Resources
Everything you need to know about merchandise production, design guidelines, and best practices to create exceptional products for your fans.
Print Techniques
Understanding different printing methods will help you choose the best option for your merchandise. Each technique has unique characteristics, advantages, and ideal use cases.
Screen Printing
The industry standard for vibrant, durable prints
Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.
Best For:
- Large quantity orders
- Bold, vibrant designs
- Designs with solid colors
- Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics
Limitations:
- Limited color gradients
- Each color requires a separate screen
- Not ideal for highly detailed photographs
Embroidery
Premium, textured decoration with thread
Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread. It results in a raised, textured design with a premium feel.
Best For:
- Logos and simple designs
- Premium merchandise
- Hats, polos, and jackets
- Long-lasting durability
Limitations:
- Not suitable for highly detailed designs
- Limited color blending
- Higher cost for large designs
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
High-detail digital printing for complex designs
DTG printing is a process of printing graphics onto textiles using specialized inkjet technology. It works similar to a home printer, but for fabric.
Best For:
- Photographic and highly detailed designs
- Small batch orders
- Designs with many colors
- Quick turnaround times
Limitations:
- Less durable than screen printing
- Best on 100% cotton fabrics
- Higher cost per unit for large orders
Vinyl Heat Transfer
Versatile option for custom names and numbers
Vinyl heat transfer involves cutting designs from colored vinyl sheets and applying them to garments using heat and pressure.
Best For:
- Names and numbers on jerseys
- Small batch customization
- Designs with solid colors
- Special effects like metallic or reflective finishes
Limitations:
- Not ideal for complex designs
- Limited color blending
- Can feel heavy on the garment
Design Templates & Guidelines
Download our templates and follow our design guidelines to ensure your artwork is print-ready and looks great on your merchandise.
T-Shirt Templates
Standard templates for various shirt styles
Includes front, back, and sleeve placement guides for various shirt styles. Available in AI, PSD, and PDF formats.
Hoodie Templates
Templates for hoodies and sweatshirts
Includes front, back, sleeve, and pocket placement guides for hoodies and sweatshirts. Available in AI, PSD, and PDF formats.
Hat Templates
Templates for various hat styles
Includes front, side, and back placement guides for various hat styles. Available in AI, PSD, and PDF formats.
Design Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for best results
File Formats
For best results, provide vector files (.ai, .eps, .pdf) for logos and text. For photographic or complex designs, high-resolution (300 dpi) .psd or .tiff files are recommended.
Apparel Finishing Options
Explore various finishing options to add unique details and enhance the quality of your merchandise. These finishing techniques can elevate your designs and create a premium feel.
Hang Tags
Custom branding elements attached to your garments
Hang tags are a great way to add branding to your apparel. They can include your logo, care instructions, product information, or a personal message. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials with options for custom die-cuts and specialty printing.
Options Include:
- Standard card stock
- Recycled materials
- Custom die-cut shapes
- Foil stamping
- Embossed details
Woven Labels
Premium fabric labels sewn into garments
Woven labels add a premium touch to your apparel. These durable fabric labels are sewn into the garment and can feature your logo, brand name, or custom design. They create a professional, high-quality impression that elevates your merchandise.
Options Include:
- Damask weave (highest quality)
- Satin weave (smooth finish)
- Taffeta weave (standard option)
- Folded or flat edges
- Various attachment methods
Custom Neck Prints
Tagless printing inside the garment
Neck prints are a comfortable alternative to traditional tags. These screen-printed labels are applied directly to the inside of the garment, providing a tagless experience while still including your branding and required information.
Options Include:
- Size information
- Care instructions
- Brand logo or name
- Custom designs
- Single or multi-color prints
Hem Tags
Small labels sewn onto the bottom hem or sleeve
Hem tags are small fabric labels sewn onto the bottom hem or sleeve of a garment. These subtle branding elements add a premium touch to your merchandise and help build brand recognition without being overly prominent.
Options Include:
- Woven or printed labels
- Various sizes and shapes
- Different placement options
- Custom colors and designs
- Folded or flat styles
Additional Finishing Options
More ways to customize your merchandise
Specialty Packaging
Custom packaging enhances the unboxing experience and adds perceived value to your merchandise. Options include poly bags with custom stickers, branded boxes, tissue paper, and more.
Relabeling
Replace the original manufacturer's labels with your own custom labels for a fully branded experience. We can remove existing labels and add your custom woven or printed labels.
Custom Zipper Pulls
Add branded zipper pulls to hoodies, jackets, and bags for an extra touch of customization. Available in various materials including metal, rubber, and leather.
Specialty Inks & Treatments
Enhance your designs with specialty inks and treatments such as puff ink, high-density prints, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, glitter, suede, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our merchandise production process, ordering, and more.
Don't see your question answered here? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help.