality

The biggest concern when it comes to choosing the printing technique is the print quality. Of course, to deliver the best product that makes your customers happy, you would prefer the printing technique that delivers the best results.

Screen printing typically results in a smooth and soft finish, especially when water-based inks are used on fabric. On the other hand, the ink is absorbed into the fabric or surface, creating a seamless feel with the material. The hand feel is often comfortable and breathable.

On the other hand, vinyl printing can have a slightly different feel as the design is essentially a layer on top of the material.

Depending on the thickness of the vinyl and the type of material it’s applied to, vinyl printing may have a more noticeable texture compared to screen printing.

Color and Finish

Both techniques can deliver vibrantly colored prints. However, for screen printing, there is a limit on the number of colors for each design. If you want to print colorful designs with many different colors, vinyl printing can be a better option.

With vinyl printing, you can print all different colors into the vinyl at once, making it easier to transfer multiple color designs onto the surface.

Versatility

Screen printing is highly versatile and can be applied to various surfaces, including fabric, paper, metal, and plastic. But when it comes to vinyl printing, it is only ideal to apply on smooth surfaces like clothing, glass, posters, and many others. Due to its easy process, vinyl printing can be widely used for outdoor applications like outdoor signs, windows, cars, etc.

Both of these two printing techniques are highly versatile and can be applicable for printing on clothing, especially on T-shirts.

Durability

Besides the color vibrancy and level of detail, durability is another important factor that determines the quality of the print. When it comes to durability, both of these methods can hold their ground excellently.

However, there might be a slight difference between screen printing and vinyl printing.

Vinyl is heat-transferred onto the fabric using a heat press, creating a strong bond between the ink and the fabric. This adhesion is durable and can withstand regular wear and washing.

In normal conditions, vinyl print is flexible and can adapt to the stretch and movement of the fabric. However, excessive stretching may lead to cracking over time, especially if the design covers a large area or is on high-stress points.

It means that the vinyl printing can last as long as you don’t stretch the fabric or use a harsh cycle of the washer or dryer. With proper care and usage, vinyl prints can remain intact for a long time.

Screen printing might perform slightly better than vinyl printing when it comes to durability. With this printing method, the ink is absorbed into the fabric fibers, creating a seamless bond and ensuring that the print will last.

Moreover, the screen prints are quite light and highly flexible on fabric, which enables the print to withstand excessive stretching without cracking. You won’t have to stress about how to properly take care of the screen-printed T-shirts. Feel free to toss vinyl-printed clothes into the washer as they can endure numerous wash cycles without losing their colors or integrity!

Cost

After considering the quality aspect of the product, it’s time to return to the business side and address one of the most important issues: Which printing technique is more affordable?

The answer depends. If you want to print large quantities, screen printing is considered the most cost-effective option. For smaller orders, the initial setup cost along with the labor cost required for starting screen printing will spike up the total production cost.

On the other hand, vinyl printing requires a minimum setup which is very friendly to small quantity orders.

For small businesses with limited resources, we recommend vinyl printing. But as you are growing in scale, you might consider switching to screen printing to maximize the production cost and increase the profit margin.

Design Complexity

The printing quality can vary depending on whether the design is simple or complicated. A complex design with intricate details can be a challenge for certain printing techniques to portray.

Screen printing might be slightly slack behind vinyl printing when it comes to handling tricky designs. If your designs feature complicated details or color gradients, it is recommended to go with vinyl printing.

Customization

Both printing options can adapt to customization orders. However, in this aspect, it is the vinyl printing that has an upper hand over screen printing, especially with a small custom order.

And if you are selling personalized products, screen printing is the last option you could think of. Just a small change in design will require replacing a completely new screen. It would be super complicated and costly to customize to a single-item order.

On the other hand, vinyl printing would handle personalized orders like a breeze.

Environmental Impact

Customers are becoming more and more aware of the ecological footprint of their buying decisions. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure each choice in the process is made with environmental impact in mind. It also includes the choice of which printing technique to use.

