This new tool allows users to generate bold, original artwork using AI — no design experience required. Whether you’re launching your first shirt or adding fresh styles to your storefront, the AI Art Tool makes high-quality, production-ready art accessible to everyone.

At the heart of this release is the tool’s intuitive prompt guide, which walks users through exactly how to describe their vision. From modern logo designs to vintage-style graphics, the guide provides examples and structures that eliminate guesswork — making it easier than ever to bring ideas to life.

“We built this for people who know what they want but aren’t artists,” said Victor Ilisco, Director of Business Development. “Now anyone can create stunning designs, faster — and get them printed with a few clicks.”

But the AI Art Tool is just one part of what makes Ninja Printhouse a vital asset for modern print shops.

Think of Ninja Printhouse as an extension of your shop when you can’t handle the volume. Whether you’re understaffed, overbooked, or temporarily out of capacity, Ninja Printhouse helps you stop saying no to orders — and say yes every time.

Even if it’s just 5 percent of the time, those missed orders add up. With Ninja Print House, you can grow without overextending your team, keep customers happy, and fulfill orders seamlessly under your brand — without skipping a beat.

Key Benefits of AI Art Tool:

● AI-generated artwork in seconds

● Guided prompt builder for consistently great results

● Built into Ninja Printhouse — no extra tools or subscriptions needed

● Artwork is designed to be production-ready for apparel customization.

Ninja Printhouse remains focused on helping print shops scale without stress. From overcoming bottlenecks to unlocking new product lines, this platform is built to support growth, protect margins, and help shops say yes to every opportunity.

To explore the new AI Art Tool and start creating, visit: www.ninjaprinthouse.com/design/.

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Rooted in years of experience producing merch at the highest level, COLLECXION offers a curated range of core styles—from domestically sourced tees and hoodies to elevated cut & sew pieces and custom denim — each crafted with the perfect balance of fit, fabric, and form. Whether you’re launching your next tour capsule, building out a lifestyle brand, or scaling your private label offering, COLLECXION provides the foundation to bring your vision to life.

“COLLECXION is intentionally designed to offer a seamless blend of options, recognizing that the needs of our industry often demand flexibility and quick turnarounds,” said Rich Santo, Culture Studio CEO.

In addition to our signature blanks, COLLECXION offers full-service private label support — including woven tags, branded neck prints, custom packaging, and cut & sew development — making it easy to deliver retail-ready garments under your own label.

COLLECXION is now available to all Culture Studio partners through direct wholesale and custom production channels.

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In this initiative, launched in May in honor of Memorial Day, Infinity Her will donate a portion of proceeds from its Hattie Unstructured All Over Print Cap in patriotic Navy and Red with White Stars to Wounded Warriors Family Support. The initiative doesn’t end there—donations will continue during Independence Day in July and Veterans Day in November, allowing customers to give back during key moments of national reflection.

Wounded Warriors Family Support is dedicated to serving the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed in combat. Recognizing that the effects of war extend beyond the battlefield, WWFS provides comprehensive support—including financial assistance, caregiver resources, family retreats, and educational programs—to help families heal both physically and emotionally. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has supported more than 1.4 million veteran families, becoming a trusted and vital resource for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

“As a company, it is our privilege to donate to organizations that are boots on the ground,” says Ramona Watson, V.P of Product Development and Marketing at Infinity Her. “It is the least we can do, especially with the Wounded Warriors organization, because soldiers give everything to help protect this country. We are thankful for these groups and want to help them keep doing more of the wonderful things they do.”

Blank versions of top-selling Infinity Her styles are carried by Counselor Top 40 supplier Sportsman Cap & Bag and sold through distributors nationwide for use in the promotional industry. To find a distributor location visit www.sportsmancaps.com.

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The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products is at an all-time high, with over 60 percent of consumers prioritizing sustainability, making the perfect products for today’s customer decorators.

