screen printing Archives | Impressions https://impressionsmagazine.com/tag/screen-printing/ One-Stop Resource for the Decorated Apparel Business Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:47:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Call for Speakers: Impressions Expo 2026 Long Beach & Atlantic City https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/impressions-expo-2026-long-beach-atlantic-city-call-for-speakers/166201/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/impressions-expo-2026-long-beach-atlantic-city-call-for-speakers/166201/#respond Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:05:33 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=166201 Impressions Expo is officially inviting industry professionals, educators, and innovators to submit speaker proposals for its 2026 events in Long Beach, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both shows are set to highlight cutting-edge trends, techniques, and business strategies in the decorated apparel industry. Organizers are seeking presentations that offer fresh insight, hands-on training, and […]

The post Call for Speakers: Impressions Expo 2026 Long Beach & Atlantic City appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
Impressions Expo is officially inviting industry professionals, educators, and innovators to submit speaker proposals for its 2026 events in Long Beach, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Both shows are set to highlight cutting-edge trends, techniques, and business strategies in the decorated apparel industry. Organizers are seeking presentations that offer fresh insight, hands-on training, and actionable takeaways for attendees ranging from new entrepreneurs to seasoned print shop owners.

Impressions Long Beach 2026

Widely regarded as the premier event for the apparel decoration community, Impressions Long Beach will return in 2026 with a strong focus on innovation and skill development. The call for speakers encourages proposals on topics such as screen printing, embroidery, heat printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), direct-to-film (DTF), e-commerce, and shop management.

Submit to Long Beach: Impressions Long Beach 2026 Speaker Submission

Impressions Atlantic City 2026

As a key regional expo, Impressions Atlantic City is known for blending hands-on learning with East Coast energy. The 2026 show will once again offer top-tier education for print professionals and small business owners looking to grow their decorated apparel operations.

Submit to Atlantic City: Impressions Atlantic City 2026 Speaker Submission

Interested individuals are encouraged to share unique perspectives, industry expertise, and practical tools that can elevate the skills and business success of the Impressions Expo audience. Speaker submissions are being accepted now through the official Sessionboard portals linked above.

For more information on the Impressions Expo series, visit impressionsexpo.com.

The post Call for Speakers: Impressions Expo 2026 Long Beach & Atlantic City appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/impressions-expo-2026-long-beach-atlantic-city-call-for-speakers/166201/feed/ 0
Botched a Screen-Printing Job, Now What? https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/botched-a-screen-printing-job-now-what/165697/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/botched-a-screen-printing-job-now-what/165697/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:30:18 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=165697 Combatting myths and your mistakes of screen-printing production

The post Botched a Screen-Printing Job, Now What? appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
If you know me, then you know that screen printing is and has been a part of my life for more than 46 years. Since the first time I screen printed as a teenager, I’ve been hooked. For me, screen printing is not just a means to put an image on a shirt, it’s also an art form. Over the years, I’ve seen trends come and go, print machines evolve and screen-printing inks become specialized and more efficient.

A simple way to test whether the ink is cured completely is to do a stretch test. If the ink does not crack while the fabric is stretched, it’s cured. Photo courtesy of International Coatings

One thing that has stayed the same all these years: What falls off at the end of the dryer is NOT the ink’s fault! YOU own it!

You are the last line of defense for everything that happens prior to laying the garment onto the dryer. Some of you might be balking at this idea right now but let me explain.

I get called in to situations when there’s a problem. Most of the time they blame the ink, and 99 percent of the time it’s not the ink, but something else. The ink is probably the most consistent thing you have in the shop, maybe that and the emulsion. These inks are tested in a laboratory prior to being released for sale, whereas most shops do not have the ability to perform the types of tests the laboratory can. Yet, the shop owner will call me because they “feel” that it’s the ink’s fault.

There are many factors that can affect the outcome of a print, and I’d like to address some of the most common ones, so that you won’t get to the “now what?” point at the end of a print production. There needs to be checks and balances way before the final print falls off the dryer to assure that the results are as perfect as can be. What follows are a number of the more common sources of trouble when screen printing—problems that, again, have nothing to do with the quality of the ink a company is using.