In this aspect, screen printing is considered the less environmentally friendly option. During the printing process, there is a step called reclamation during which a huge amount of fresh water is used for cleaning the screen to create the screen for printing.

This process not only consumes fresh water but also turns fresh water into wastewater. The cleaning will release pollutants and leave hazardous wastewater that will go into the environment.

This type of manufacturing wastewater requires a strict and complicated process before being released into the environment. Not all manufacturers can assure to follow the same process and assure that there is no unsafe wastewater to be dumped into the environment.

If you care about the environmental impact, you can change to vinyl printing. Vinyl printing doesn’t require water or chemical elements to process. It is a safer and cleaner way to print your designs.

Maintenance

Both of these options are considered easy to maintain. To keep the printing last as long as possible, it is recommended to keep all the proper maintenance.

To make sure the print lasts, firstly, remember to wash the clothes with mild detergent and avoid using chlorine bleach.

In addition, to keep the fabric and print quality, you must carefully wash the clothes with cold water. And it is better to wash the clothes inside out.

3. Conclusion

In the end, choosing between screen printing and vinyl printing hinges on your specific needs. If you value durability, cost-effectiveness in bulk, and suitability for fabric, screen printing might be your choice. On the other hand, for intricate designs, smaller quantities, and outdoor applications, vinyl printing emerges as the winner.

Ultimately, understanding the nuances of each method and aligning them with your printing requirements will lead to a decision that best serves your purpose. So, whether it’s bringing your brand to life on a T-shirt or creating striking stickers for your business, the choice between screen printing and vinyl printing lies in the details that matter most to you.

The post Screen Printing vs. Vinyl Printing: Choosing the Perfect Print Method appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

What is a Tri-blend shirt?

Tri-blend is a type of blend fabric that combines cotton, polyester, and rayon. The composition is usually 50% cotton – 25% polyester – 25% rayon. The exact ratio might be different based on each manufacturer and the purpose of the material.

This type of material offers excellent softness and at the same time, remains extremely lightweight and durable. These outstanding feature of tri-blend fabric makes it the ideal material for making a casual day-to-day t-shirt.

Pros and Cons of Tri-blend Shirt

In order to have a better understanding of this type of material, let’s break down each gradient that builds up tri-blend fabric:

• Cotton: Cotton usually contributes to the largest portion, making up to half of the composition. This natural fiber is known for offering outstanding breathability and super softness.
• Polyester: Polyester is also a material in textile making. Polyester’s most favorable attributes are its durability and wrinkle-free nature.
• Rayon: Rayon is a less popular material in the apparel industry, if compared to cotton or polyester. This particular textile was first invented as an alternative to silk. As a result, it inherits qualities like flexibility, flowiness, and softness.

And when we combine all these three ingredients, what we get is a fabric that is soft, moisture-wicking, elastic yet durable and flowy.

Here are all the benefits of tri-blend T-shirts:

• Highly comfortable, lightweight, and breathable: As cotton makes up for a large composition proportion of tri-blend, quality like softness and breathability are also the main attributes of tri-blend shirts. This component is why tri-blend shirts are super comfortable to wear.
• Besides, thanks to the addition of polyester, tri-blend shirts are also very strong and durable, which makes them last longer even after tear and wear.
• The last component of tri-blend material, rayon, has completed the formula and allowed the fabric to be stretchy and flexible. It softens the materials and makes them feel more flowy and gentle on the skin. These qualities are critical for textiles used in activewear or sportswear. It is the perfect material to choose for your gym routine or outdoor activities.
• Another peak of the tri-blend material is its easy-to-care-for nature. Unlike pure cotton, the types of blend fabrics are more resistant to the twig and twirl of regular washing cycles. You can just toss it into the washing machine and let the machine do the work.
• It should also be mentioned that the fabric not only retains its forms but also holds up colors very well. Even with all the washing, the colors of the fabric still look fresh and new.