With this in mind, Q-Tees cotton canvas totes are woven from thick, durable fabric that is designed to last, making them the perfect product for custom embroiders and heat-press decorators, especially.

“With a great price point and quality craftsmanship, Q-Tees styles are a go-to for customers who are committed to sustainability”, said Shawn Teli, director of marketing at Q-Tees.

Mutliple Benefits for Custom Decorators

Benefits of cotton canvas include their eco-friendly construction. Crafted from natural, biodegradable materials, cotton canvas totes are designed for long-term use, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use bags.

With reinforced stitching and durable handles, the totes are built to handle everything from daily errands to cross-country adventures. Minimalist design pairs well with any outfit, season or trend. With practical appeal, the classic look of a quality tote suits any occasion.

The bags’ cotton canvas material provides a generous imprint area as well, making the totes ideal for customization through embroidery, screen-printing or other design applications. For more on the totes and Q-Tees’ entire line of bags, aprons and towels, go to qtees.com.

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Custom apparel decorators can now elevate their offerings with the Independent Trading Co.’s SS4600QZ Midweight Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt. Crafted for both comfort and style, this versatile resort-wear staple is made from an 8.5-ounce fleece composed of 80-percent and cotton/20-percentpolyester, ensuring a soft yet durable feel.

Perfect for customization by decorators in general and embroiderers in particular, the quarter-zip garment features a #5 metal zipper, split-stitch double-needle sewing on all seams, and 1×1 ribbing at the cuffs and waistband Retail-friendly touches include twill neck tape and tear-away labels.

Available in eight colors—including seven solid hues and a heather option—with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, sweatshirt offers a wide variety of looks to suit different customer needs.

For full details and to see the complete line of apparel offered by the Independent Trading Co., a premier supplier of custom and blank fleece since 1987, click here.

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The ability to showcase and discuss a wide range of styles can be a game-changer, making it easier to pinpoint what a customer is looking for and guide them to the perfect fit for their project. Whether it’s a moisture-wicking cap for athletes, a fashion-forward bucket hat or a structured flat brim for streetwear enthusiasts, having a deep understanding of fabric choices, construction and branding possibilities allows for more meaningful recommendations. By staying informed on design innovations and consumer preferences, businesses can enhance the shopping experience and build long-term customer loyalty. Let’s dive in.

Male/Female/Unisex

While most headwear styles are unisex, some are better suited for specific head sizes. Structured, high-profile hats provide an excellent fit for larger heads, while unstructured and mid-to-low-profile options offer versatility for both large and small head sizes. Small and women’s-fit styles provide the best comfort and proportion for those with smaller head sizes.

Infinity Her Collection
The baseball cap was developed originally for men, but INFINITY Her has perfected it for women. Each cap in the INFINITY Her line is engineered just for women and includes a patented Evolve concealable ponytail opening; a patented Elude makeup-resistant, wicking and breathable sweatband; a smaller, lightweight visor; the perfect size for a woman’s head; and easy, snag-free closures.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Her

Flexfit Delta Snapback with Perforation 180AP
The Flexfit Delta Snapback takes innovation further with laser-cut perforations for maximum breathability and a snapback closure for a customizable fit. Designed for sleek style and performance comfort, it features a three-layer sweatband that manages sweat while providing stain protection with Stain-Block and ActiveGuard technologies.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit

Imperial 5054T The Wrightson Two-Tone – Performance Rope Cap
The Imperial five-panel look that started it all, made with 100-percent recycled polyester performance fabric and moisture-wicking technologies and an anti-microbial sweatband, is perfect for those hot days on the course.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Performance (Athletic & Outdoors)

Performance headwear comes in various shapes, sizes and materials, varying by brand and style. Key features that define “performance” hats include moisture-wicking sweatbands, lightweight polyester fabrics and UPF sun protection. While not all performance styles include every feature, these are essential factors to consider when exploring performance options.