Garments: If the garment isn’t correct—meaning the size, color or construction quality—you are the one who applied the graphic to it. Whether the garment was supplied by you or the customer, it’s your responsibility—and the cost to reprint the job on the correct garment can be costly.

Image Placement: Whether you printed the left chest image on the back by mistake or the back image on the front or whether you accidentally taped off a portion of the logo or trademark—again, that’s your mistake. (By way of example, on my real first professional print job back in 1981, I printed the REMO drum head logo on the back instead of the left chest of 72 brown sweatshirts. Not good!)

Ink Type: Did you use white ink made specifically for use on a cotton garment on your 100-percent poly red shirt or use a poly ink on a 100-percent cotton garment? Both are no-no’s. Let me explain: If you use a standard cotton white on some dark polyester fabrics, it’s possibly some of the color or dye from the polyester can migrate or sublimate through your ink and alter the ink color. Using ink specifically to print on polyester fabric can help prevent that from happening if used and handled correctly. Keeping the cure temp as low as the ink will allow and cooling them off immediately after curing will also help prevent dye migration.

Gel gloss was integrated to some of the “spines” and other features of the fish to achieve that underwater look. Photo courtesy of International Coatings

Similarly, when using ink for polyester on some reactive dyed cotton fabrics, it is possible, under the right circumstances, to have the polyester ink bleach or “ghost” an image on any cotton fabric that it touches. Ghosting only happens when you use certain low bleed and 100-percent polyester white inks on cotton fabrics that are still hot and have some moisture remaining within the fabric. If the printed fabric is left in contact with reactive dyed fabrics while hot, you may create a ghost image of the polyester ink print on the reactive dyed fabric.

If you run into such a problem, here’s a tip—cooling the garments off directly out of the dryer will help prevent the ghosting from happening.

Dryer Settings: Did you make sure that the dryer temperature is correct for the type of ink being used (low-cure vs. regular cure type inks) or for the type of garment you are printing on (100-percent cotton vs. 100-percent polyester for example)?

While heat is vital for curing and fusing ink, finding the sweet spot is key to avoiding energy waste and maximizing profitability. Heat is a necessary evil. You need it to do the job, but any excess turns it into an enemy.

Under-curing is the problem I encounter the most when people complain about the ink. Use a temperature gun aimed at the inside of the dryer to measure the temperature more correctly. Slow down the belt speed if needed. Typically, the ink should reside in the dryer at least one full minute at the cure temperature suggested by the manufacturer.

Close up of the FX Gel Gloss application on the spines. Photo courtesy of International Coatings

If you do detect that the ink is under-cured, be careful not to run the ink through the dryer a second time at temperatures that still would not cure the ink. For example, at 250°F (121°C) the ink will still be heated to only 250°F (121°C) and still will not cure if it needs to hit 280°F (138°C) for it to be fully cured, no matter how long you run it through the dryer.

Ink and Screen Rooms: You can learn a lot about a screen-printing company just by looking to see how seriously they take their ink and screen rooms. These areas are key stages of the screen print process. Strive to streamline these critical stages. It’s kind of like looking into a restaurant’s kitchen—a lot can be learned about how the food will taste when you see the kitchen in which it is prepared.

Are there pin holes creating little spots of ink on the garment? These pesky little dots may not show up on your first few shirts or even the first 1,000 shirts but can develop while the production run continues. So, check your screens—and prints—frequently throughout the day.
For the most part, these holes can be practically eliminated by creating a clean, dust free and dry environment in all your screen-prepping areas.

Create profiles for your coating and exposing department, then create and maintain a proper ink kitchen. The profiles will help keep your prints consistent from operator to operator and from customer order to their reorder. This simple implementation will save you countless hours and dollars over the years.

Monitor Constantly

Many printers try to make screen printing a “set it and forget it” type of business, but it simply will never be. There are countless things that can change throughout a production run, whether it is a simple 100-piece run or 100,000-piece run. The numerous factors involved make a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach unrealistic, expecting the 1,000th print to be the same as the first. Consistent monitoring is key.

Plastisol inks, for example, are thermoplastic, so you can expect an ink that has been exposed to residual heat from pallets that have passed through multiple flashes to change its characteristics as printing progresses.