However, there are still some minor disadvantages of this material:

• All the favorable qualities of tri-blend fabrics come at a price, literally. These particular materials are generally more expensive than 100% cotton or other blend types.
• Tri-blend fabrics are more prone to pilling. The more polyester content, the more likely for tri-blend shirts to pill.

>>> Also read: Best Shirt Material: How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Fabric?

How to Print on tri-blends

As mentioned above, not all printing techniques can apply to tri-blend. In the following part, we will dig into what types of printing are recommended for tri-blend fabrics and why:

Recommended print methods

• Direct to Garment printing: Digital printing is a versatile printing technique that can deal with various types of fabric including tri-blend fabric. This printing technique offers vibrant unlimited colors and precise details for printing designs
• Screen printing: Screen printing is another viable option for tri-blend fabric. This type of printing. For screen printing on tri-blend fabric, we recommend keeping the ink coverage low and design size small.
• Discharge printing: This is a unique printing method that uses discharge ink to remove fabric colors and replace them with the color of the ink. However, this ink is only effective for cotton fiber. When applied to tri-blend material, not all colors are removed, which leaves a natural heathering vintage effect on the fabric.

Print methods to avoid

• Vinyl and printed vinyl: Vinyl printing produces a very heavy print on the fabric, which is not suitable to sit on a lightweight and flowy material like tri-blend fabric.
• Embroidery: Embroidery is also considered too heavy on tri-blend, especially with larger embroidery designs. Only use embroidery on tri-blend fabric if the design is small and placed somewhere around the sleeve’s hem or collar.
• Sublimation printing: It is possible to apply sublimation printing on tri-blend material. However, it is not an ideal option. Sublimation printing works best on 100% polyester fabric, which is not the case for tri-blend fabric where polyester only accounts for more or less than a quarter of the content.

Best Tri-blend Shirts

Since its invention, tri-blend shirts have become incredibly popular, especially in the sportswear market.

If you are interested in making your own T-shirt using tri-blend materials, here are some tri-blend T-shirt blank options.

1. Bella+Canvas Tri-blend t-shirt

Bella+Canvas is one of the industry-leading apparel blank companies. The company is known for its range of high-quality products. Not only offering high quality, Bella+Canvas also provides a great range of tri-blend products with various colors and styles. They are currently producing 21 products that are made from Tri-blend fabrics, which is the most diverse range we could find.

Bella+Canvas’ line of tri-blend t-shirts come in different styles, for example, classic unisex t-shirts, slouchy V-neck t-shirts, women’s t-shirts, women’s tanks,  youth t-shirts, toddler tees, etc. With all these options, you have the possibility to make the most out of this material. Here are some of the triblend t-shirts provided by Bella+Canvas:

• 3480 Unisex Jersey Tank
• 3413 Unisex Tri-blend S/S Tee
• 3414 Unisex Tri-blend Raw Neck Tee
• 8815 Womens Slouchy V-neck Tee
• 8816 Womens Slouch Tee
• 2. American Apparel tri-blend t-shirt

Americal Apparel is among the few names that have tri-blend t-shirts in their product ranges. If you are working on your sports apparel clothing line and looking for blank products that can do your design justice, don’t forget to look at American Apparel’s tri-blend shirt.

Currently, Tri-blend Crewneck Track T-shirt is the only product in their range to feature tri-blend fabric. These particular products are available in four different colors, including Tri-black, Tri-Indigo, Athletic Blue, and Athletic Grey.

Their tri-blend materials’ standard composition includes 50% Polyester/25% Cotton/25% Rayon.

Other than the standard Tri-blend fabric, American Apparel also offers a special material, the Tri-blend terry that is used in other winter products like hoodies. It is a great option if you want to expand your sports products.

3. Next Level tri-blend t-shirt

Next Level is another note-worthy brand in the blank apparel market. It also topped among the highest-quality blank providers out there. Similar to Bella Canvas, Next Level also proved its dedication to excellence by including high-quality materials like tri-blend products.