Dri Duck Truman Hat 3205
The 3205 is one of many outdoors-inspired styles from Dri Duck. It features the perfect blend of durability and performance due to its heavy enzyme wash and no sweat moisture-wicking sweatband—a must-have for the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Legacy: CUT Above
The Legacy Cut Above lives up to its namesake, crafted with recycled polyester, moisture-wicking technologies and a laser cut/perforated mesh back. This style is perfect for on the course, on the water, and everywhere in between. The five-panel design makes this hat a decorator’s dream, with a wide open space on the front panel for easy decoration with patches, embroidery, screen printing or heat transfer.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

THE GAME GB400 Ultralight Boonie
The GAME Ultralight Boonie is made of 100-percent Ultralight polyester with an unstructured 3.5-inch crown. It features a performance sweatband, UPF Ultra-violet protection and a toggle adjuster on self-fabric chin strap making it the ideal hat for a day on the water. It is available in 19 colors for endless customization options.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

BEST BLANKS FOR DECORATION

Decoration is paramount when recommending headwear styles, as some constructions are easier to customize than others. Five-panel hats are a top choice for hassle-free decoration, offering a wide, unobstructed front panel that accommodates various design methods without interference from a center seam.

Imperial The Dyno S1505
Part of the Lab Series by Imperial, The Dyno is an experimental new collection crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offering a range of unique trims, high-quality fabrics and innovative features that seamlessly merge style, comfort and functionality.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Otto Cap Seamless Mesh Back Trucker 1120-1
While still a six-panel, the Otto Cap Seamless Mesh Back Trucker 1120-1 front center seam is hidden on the face of the cap and only visible from the inside. This makes it a decorator’s favorite as it has a bigger, smoother surface for multiple decorating methods.
Photo courtesy of OTTO Cap

Flexfit 110 Mesh Cap
Flexfit 110 Mesh Cap combines Flexfit Tech with an adjustable snapback for a personalized fit. Designed for greater customization and superior comfort, it accommodates a wider range of sizes. Its structured hard buckram, silver undervisor and eight-row stitched visor ensure style and durability, while the breathable mesh back enhances all-day comfort.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit

Fashion

Fashion-forward styles are key when working with customers seeking something high-end and unique. Options like knits, patterned designs and streetwear styles offer a more elevated, stylish look—perfect for those wanting a trendier, dressed-up aesthetic.

Legacy: OFA Old Favorite Trucker
The best-selling OFA (Old Favorite Trucker) cap features an unstructured crown, a fully curved visor and an open-back snap closure. Designed and tailored with a classic fit. This style is perfect for men, women and children due to the unstructured construction, youth sizing,
and wide variety of color options.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Infinity Her Maya
Maya is an all-new trendy five-panel with rope design. Small fit, low profile featuring a concealed ponytail opening and makeup-resistant sweatband. The five-panel design makes this hat a decorator’s dream, with wide open space for easy decoration.
Photos courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

KNITS

Knits are a winter essential, offering warmth, versatility and easy customization with patches, especially. Available in a wide range of materials, sizes and price points, the hats are suitable for various occasions—from ski towns to city streets and everywhere in between.

Atlantis Maple Beanie
The Atlantis Maple Beanie is a knitted beanie in Polylana fiber that makes it warm, comfortable and sustainable. Finished with a fully-fashioned top and patterned with an elegant rib-knitted cuff. Perfect for cold winter days, and small enough to fit easily in a pocket when not in use.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Locale GRNDSR Grand Recycle Beanie
Add flair to any winter look with the Locale Grand Small Gauge pom-pom beanie, a fun and festive accessory. With 10 different stock pattern options, this knit offers a custom feel at wholesale pricing. Locale styles are the perfect accessory for the resort industry, built from a true passion for the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

New Technology

With technology constantly evolving, staying up to date on the latest innovations can be a powerful selling point. Advancements in materials, such as laser-cut perforated mesh and water-resistant or buoyant fabrics, enhance performance and durability. Meanwhile, construction innovations like built-in ponytail openings and makeup-resistant sweatbands add convenience and comfort. Keeping an eye on these developments ensures you’re always offering the best options.