To achieve the thick layers of puff that were incorporated in this print, the ink must meet the correct temperature. Photo courtesy of International Coatings

At first, the ink will become creamier and thinner as the squeegee agitates it by going back and forth. However, over time it will start to thicken, or gel, as the heat from the pallets affect sits thermoplastic characteristics. Thinning and thickening will alter the ink’s opacity and may cause variations to your design throughout the duration of the production run. The print you get at the end of the production run may not look like the sample that was approved at the start.

Not all inks are created equal. Some brands may use a large percentage of liquid thickener in their products, which can exacerbate the problem. Inks containing liquid thickener may start out thicker, but the ink will liquify to a thinner viscosity during the production run. This additional factor could introduce instability in the viscosity of the ink, which could in turn affect the opacity of the print.

Another factor could be the weather. Let’s say you have a job for 100 shirts to print manually, which can be printed in one day. In this case, you can assume the weather will be the same from the first print to the last. If, on the other hand, you are lucky enough to land a 100,000-piece job on an automatic, then you may be printing the same image for 20 or 30-plus days. (3,000 prints per day x 33.5 days is 100,500 shirts). Any change in the weather over the course of the production run can influence the garments’ moisture content and the dryer temperature.

If you are printing a large job, consider burning a second set of screens to save on down time in case one of the screens rips. It would be great if all the screens last over 100,000 prints, and it may even be possible but…the cost of the extra screens pale in comparison to the hour of downtime in case a screen (or multiple screens) must be prepped for replacement.

Other Factors

Even though we like to think that plastisol ink formulas are complicated and sophisticated, it ultimately comes down to only a few ingredients that affect the curability of each batch created. I can assure you that every batch we produce is thoroughly tested for curability as part of our standard quality control procedure.

It can be assumed that all manufacturers thoroughly test every product they produce as well. However, it is impossible to test every batch of every garment produced. Garment manufacturers are constantly tweaking their dying processes, and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the garment variables. With the constant ebb and flow of chemical and dyeing evolutions, it is simply impossible to duplicate every scenario in our lab that could come up in the real world.

This is why I refer to this industry as an art form. Only a professional with years of experience can draw on their “trial by fire” education that enables them to keep the production flow going with minimal downtime and loss. Again, as much as we would like it to be, most of our industry processes are not simply “set-it-and-forget-it” type steps.

Quality Control Checkpoint

With proper curing, puff ink can add so much depth to print pieces. Photo courtesy of International Coatings

Every single garment or substrate that falls off the end of the dryer is the printer’s responsibility. No one is going to hold your hand and make sure you did it correctly. The right color, the right garment, the right placement, the right design, etc., all require your attention. Put together a quality-control checklist and go through it for every order: Once after you print the first production sample; once midway through production; and once when the job is completed.

Here are a few suggestions for what your checklist could include:
Is the garment going to bleed or possibly ghost? When in doubt, test the fabric. Is the correct type of ink being used? Did you correctly spell the customers’ company name? Is the garment being printed the one the customer ordered/provided? Is it the correct color and size? Does the image go on the front, the back or on the sleeve? Do they have a PMS color callout?

There are so many things going on, but one of the simplest and easiest things to check at the end of the line is whether the ink is cured. The cool thing about plastisol is that if you catch the job before it goes out the door to the customer, you can re-run the garments through the dryer, either slower and/or by raising the cure temperature of the dryer once again. You probably could save the job that way—instant hero status!

Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been screen printing for more than 42 years and teaching screen printing for more than 12 years. He is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs; and won SGIA’s 2014 Golden Image Award. He can be reached at kstevens@iccink.com. For more information, visit iccink.com. You can also follow the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.

 

The post Botched a Screen-Printing Job, Now What? appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/botched-a-screen-printing-job-now-what/165697/feed/ 0
Getting Your Screen Printing in Gear https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/getting-your-screen-printing-in-gear/165196/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/getting-your-screen-printing-in-gear/165196/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:35:21 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=165196 Speed and efficiency are no longer optional if you want to succeed in today’s decorated-apparel industry

The post Getting Your Screen Printing in Gear appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
In the immortal words of Ricky Bobby, “I wanna go fast!”