Currently Next Level is offering 8 tri-blend products:

• Unisex Tri-Blend V-Neck T-Shirt
• Women’s Tri-Blend Dolman T-Shirt
• Youth Tri-Blend T-Shirt
• Women’s Tri-Blend T-Shirt
• Unisex Tri-Blend Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Women’s Tri-Blend Racerback Tank
• Unisex Tri-Blend 3/4 Raglan T-Shirt
• Unisex Tri-Blend T-Shirt

4. Threadfast tri-blend t-shirt

Threadfast tri-blend t-shirts are other alternatives for your tri-blend products. Even Threadfast is a newer and lesser-known name in the blank apparel industry, it has successfully gained attention and keeps growing steadily over time.

Besides the main staples of all the classic, standard products, the company has expanded its product line-up for a more diverse range. Especially, they have developed a strong line of activewear products that use quality tri-blend materials.

As of their latest product catalog, they are currently offering six tri-blend products, which include both T-shirts and hoodies. Here are all the tri-blend T-shirt that Threadfast are offering:

• 102A • Unisex Triblend Short-Sleeve Tee
• 102C • Unisex Triblend Tank
• 202A • Women Triblend Short-Sleeve Tee
• 202B • Women Triblend Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tee
• 302G • Unisex Triblend 3/4 Sleeve Raglan
• 302Z • Unisex Triblend Full-Zip Lightweight Hoodie
• 602A • Youth Triblend Short-Sleeve Tee

5. Bayside tri-blend t-shirts

Bayside is a made-in-America blank apparel brand. Even though this brand is not as popular as other blank manufacturers, they are still a worth-considering alternative for those who are looking for quality tri-blend products.

Despite being a newer player in the game, Bayside manages to develop a surprisingly comprehensive product line-up with diverse styles and various material choices. Besides a range of common cotton fabrics, Bayside also further explores other blend materials including tri-blend.

For tri-blend fabric, Bayside has introduced 7 products as follows:

• 9510 Bayside Unisex 50/50 Fine Jersey Crew
• 5810 Bayside Made In USA Women’s Triblend Crew
• 9600 Bayside Women’s Triblend Racerback Tank Top
• 5820 Bayside Made In USA Women’s Triblend Racerback Tank Top
• 9570 Bayside Unisex Triblend Crew
• 5710 Bayside Made In USA Unisex Triblend Crew
• 5910 Bayside Made In USA Heavyweight 6.1 Oz. Combed Ring-Spun Soft Tee

The best part about Bayside tri-blend t-shirts is its colorful palette that includes various options – possibly among the most diverse ranges that you can find. If you are expecting to experience more color options for your tri-blend products, consider checking out Bayside’s catalog.

Tri-blend FAQs

Are tri-blend shirts expensive?

Yes. Compared to other fabric materials, tri-blend fabrics tend to cost more. This type of fabric requires a more complicated process as well as costlier components, which explains why it is more expensive. Despite the higher price, many brands still prefer this type of fabric due to the aesthetic appeal as well as the quality of this fabric type.

Moreover, tri-blend fabrics are usually used for active- or sportswear products. In this particular category, customers prioritize quality more and are willing to pay more for good quality products.

Do tri-blend shirts shrink?

Yes. Tri-blend shirts can shrink under some circumstances. As it is comprised of cotton – a material that tends to shrink significantly, tri-blend shirts also tend to reduce in size if exposed to high temperatures. It’s important to properly follow the care instructions in order to avoid unintentional shrinkage or damage to the material.

CVC vs. tri-blend: what’s the difference?

Besides tri-blend, CVC is also a popular blend material that is commonly used in apparel products. Even though they share some common characteristics, these two fabric options are still essentially different:

CVC stands for “Chief Value Cotton". Normally, the content of cotton in CVC fabric ranges from 60 to 70%. And the rest is polyester.

On the other hand, for tri-blend fabrics, the cotton content only contributes 50%, which is lower than that of the CVC fabric. However, the biggest differences derive from the fact that tri-blend fabrics are comprised of three different fiber types – cotton, polyester, and rayon, instead of only two like CVC fabric. The addition of rayon fiber gives tri-blend material a flowing drape that creates a relaxed and comfortable fit for the garment.