Infinity Her GABY
Gaby is a true women’s fit performance cap. Made from performance materials with a laser cut/perforated mesh back and moisture-wicking technologies. Small fit, low profile, featuring a concealed ponytail opening and makeup-resistant sweatband, this style is perfect for everyday activewear.
Photos courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Flexfit NU Adjustable Cap 6110NU
Flexfit NU Adjustable Cap combines the original Flexfit Tech with patent-pending Tri-Layer technology. It features a 50-percent thinner front panel with stitchless seams, providing a smoother embellishment experience. ActiveGuard technology offers enhanced sweat management and stain prevention.
Photo courtesy of Flexfit

SUSTAINABLE

Sustainable headwear has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Promoting these styles meets customer demand and supports a more sustainable future—benefiting both businesses and the planet.

Atlantis Rio
The RIO beanie is constructed in a 50-percent recycled polyester and 50-percent acrylic blend with cuff and a narrow rib knit, ensuring style, versatility and a fit suitable for everyone. It also features a QR code for product traceability.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

Imperial The Hinsen Mesh Back L338M
The small-fit Performance Ponytail Cap is a classic with a twist. Made of 100-percent recycled polyester, it takes the best-selling small-fit performance, Ponytail Cap, with durable elastic cross bands in the back to comfortably allow any ponytail style to fit through, and adds a stylish mesh back look. Allowing the user to wear it high, low or somewhere in between, the Hinsen Mesh Back is one hat that will never ruin a good hair day.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

TRENDS

Trends in headwear are constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the latest styles is always an advantage. Some of the hottest trends right now include two-tone designs featuring a colored brim with a natural, khaki or white crown, laser-cut perforated mesh backs, five-panel hats with rope detailing and rugged outdoor camo looks.

Valucap Five-Panel Two-Tone 8869
This Valucap classic five-panel style has been in the lineup since 1969, with this year’s including eight new, trendy two-tone color options. The natural crown two-tone look is a hit. The five-panel design is perfect for decoration with wide open space for patch application, embroidery, screen printing or heat transfer.
Photo courtesy of Sportsman Cap & Bag

OTTO Cap 31-2 and 31-3
OTTO Cap styles 31-2 and 31-3 are your five-panel, mid-profile caps. A popular trend right now, both feature thick ropes across the front. 31-2 is your traditional superior cotton twill, while 31-3 is the beloved, fashionable corduroy.
Photos courtesy of OTTO Cap

Max Leonard is a Senior Brand Manager at Sportsman Cap & Bag, where he partners with leading headwear brands to develop impactful marketing efforts and enhance brand visibility. Throughout his tenure, he has gained hands-on experience in logistics, merchandising, and product education. Max now plays a key role in strategic marketing initiatives, delivering well-rounded campaigns that drive brand growth and success.

The post All About Hats: Headwear Trends appeared first on Impressions.

Ford, an automotive pioneer, has been committed to sustainable business practices since 1999. In its drive toward a more responsible and inclusive mobility future, Ford has sought to align every aspect of its brand, including merchandising, with its sustainability goals.

In collaboration with cyber-Wear, a German promotional product and corporate fashion company, Ford partnered with Atlantis to convert its headwear line to styles made entirely with low-impact materials. Atlantis took the the challenge head-on.

The project began with Atlantis conducting research into existing styles Ford carried and recreating them with “sustainable soul”, while also maintaining the bold, timeless identity that Ford has embodied for 121 years.

During the design process, Atlantis used preferred materials including Polylana®, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester to lower environmental impact and increase durability. Atlantis paid close attention to every component in designing these products, including using recycled buckram, woven labels made from sustainable yarn, and recycled silicone patches for customization.

These efforts resulted in a collection that blends sustainability with the heritage and quality that defines Ford.

This partnership exemplifies shows how sustainability and style go hand in hand. Atlantis is proud to have contributed to the sustainable merchandising vision Ford envisioned and looks forward to continuing its mission of responsible innovation.