Speed is more than just a competitive advantage. It’s the difference between being a contender and being left in the dust. Yet, so many shops in the screen-printing industry are still chugging along with a 10- to 14-day turnaround, while others have mastered the three to five-day workflow.

Where is your shop on your production turnaround?

One common theme remains true for the entire industry: the shared challenge of accomplishing tasks faster. This isn’t just about boosting sales, increasing productivity or maximizing profits. It’s about gaining a competitive edge or being the shop that can deliver in record time. We’re all in this race together, constantly seeking ways to accelerate our progress.

First Gear: Your Orders

Let’s shift into first gear and get this article rolling by discussing the most critical ingredient for shop speed. Your customer and their order. Why is this important?

What you constantly say, yes to, matters in terms of how fast you turn that order around. What are you agreeing to daily and for what type of production method? As we can’t bend the laws of time and physics, your shop must add the necessary elements to increase the speed for your average order, no matter the type. What are you missing to put the pedal to the metal?

This may mean different things in different shops. Some focus on larger orders, which might mean adding equipment or shifts to reduce turn-time days. Others focus on many smaller orders, in which case the killer question will revolve around faster setups or getting the necessary inventory in the building to begin production.

Shifting into first gear here with speed means you need clarity of purpose for your business focus. Eliminate the junk getting in the way of building a faster way to turn jobs based on your typical customer order.

Solve the problem. The speedbumps getting in the way and the excuses you make can be mitigated.

For example, many shops stock inventory in black, white, gray and their local team color in full case quantities per size. There are also automatic quantity levels that trigger purchasing more stock. What happens, though, if someone requests something in a color that isn’t in stock. Maybe try replying, “Here’s the turn time for that. If you need it faster, here’s what we offer.”

You might also try simplifying your offer. If speed is the hallmark of your offering, what scenarios with your market get in the way of a faster turnaround? Your shop’s practices must align with the orders you accept. Audit the work you are saying yes to. Can you earmark the “best practice” orders you receive that allow you to jump up in speed?

Speed Checklist

  • Is the order the kind you typically accept, or is it something weird? Weird things take longer.
  • Is all of the order information accurate and entered correctly in the system?
  • What is the ship date? This is the most important piece of information regarding the order. What will prevent you from shipping on this date? Mitigate that concern early.
  • What guidelines have you set up for orders you are accepting?

Second Gear: Having the Right Equipment

Next, examine the type of equipment and software you have deployed in your shop. Older equipment may be paid off, but newer equipment and ideas can significantly increase production.

If you have been to a trade show in the last couple of years, you probably have noticed the upgrades in production equipment and other support machines for the industry. Are you taking advantage of these new industry upgrades?

Speed often comes in the form of automation, which in turn can allow you to take various steps out of a process and/or significantly improve the output.

For example, many shops still use film positives to prep transfer an image to a screen in screen-print production. However, while this is a tried and true method and foundational for smaller shops, companies with computer-to-screen or laser-to-screen systems enjoy a pronounced speed advantage. Moiré and emulsion pinholes are also virtually eliminated when taking this approach. How many minutes a year in your shop are you wasting trying to eliminate these two challenges alone?

Did you know you could have printed about 12 shirts every time you stop your auto press to tape up a pinhole? How many times a year do you think you are doing that? Multiply that scenario over 12 months and discover the time savings you will get by solving this one problem.

Most likely there are hundreds of instances like this floating around your business. Are you spending the necessary time to monitor these challenges and compare what you’re working with now to more modern technology, software and consumables to see if there is a better way of doing things moving forward?

Time savings comes in small increments. A second or two savings at any stage in your production processes will be cumulative. Everything stacks. Annualize the impact of improving something. Even a tiny improvement could save hours or even days over the course of a year. Honestly, it pays to rethink your work.

Speed Checklist

  • Is all your company’s equipment functioning properly? What isn’t working as it should?
  • Are multiple employees trained on the equipment? What happens if someone gets sick or goes on vacation?
  • What parts of your process could you automate?
  • If you change the type of work you accept to gain speed, do you have the equipment to produce this new work?
  • What are you putting up with because “that machine is paid off?”