Is Tri-blend the same as Dri fit?

No. Dri-fit and tri-blend are two distinct types of fabric with different characteristics and purposes. While tri-blend is a combination of cotton, polyester, and rayon, Dri-fit is a blend of polyester and spandex. Especially, Dri-fit is a patented material developed by Nike.

Tri-blend is well known for its softness, comfort, and breathability, making it perfect for casual, athleisure wear. On the other hand, Dri-fit’s strength is its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Dri-fit is best used for sports and athletic apparel.

Are tri-blend shirts good for working out?

Yes. Tri-blend fabric is prized for its remarkable softness, comfort, and breathability. Its gentle texture minimizes skin friction, reducing chafing during workouts like running and weightlifting. With effective moisture-wicking, it keeps you cool and dry, regulating body temperature. The polyester content adds durability, making it suitable for rigorous workouts, and some blends offer added stretch for flexibility, perfect for activities like yoga or Pilates.

The post What is a Tri-blend shirt? What Are the Best Tri-blend Shirts for You? appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

An overview of the best selling band merch ideas on popular ecommerce platforms

The table below provides an overview of the best-selling merch items on eBay, Etsy and Amazon. Though some items may change over time as trends evolve and new products are introduced to the market, there are certain products that are consistently popular with consumers. 

10 exceptional band merch ideas that every fan wants

What’s great about merch is that it can benefit both bands and fans. For bands, it can boost brand awareness and make money on the side. For fans, it is a way to show their love and support to their favorite band and to own a piece of memorabilia.

So let’s get right to it, here are 10 tried-and-true band merch ideas that are sure to help you generate buzz, boost sales, and make your fans happy.

T-shirts

It’s no doubt that T-shirts are one of the most winning band merch ideas. For example, the concert tee has always been a cultural signifier, a strong proof that they had been to the concert, and a piece of the band that they can take home. 

Though branded shirts will never go out of style, you can make them more unique and appealing than a standard logo-on-black-unisex T-shirt. Here are some suggestions to leverage your merch T-shirts: 

• Merch T-shirts are almost always black. Though this isn’t a written rule, everyone tends to look cooler in black. So if you want to make a classic and a go-to option for your fans, opt for black. 
• Try adding variations of your logo, new album cover, or song lyrics to your merch shirt. However, don’t try to put a ton of colors on your shirt. Keep it simple and significant so it can attract a wider range of people. If you’re looking for more design ideas, take a look at our essential tips for a winning T-shirt. 
• Consider putting the dates of the concert on the back. People may want to point out the date and city of the show they attended to their friends. Plus, this is not common but people may forget the information so this detail can help them recall better. 
• Make sure that the fabric is comfortable to the wearer, even after wearing it for a long time or during the heat. We would recommend Bella Canvas, cotton/poly blend, or tri-blend are our top choice due to their softness, comfortability and breathability. Or if you want to discover other options, check out our guide on choosing the best shirt materials. 

Stickers

Small-scaled items like stickers and decals are efficient band merch ideas because they’re inexpensive to produce, affordable, customizable, and can serve as lifetime ads for your band. Wherever they’re put, they’ll stay there for a while. For example, a laptop, a notebook, a phone case – the possibilities are endless. 

Of course you can sell stickers in packs, but you can use them for giveaways, or free gifts for your customers after purchasing another piece of merch. Kiss-cut stickers are more cost-effective than die-cut, making them a budget-friendly option for giveaways or complimentary gifts. 

Embroidered patches

Embroidered patches featuring your band’s logo, artwork or slogan are an upgraded version of stickers, allowing your fans to put them anywhere they want, such as a jacket or backpack. Patches are a portable merch option, and almost all types of patches can be sewn on or iron-on. However, patches cannot be ironed on leather, silk or nylon as the fabric might scotch from the applied heat so be sure you include the manual information to your product description. 