To read the full case study, please click here.

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Concept and Design

The journey to the perfect T-shirt begins long before it reaches retail shelves and wholesale warehouses. It’s a science all beginning with an idea, trend research and analysis.

Getting the right garment into the hands of the end user is one of the most important sales tools you have. Photos courtesy of Lane Seven

“The products that you see listed in the store or online as new likely began their development process anywhere from nine to 24 months prior,” says Marcus Davis, product manager at Hanesbrands Inc. “The idea typically starts with a team identifying a target market and a price point.”

Adding further depth to this phase, Milissa Gibson, director of sales at Lane Seven Apparel, says the design process can be as easy or complicated as you want to make it, but it will all come down to finding the ideal niche for a specific market. Echoing Davis, Gibson says “It always starts with an idea or concept, like a mood board, often taking elements from one design and combining it with another.”

This can then help determine what fabrics will be considered, where the product will be made, and what features and benefits should be included. Once those details have been narrowed, then a team will work on designing what the tee will look like, create patterns and begin fabric development for prototype samples.

“The first step in a new style is design,” says Jakob Daito, president and co-founder of US Standard Apparel.  “A mood board is created to inspire a direction, oftentimes based on vintage references. Once the idea takes form, the concept is passed to the tech and pattern team who digitizes the pattern. This pattern is then shared with the sample department to cut and sew the initial samples for fitting.”

It’s all about what the consumer wants at a specific time, so research is fundamental explains Jen Oleksik, vice president of apparel of Live & Tell Apparel by L.A.T. “Looking at fabrics, fits, details and decoration trends are all key factors in building out a T-shirt before you even begin designing. From there, it’s landing on a fabric, making sure your T-shirt specs are the perfect fit, and in our industry, making sure it’s easy to decorate across various techniques.”

Fabric Selection

Choosing the right fabric is crucial. Whether the fabric type is created in-house or sourced across third-party suppliers, it must measure up to the aforementioned qualities. Otherwise, the final product will be futile setting the process back not only in time but money as well.

The T-shirt process starts with fiber selection. Whether it’s organic cotton, recycled polyester or a performance blend impacts durability, comfort and sustainability. Photo courtesy of TO THE MARKET

“Fiber selection impacts durability, comfort, and sustainability,” says Mehathab Joharullah, TO THE MARKET’s compliance and impact analyst. “Fibers are spun into yarn, which is knit into fabric [jersey being the most common for T-shirts]. After knitting, the fabric undergoes pre-treatment processes, like dyeing, softening and sometimes enzyme washing for a soft, worn-in hand feel.”

Mel Lay, co-founder of Allmade Apparel, elaborates, “Once the yarn is ready, the next step is to weave or knit the fabric. In the case of Allmade Apparel, we focus on creating a fabric that’s soft, durable and breathable, perfect for everyday wear or custom decoration.”

Oleksik notes that consumer preferences must also be taken into account during fabric selection, noting, “Higher quality, combed ring-spun cotton garments can look and feel better and ultimately decorate nicer.”

Fabric weight, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), can determine durability, weight and feel, says Joharullah. “Lighter weights (120-150 GSM) are airy and ideal for layering, but can be sheer and have lower tear strength. Midweight fabrics (160-180 GSM) offer the best balance of comfort and structure, making them the industry favorite, while heavyweights (200+ GSM) provide extra durability, more structure and warmth—ideal for long sleeves, lightweight sweatshirts or rugby style polos, for example.”

Garment Construction

Textile manufacturers employ different types of equipment to knit the selected fabrics for T-shirts, with certain machines being more prevalent in either the Eastern or Western hemisphere. The type of equipment used usually depends on the preferred construction method. There are two primary construction methods: tubular and side-seamed.