Third Gear: Quality, Quality, Quality!

Quality control. Yep, that tired old nugget. However, in the context of speed, it is crucial. How can you get faster if you are doing anything over a second time? In my experience, many shops don’t even track their errors. You absolutely need to comprehend the quantity, reasons and potential solutions for errors in every department.

And this isn’t just limited to production. It could be incorrectly ordered inventory, incorrect shipping information, or artwork or digitizing challenges.

These problems are an anchor for your business. They’re holding you back.

A great way to start solving these issues is with an exercise called “Root Cause Analysis.” Often, the real cause for a situation is farther upstream than where the error occurred. Keep asking “why” something happened and what led to it happening.

By the way, most errors are caused by two things: information or training.
Better information produces better results. Keep track of why your team makes mistakes. I’ll bet you many of those challenges are information related. This could be input from your customer or with order entry. Simply typing in 84 instead of 48 can greatly impact what happens in other departments.

Keeping track of your challenges is a great way to learn what is slowing you down. And I’ll say this again so everyone in the back row can hear me: This isn’t limited to production. In fact, the biggest culprit is generally the sales or customer service team and the order entry process. Wrong or incorrect information can lead to problems in many departments in the shop.

Speed Checklist

  • Where do most of the mistakes happen in your shop?
  • Start a spreadsheet and record the problems. Fix them so they don’t occur again.
  • Be neutral when investigating problems. Yes, it could be Fred. But what if Fred wasn’t trained properly, or he’s trying to make things work with old machinery?
  • Measure. Numbers don’t lie.

Fourth Gear: An Effective Workforce

Now, let’s examine one of a business’s most crucial parts: its people. Let’s face it, you are only going to go as fast and as well as the people on your team. What are you doing to train these folks to become print superheroes? This is an ongoing, constant effort to raise the bar in your shop.

In racing, the driver might be behind the wheel, but an entire team is needed to help the driver win. Drivers can’t do it alone. They rely on mechanics, engineers support staff, logistics people and layers of management. Believe it or not, about 100 people work for each car.

Here’s a cold, hard fact: Not all employees give the same effort or have the same attitude toward learning. This brings us to the magic phrase: “Change your people or change your people.” Your job as a leader is to help your team get better at what they do. However, some people don’t want to change, are complacent or have other soft-skill issues.

I know a shop that changed everyone in its 35-person workforce over the last couple of years, dialing in this concept. They can regularly turn jobs in three to five business days, but most jobs are out the door in about two days after they get everything they need to start (garments and art). They rely heavily on software, automation, processes and standard operating procedures to give them the lift they need. They have simple rules for running the business and guardrails to ensure everything happens properly.

The chaos is further minimized by ensuring it doesn’t make it onto the schedule. They say no to jobs that are not aligned with the work they want to produce. They also say no to employees who get in the way of this mission. You can too. This is where mission, vision and core values intersect.

Speed Checklist
Practice the “Rule of 3.” There should be three trained people for every core function in the shop.
Bring in outside help to train staff members in best practices.
Send staff to training sessions, conferences, trade shows and even friendly shops willing to share how they do things.
Give everyone clear expectations regarding what success looks like in the work they do. Support them so they can do it to the best of their ability.

Fifth Gear: Organization

I’ve been to a good number of shops. The ones that produce the most have one thing in common: clarity. Everyone knows what to do next. Jobs are lined up and ready to go early. Every department has a stringent production schedule. Systems are everywhere, and the people who do the work help build them.

Organization is important because it focuses on effectiveness. There is a difference between efficiency and effectiveness.

For example, you can print 500 full front prints at record speed. Super efficient! Then you realize you should have printed the image on the back of the shirt. (Insert car crash skidding and crashing sound here.)

I’ll take a crew that works effectively at a comfortable pace and doesn’t make a mistake over a team trying to go so fast misprinting becomes a serious liability any day of the week. Wouldn’t you?

Get clear on what should happen and set this up so people can instantly know how to succeed.