Pins

Merch pins are a safer alternative to patches as they can be put on and off easily from one to another item without having to sew or iron. Pins come in many different shapes and sizes, such as a classic round, square, rectangular, or custom shape, and are also a cost-effective product – you can sell them in sets or gift them to your fans after purchasing another merch item. 

Keychain

Keychain is an everyday object, and people tend to carry them around, or place them somewhere easy to be seen, making them a super advantageous band merch option. Keychains also have a wide variety of options to cater multiple preferences and budgets: stainless steel, acrylic, rubber, custom shape, 1-sided, 2-sided. 

For keychains, we would recommend you to create something that is durable, lightweight, with simple shapes and maybe rounded edges. You don’t want your band merch scratching your fans’ pocket, do you? 

Posters 

Almost every music fan grew up surrounded by posters of their idols on their walls. Posters are such a classic and timeless merch option, but there are some ways to level them up: 

• Make your posters something highly collectible, e.g, limited editions or exclusive posters for a single, or album, or tour.
• Feature customized lyrics on your posters
• Offer posters with your signature to create a sense of exclusivity

Tote bag

The tote bag is no doubt one of the most practical merch items. Everyone needs at least one tote bag to carry their stuff around. Moreover, since plastic bags are being reduced and even charged, customers may want something convenient yet durable like canvas tote bags. They’re easy to fold, high capacity, and you can add extra details such as handle, strap, zipper or magnet button to bring extra comfort to the users. 

Band-themed accessories 

Caps, scarves, phone cases, jewelry and socks are perfect merch ideas for all kinds of bands – but don’t just put your logo or artwork on the items. Try to think out of the box. Give them something related to your vibe or your lifestyle, or something unique and meaningful to you, rather than just a product. 

Home decor 

Have you ever dreamed of living in a house filled with your idol’s presence? If the answer is yes, then you know what to do! Small items like wall prints or throw pillows with your band’s artwork, concept, or song lyrics would be a perfect complement to a fangirl (or fanboy) home. 

Tumblers and mugs

Tumblers and mugs are functional band merch – they’re everyday items and carried everywhere, giving more people the chance to see your brand image. Of course you (almost) never go wrong with tumblers and mugs, but how about taking them to a higher level by printing a QR code to your YouTube or Spotify channel to attract more audience? 

And if you don’t know where to start, check out our guide on the best mug printing method for your business!        

Best practices for creating band merch ideas that will sell out 

Do customer research

Carrying proper customer research helps you figure out what other bands are selling, what your fans want, and their purchasing behavior. This step can help you create merch that resonates with them, something really unique. 

Focus on quality

Your merch should be well-made and durable. A well-made product not only enhances your fan’s experience but also increases your band’s trust and reliability. 

Exclusivity matters

Everyone loves feeling special and owning something rare – so do your fans! Introducing limited edition merch items can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, motivating your fans to buy them before they sell out. 

Diversify your product range

Diversify your merchandise offerings to cater to different preferences. Providing a wide range of products like clothing, accessories, home decor, prints and collectibles can help you attract a broader fan base.

Create compelling product descriptions

Writing compelling product descriptions can drive conversions and make your fans fall in love with your merch before they even see it. We recommend you to highlight your unique features and benefits of each item, tell a story, use clear and persuasive language, and incorporate high-quality visuals to set your brand apart from the competition. 

Team up with a Print On Demand fulfilment partner

Print on demand is a business model where products are printed only when they are ordered. This means that there is no need to invest in upfront inventory, and artists can offer a wide variety of merch products without having to worry about overstocking. Artists and bands can sell impressive print on demand band merch products by upload their designs to a print on demand platform. When a customer places an order, the fulfilment partner will produce and ship it directly to the customer.

Print on demand is a popular option for businesses of all sizes, as it is a flexible and cost-effective way to sell products. It is also a great option for artists that want to offer a wide variety of products without having to invest in upfront inventory.