“Tubular tees, or tees without any seams on the side of the body, are made from machines that knit the fabric in a tube, much like a sock,” explains Davis. “The size of the tee is determined by how wide the tube of fabric is knit. Other machines can knit fabrics in a single-ply sheet, which is known as an open width fabric. Because the fabric is knit single-ply, the tee made from this fabric will end up with seams where the body was assembled. Side-seamed garments can be made from tubular knit fabrics that have been cut, but you can’t make a tubular tee from open width fabric.”

Gibson points out the economic advantage of tubular garments, which are knit in a continuous tube, but also mentions, “Side-seam shirts lead to a much more elevated fit and overall product.”

The relaxed, lived-in look and feel of the Ladies Vintage Wash Tee never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of LAT Apparel

The key benefit to a tubular garment versus a “regular” or side-seamed tee, would be a lower cost, Oleksik agrees. “However, the benefits of a side-seamed tee are more in quality and performance. Side seams aid in a better fit and less torque when washing.”

Utilizing side-seam construction will significantly enhance the wearability of a T-shirt, providing a more tailored fit that better aligns with all body types, while reducing twisting and distortion after washing.

“Side-seamed T-shirts offer better fit and reduce fabric waste, despite higher costs,” Joharullah says. “Once prepared, the fabric is cut into pieces like a puzzle according to the design specifications for the perfect fit, stitched together using specialized sewing techniques, and finished with details like ribbed necklines, reinforced seams, or double-stitched hems for the best quality possible.”

Lay also supports side-seamed construction for its quality advantages: “We love for our products to be categorized into the fashion-fit category, offering a more flattering silhouette.”

Attention to Detail

In addition to fabric consistency, quality T-shirt production hinges on precise stitching and finishing. According to Oleksik, higher-quality garments typically feature “double-needle stitching or cover stitches, enhancing durability.”

From the beginning, precision is paramount. Photo courtesy of Hanesbrands

When evaluating the quality of a T-shirt, Davis suggests one of the first things you should be on the lookout for is noticeable puckering and/or waviness around the seams. This is typically the result of too much or not enough tension on the fabric when sewing. “Another easy thing to identify is whether there are any broken or popped stitches,” he says. “This could result in seams coming apart after washing and wearing.”

Gibson emphasizes how much details matter. “Look at sewing hems—extra fabric, loose threads, single or double-needle stitches—these indicate the garment’s quality.”

For its part, Allmade uses reinforced stitching in critical areas like the shoulder and arm seams to prevent unraveling over time, further evidence of the importance of this aspect of T-shirt production.

“We sew using tee manufacturing, where each operator constructs a single portion of the garment in rapid succession,” says Marty Bailey, US Standard Apparel president of manufacturing. “The components are moved through the line until the finished garment takes form, a QC at the end of each line triple checks for any defects or issues.”

Once construction is complete, it is vital each T-shirt undergoes quality control checks before being pressed, folded and packaged for distribution. Joharullah explains that each step requires precision—especially when balancing softness, strength and sustainability.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability remains a critical aspect of modern apparel production. There is a growing global demand for sustainable manufacturing practices that stress environmental responsibility at every stage—beginning at the seed level. This shift reflects a more conscious consumer base and stricter

Allmade prioritizes eco-friendly materials above all. Photo courtesy of Allmade

regulatory landscapes. Europe is at the forefront of this movement, setting standards that drive the market through both legislative requirements and strong consumer preferences for ethically produced, eco-friendly apparel. However, U.S. manufacturers have now made sustainability a priority as well.

Describing HanesBrands’ sustainability efforts, for example, Davis says, “75 percent of [HanesBrands’] cotton is grown in the U.S. by farmers using leading environmental practices. Nearly 59 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources, and we’re committed to reducing packaging waste significantly by 2025.”

Similarly, at Allmade sustainability is central to the company’s fabric choices, which include fabrics made from materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester and modal. “Allmade’s dedication to sustainability is to continuously prioritize eco-friendly materials and eco-conscious manufacturing processes, minimizing waste, using water-based inks and reducing carbon emissions,” Lay says.