Speed Checklist

  • All information is double-checked for accuracy early. Consider every field on the order mandatory.
  • Work out when each step in your process is due. Work backward from the ship date. The ship date is the day on the calendar that the order has to leave the building. It should be ready to go one business day before. Every department is responsible for their piece of the order.
  • If any employee is struggling, they should feel safe raising their hands and asking for help.
  • Inventory must be checked in and counted on the day it is received. Find out where the time bomb is long before your production date, so you will have time to resolve it.
  • Line up tomorrow’s work today. Print a schedule and arrange each job in the order it should be produced.
  • It’s okay to say no to jobs that are not profitable or not in your wheelhouse.
    What are you measuring? What are your current KPI’s, or key performance indicators? Are they what they should be? If not, what do you need to do to get them there?

Overdrive: Making it Happen

So, how do you put all of this together? First, let’s face facts. You aren’t going to get faster by reading this article. The only way that will happen is by putting in the work. Actions make things happen.

Something else I’ve learned having completed many of these kinds of improvement projects over the years: it can’t be top-down. You have to involve the whole team. They probably already know the reason why something is slow.

Get the team together and have a chat. What are their ideas on getting better? Can they name the things they hate or complain about at dinner every night? I’ll bet they can.

Fix those first.

Remember the old adage, “Man supports what he helps create.” More often than not, simply barking orders at people will only lead to resentment and little, if any, improvement. Knock out what your team already knows is broken, but has been too busy or too shy to say anything about.

This will create momentum and some early wins. When your crew sees positive change, they will be more willing to work on the next idea. A year from now, when you have made significant speed improvements all over the shop, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to begin. Time to start your engines!

Marshall Atkinson is a veteran designer, custom apparel decorator, business coach and principal of Atkinson Consulting, (atkinsontshirt.com). This past year he launched the online “Midjourney: Elevating Print Creativity” newsletter.

 

 

 

 

The post Getting Your Screen Printing in Gear appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/process-technique/getting-your-screen-printing-in-gear/165196/feed/ 0
Lawson Screen & Digital and Workhorse Products Announce Strategic Merger https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawson-screen-digital-and-workhorse-products-announce-strategic-merger/165135/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawson-screen-digital-and-workhorse-products-announce-strategic-merger/165135/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:19:08 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=165135 St. Louis, Missouri—Lawson Screen & Digital and Workhorse Products have announced their strategic merger, bringing together two of the most respected names in the screen and digital printing industry. This merger strengthens both brands, expands product offerings, enhances customer service, and accelerates innovation, ensuring an even greater experience for customers nationwide. “For decades, Lawson and […]

The post Lawson Screen & Digital and Workhorse Products Announce Strategic Merger appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
St. Louis, Missouri—Lawson Screen & Digital and Workhorse Products have announced their strategic merger, bringing together two of the most respected names in the screen and digital printing industry. This merger strengthens both brands, expands product offerings, enhances customer service, and accelerates innovation, ensuring an even greater experience for customers nationwide.

“For decades, Lawson and Workhorse have been at the forefront of screen and digital printing equipment manufacturing,” said Taylor Landesman, Vice President of Lawson Screen & Digital. “By merging our strengths, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions that empower print businesses to succeed. Our combined expertise, resources, and shared dedication to the industry make this a natural and exciting next step.”

The merger reflects the companies’ shared vision of Better Together, creating new opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.

“I’m excited by the ability to offer an expanded product line, enhanced customer service and support, along with innovation and advancements that will benefit Workhorse-Lawson customers,” says Tyler Dummett, President of Workhorse Products.

Both Lawson and Workhorse will continue to operate as normal, with no changes to staff, contact information, or day-to-day operations. Customers can expect the same exceptional service and support they have come to trust.

For more information, visit lawsonsp.com/blogs/education-and-training/lawson-workhorse.

The post Lawson Screen & Digital and Workhorse Products Announce Strategic Merger appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawson-screen-digital-and-workhorse-products-announce-strategic-merger/165135/feed/ 0
Ninja Transfers: Durability Redefined with 100+ Wash & Dry Cycles https://impressionsmagazine.com/sponsored/ninja-transfers-durability-redefined-with-100-wash-dry-cycles/165113/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/sponsored/ninja-transfers-durability-redefined-with-100-wash-dry-cycles/165113/#respond Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:35:11 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=165113 Recent testing has confirmed that Ninja Transfers' DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers can withstand over 100 wash and dry cycles while maintaining their vibrant color, flexibility, and adhesion when hung dry.