In closing

When it comes to selling band merch products, it’s a good idea to partner with a reliable supplier like Merchize to control and guarantee the quality of every single item. We take care of the entire fulfillment process, procedure and deliver your merch items worldwide from our in-house factories in Vietnam, US, EU, Australia and China. We are proud to turn all your wildest band merch ideas to product, handle the whole logistic part and help artists focus on their creativity.

The post 10 Unique Band Merch Ideas And Best Practices For Success appeared first on Print on Demand & Fulfillment Service.

This article will focus on T-shirts, but many of the standards can be applied to other apparel, such as hoodies, crop tops, polo shirts, and long sleeves. 

Let’s do this!

Understanding popular printing terms

Before we start, here are some common printing terms used in this article to help you communicate effectively and understand the process: 

• Print location: This term refers to where the print will be placed on the garment. The print area and placement can vary within the print location, and it can slightly indicate the size and position of the print.
• Print placement: This is the precise spot where the print will be placed. However, this spot may be adjusted by a few inches due to the size of the garment, preference, and other factors. 
• Print area: This is the area of the fabric that will be covered by the ink. It’s important to consider the print area when placing a print on a garment with pockets, seams, buttons, etc
• Print size: The exact measurement of the artwork to be printed. The print size, along with the print placement, will determine the print area. We highly recommend you to determine the exact print size before placing an order.
• Standard size: Each print location has a standard size that is applied when customers do not request a particular size. The standard size may vary a little bit based on the design and garments.
• Oversize: Oversize prints are anything bigger than the standard size. Oversize prints are not a common request, but they fall somewhere between standard and maximum size.
• Maximum size: The maximum size is also considered oversize, and it is the largest size that can be printed for a particular order. This size can also vary depending on the item and print method, but it is easy to request.
• Anchor point: The anchor point is especially useful for centering designs that are not naturally symmetrical. For example, if you were printing a design of a person on a t-shirt, the anchor point would be the center of the person’s body, not the midpoint of the design. This would ensure that the person’s head is centered on the t-shirt, even if the person is standing in a pose that is not perfectly symmetrical.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the most popular design and logo placement and the standard size for each. 

Front design and logo placement on shirt

Front placement is probably the most common print location and is more likely to catch the audience’s attention. We’ll explain in more detail about each placement below and bonus a handy cheat sheet!  

Center chest placement

The center chest placement is a popular and timeless option, and it’s almost always visible. We highly recommend using medium-sized designs, such as logos, words, or simple artwork for this location. The standard size for center chest placement would be 6’’ – 10’’ wide and 6’’ – 8’’ tall. Make sure that your design isn’t too high, low, or uncentered on your shirt. The design should be around 2.5’’ – 3’’ below the collar, and sit between the left and right seams. 

Left chest placement       

Left chest is the go-to placement for company logos or group uniforms so logos, small artworks or short texts would work best. With this purpose, your design will need to be neat and clear, avoid putting on too much detail because the audience will not have enough time to figure it out. The size for left chest placement is typically around 2.5’’ – 5’’ wide, 2.5’’ – 5’’ high, and around 3’’ down from the collar. However, you can always adjust the placement to harmonize with the overall of the shirt. 

Full front placement

For this placement, we suggest applying 10’’ – 12’’ wide and 10’’ – 14’’ tall designs, and around 3’’ down from the neckline. 

Full front designs can be detailed, complex and bold, however, always make sure that you use the high-quality files to avoid blurriness in the final print. Moreover, full front designs can take up the majority of the print area on the front of your shirt, and if you use screen printing, you can end up with a “sweat patch” on your T-shirt, which isn’t breathable and comfortable for the wearer. 

Oversize front placement

As the name suggests, oversize front print is anything bigger than the standard-sized full-front. An oversized front printing ranges from 12’’ – 15’’ wide and 14’’ – 16’’ tall, however, in some cases, you can’t go up to 14’’ wide due to the garment size, such as kids size, smaller ladies’s size, tank tops, etc. Oversize front placement typically starts higher than a center chest or full front placement, about 2’’ – 3’’ down from the collar. 