Joharullah stresses that true sustainability extends beyond fabric: “Sustainable materials are just the baseline. True sustainability examines the manufacturing process itself—energy and water usage, waste monitoring, carbon reduction, and ethical labor practices.”

One thing is clear, manufacturers worldwide are being challenged—and incentivized—to reimagine their production models to meet these fast-evolving expectations.

Selected materials are spun into yarn, which creates the foundation of the fabric. Photo courtesy of Allmade

“At Live and Tell Apparel, we have a sustainability team that works to ensure we are making a conscious effort to not only improve sustainability in our manufacturing, but also in our daily operations,” Oleksik says. “Our sustainable products such as the 6901ECO tee blends 60-percent organic cotton and 40-percent recycled polyester. We are also currently implementing some new processes that will greatly reduce our sampling needs while improving our speed to market.”

“You are seeing major advancements in regenerated and recycled materials and costs coming down; sometimes it’s even less expensive for products [like our LS18002 Future Fleece made from 100-percent regenerated yarn] to be made from either regenerated or recycled materials than a standard garment,” says Gibson.

“A truly sustainable T-shirt isn’t only about what it’s made from—it’s about how it’s made,” says Joharullah.

Decoration and Compatibility

Fabric choice, construction and sustainability are not the only factors manufacturers consider during the production process. Apparel decorators and the challenges they often face are also at the very forefront of T-shirt design, a surprisingly complex problem Davis acknowledges the industry is still working to master. “It’s difficult to create one perfect T-shirt for all decorating methods. Direct-to-film (DTF) printing helps solve compatibility issues, but fabric content still significantly impacts decoration.”

Oleksik notes there can also be limitations with textured fabrics. Lower quality fabrics can pill or shed as well, further complicating decoration. She says to stay vigilant as thorough testing during the development process can prevent these issues.

Addressing decoration-specific difficulties, Gibson says certain printing techniques like sublimation or direct-to-garment (DTG) require specific fabric compositions, but advancements in print technology have expanded compatibility.

Tees with the least amount of sewing are the most production friendly. Photo courtesy of Hanesbrands

As printing technologies continue to advance and new methods emerge, the definition of the ideal T-shirt must also adapt—evolving in fabric, construction and compatibility to meet the changing needs of decorators.

“Fortunately, DTF printing has solved some of these issues as this printing technique appears to be compatible with a very wide range of fabric types,” Davis says. “This may be an instance where the decorators have actually found a solution to the challenge. If decorators have a printing technique that works on all tees, then they are no longer limited to what options they have when choosing a tee to decorate on.”

That said, until the holy grail of T-shirts is invented, Lay says it is important for companies like Allmade to offer a variety of fabric options which work well with digital decorating, screen printing, heat transfer and embroidery to ensure decorators can find the right T-shirt for their needs.

“While no single T-shirt is perfect for every decorating method, sourcing a high-quality midweight, tightly knit product, like the Global Good classic organic blend tee, is a universal option,” offers Joharullah.

Fabrics such as these can balance absorbency for screen printing, smoothness for DTG and durability for embroidery. Adding a bit of recycled polyester checks nearly all the boxes. It enhances performance, maintains print versatility and is eco-conscious. All specifics consumers and decorators love.

Influence of Decorated Apparel Market

The decorated apparel industry plays a pivotal role in shaping production trends, as manufacturers will continue to tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of decorators. Joharullah notes, “The decorated-apparel market demands specific fabric blends, stitch types and fits based on printing needs. Consumers drive demands and manufacturers must adapt. Trends are co-created—brands introduce new innovations and consumers decide what sticks.”

Gibson highlights Lane Seven Apparel’s proactive approach as well, saying, “Our focus is the decorated-apparel market, ensuring our garments can handle a variety of decoration methods with the latest technology.”

USSA’s Standard SS Tee is knit, cut, sewn and dyed in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of US Standard Apparel.