Though certain designs work well in oversize, you still need to consider the surface area where the ink will cover when printing this size. As we’ve explained above, creating a “heavy print” without breathability wouldn’t be a great idea to wear all day long, and this can affect the customer experience. For oversize front placement, we suggest you to reduce the ink coverage as much as possible to make the shirt more light, flexible, and comfortable to the wearer. 

• Back design and logo placement on shirt

The back of a t-shirt is the second-most-popular print location after the front. Here are something you need to know if you’re going for this placement: 

Upper back placement

Upper back placement is a popular choice for uniforms and usually calls for medium-sized designs, similar to the center chest placement. Some common examples for this placement are the security or staff event’s uniform. The standard size is 10’’ – 14’’ wide and 1’’ – 6’’ tall for the audience to read it from a distance. Make sure that the design is around 4’’ down from the collar. 

If you are placing your design on the upper back of a t-shirt, use wide and short designs to maximize the space. If your design is at the maximum width and still looks too small, try using a taller font instead of stretching the font, which will distort it and make it harder to read.

Full back placement

The full back is a great choice for large or complex designs or even logo placement. If you’re making T-shirts for an event with multiple sponsors, you can represent their sponsorship levels by tiers. The logos at the top of the shirt would be larger and more noticeable, representing the highest-tier sponsors, with the logos below them getting smaller and smaller.

Full back designs are quite similar to the full front, but you can go up 10’’ – 14’’ wide and 6’’ – 15’’ tall. For full back design, we recommend you to combine with a design on the front, or sleeve, or both to enhance the whole look. 

Sleeve design and logo placement on shirt

Sleeve placement is a stylish and distinctive way to showcase your brand elements like logos, patterns, graphics, or even taglines. A design on the sleeve can add visual interest to your T-shirt and make it stand out from popular front or back placements. 

However, the sleeve area is smaller than the front or back of the shirt, so you need to carefully consider the size, readability, and proportionality of your design. That’s why we recommend small prints for this area. The standard size is around 3’’ wide x 1.5’’ height, but you can go up to 4.5’’ wide (not recommended unless your logo is very wide), or as small as 1’’ wide.

Here are some additional tips for an effective sleeve logo placement:

• Choose a simple logo design that will be easy to read and understand, even at a smaller size.
• Avoid using too much text in your logo.
• Use high-contrast colors to make your logo stand out.
• Consider placing your logo on the left or right sleeve, depending on where you want the focus of your design to be.
• Experiment with different sleeve placements to find the one that looks best with your design.

Seam-to-seam design and logo placement on shirt

At Merchize, we offer seam-to-seam design placement, which is also known as all-over print (AOP) to help sellers bring their endless creativity to life. AOP products allow sellers to design the entire front, back, and sleeves of a T-shirt, giving you full control over your design and creating an extraordinary product with unique patterns. Moreover, AOP is the solution for seam-to-seam placement as the ink blends into the fabric’s fiber, keeping the material breathable and soft to the touch even after printing. 

You can also check out our blog post to find out the right T-shirt fabric to elevate your customer experience.  

Though there’s no standard limit for the design size in seam-to-seam placement, it’s important to keep your design fits the safe area of the mock-up to avoid any cut-offs. You just need to make sure that the patterns won’t touch the collar or cross the seam. And don’t forget to take a last look at your design before sending it out for production – to make sure that everything is in place. 

In case you’re having trouble remembering all these measurements, we’ve got this handy cheat sheet for you! 

Popular combinations for design and logo placement 

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your T-shirt design and convey your message better, we’ve got some suggestions for you: 

• Sleeve designs with small logos or design can go with front and chest placement
• Full back design are frequently paired with left chest or center chest placement 
• Combine left chest designs and logos with upper back or full back designs to enhance the visual appearance.

These suggestions are based on our experience, however, you can always go beyond the limit and have fun exploring different combinations! 

In closing

After all, creativity is about thinking outside the box. The suggestions in this article are simply as it is: suggestions. The best design and logo placement for your custom apparel will depend on the specific concept and the overall look you’re aiming for.

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