These production shifts are driven by a dynamic interplay between consumer behavior and brand innovation. “Trends often start with consumers,” says Davis. “Small shifts in buying habits prompt manufacturers to adjust product offerings, like the recent shift toward heavier-weight tees.” Gibson also points to music merchandise as a powerful trend driver: “Music merch is setting trends. Leading artists’ collections often predict broader market shifts.”

Tapping into the music influence, US Standard Apparel is connecting directly with the consumer via social media. The brand recently launched its “Birth of a Shirt” series on Instagram, giving consumers an inside look at how their Vintage Rocker Tee is made. The multi-video series provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look of the manufacturing process, which in turn invites consumers to be part of the conversation.

Oleksik adds that along with broader market shifts, societal forces are also at play furthering the conversation as well: “Trends emerge from a mix of technology, social, environmental factors, economics, and even politics, shaping consumer preferences globally.”

Ultimately, creating the perfect T-shirt is the result of thoughtful collaboration across all stages of production—from fiber selection and fabric development to stitching, sustainability and market alignment. As the industry evolves, open dialogue between manufacturers, decorators, and consumers will continue to ensure that T-shirts remain everyone’s favorite apparel.

The post T-Shirt Construction: Spinning, Stitching and Everything in Between appeared first on Impressions.

Each quarter or when supplies are needed, Infinity Her and its parent company, Infinity Product Group, gather a variety of women’s headwear and other women’s clothing items and donate them to Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique.

Beautiful Lives is a nonprofit organization that currently operates four thrift stores across Northwest Arkansas. Its mission is to give women in need an elevated shopping experience without breaking the bank. Beautiful Lives also gives back to other local and international women-centric organizations worldwide, donating more than $78,000 last year through a portion of the store’s revenue to its partner organizations.

“We appreciate the generous donations from Infinity Her so much,” said Jessica Meyers, the warehouse manager at Beautiful Lives, “I have seen countless women so excited to purchase brand new hats at a thrifted price point.”

This collaboration is part of the commitment Infinity Her holds to supporting women-focused organizations. Infinity Her is proud to support a group that does such important work in its community and across the globe.

For more information,visit Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique. Infinity Her products are available through Sportsman Cap & Bag distributor locations.

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In addition to being serious about things like science, engineering and math, the students and staff at Hope Academy know how to have fun as well! Photo courtesy of L2 Brands

Hope Academy, located in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Guatemala, is an all-girls bilingual science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) institution. The school is dedicated to empowering children from underserved communities by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for a brighter future. In addition to English and Spanish, the curriculum includes Kaqchikel, the local indigenous Mayan language, to help preserve cultural heritage. Students also gain hands-on experience through internships with local businesses.

Lisa Norris, chief merchandising officer at L2 Brands, and a couple of Hope Academy students. Photo courtesy of L2 Brands

Legacy is featured on the Hope Academy store where a curated collection of branded headwear is available for purchase. The full range includes best-selling styles, such as dad hats, structured and unstructured truckers, performance caps and knit beanies. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales go directly to Hope Academy.

“At Legacy, we believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of education,” said Lisa Norris, chief merchandising officer at L2 Brands, parent company of Legacy and a Tree 4 Hope board member—the nonprofit that founded Hope Academy. “We’re honored to see our headwear help support the growth and education of the next generation, both in the U.S. and in our broader global community.”

“Through our unique global classroom environment, we are pioneering global education where students around the world can learn together and build communities that transcend borders while preparing them to be changemakers of the future,” said David Hope-Tringali, Director Tree 4 Hope.

Since the 1990s, Legacy and its sister company, League, both rooted in Pennsylvania, have produced premium, vintage-inspired apparel, headwear and décor. Merging in 2018 to form L2 Brands, they combine on-trend design, custom graphics, and exceptional service across collegiate, resort, corporate, and golf markets. For more on L2 Brands, go l2brands.com. For more on Hope Academy or to purchase Hope Academy merch go to wearehopeacademy.org or hopeacademymerch.org.

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