The post Ninja Transfers: Durability Redefined with 100+ Wash & Dry Cycles appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
In the ever-evolving world of garment decoration, durability remains a key concern for both businesses and their customers. With countless printing methods available—screen printing, sublimation, heat transfer vinyl, and direct-to-film (DTF) transfers—finding the perfect balance between quality, longevity, and ease of application has long been a challenge. However, one company has redefined what it means to create high-quality, long-lasting apparel embellishments: Ninja Transfers with their DTF Transfers.

Recent testing has confirmed that Ninja Transfers’ DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers can withstand over 100 wash and dry cycles while maintaining their vibrant color, flexibility, and adhesion when hung dry. This achievement is a game-changer in DTF, setting a new standard for durability and quality that rivals even the most established printing techniques.

Breaking the Stigma Around DTF Durability

Direct-to-film printing has gained rapid popularity in the past few years due to its versatility, ease of use, and increased reliability in the supply chain. However, one of the most common concerns surrounding DTF technology is the question of longevity. Can these transfers truly last, or do they crack, fade, and peel after just a few washes? The answer, as demonstrated by Ninja Transfers, is a resounding yes—when produced with top-tier materials and processes, DTF transfers can go the distance. Unlike cheaper alternatives that may begin to show wear after 20 or 30 washes, Ninja Transfers’ DTF prints have proven their resilience beyond 100 washes.

A New Era for Custom Apparel

The ability to withstand 100+ washes without compromising on appearance or performance is a major breakthrough for DTF printing. For small business owners, print shops, and clothing brands, this means greater customer satisfaction, reduced returns, and long-term wearability—key factors that contribute to brand loyalty and repeat sales.

With Ninja Transfers leading the charge in durability, vibrancy, and ease of application, the future of DTF printing looks brighter than ever. Their achievement proves that with the right materials and processes, DTF transfers can not only match but exceed the durability of traditional print methods.

For those in the custom apparel business, the message is clear: invest in quality, and your customers will notice the difference. Ninja Transfers has set a new benchmark, proving that innovation and durability can go hand in hand in the world of garment printing.

The post Ninja Transfers: Durability Redefined with 100+ Wash & Dry Cycles appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/sponsored/ninja-transfers-durability-redefined-with-100-wash-dry-cycles/165113/feed/ 0
Looking Back: 2024’s Biggest Apparel Decorating Products & Trends https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/looking-back-2024s-biggest-apparel-decorating-products-trends/164810/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/looking-back-2024s-biggest-apparel-decorating-products-trends/164810/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:02:04 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=164810 2024 was one for the books for the decorated apparel industry! Decorators and manufacturers alike put their best foot forward, debuting technological garments, advanced software upgrades, futuristic machinery heavily focused on direct-to-film (DTF) and more. Before 2025 gets fully underway, we decided to take a look back at some of the most innovative products that […]

The post Looking Back: 2024’s Biggest Apparel Decorating Products & Trends appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
2024 was one for the books for the decorated apparel industry! Decorators and manufacturers alike put their best foot forward, debuting technological garments, advanced software upgrades, futuristic machinery heavily focused on direct-to-film (DTF) and more. Before 2025 gets fully underway, we decided to take a look back at some of the most innovative products that were released throughout 2024.

613 Originals DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers

Image courtesy of 613

613 Originals DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers 

613 Originals released what it calls its new DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers, a proprietary heat-transfer solution expressly configured for the high-demand apparel and promotional markets. Developed for compatibility with a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester and various blends, DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers offer professional-grade results that remain vivid and long-lasting, even on complex fabric textures and patterns. The clear transfer film simplifies placement and maximizes accuracy, allowing creators and businesses to achieve precise alignments to limit waste. According to the company, the versatility of the DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers makes them perfect for diverse applications—from fashion to sportswear, promotional products, and beyond. Available in its single image program with multiple sheet sizes, including the largest sheet size available in the market. With a minimum order quantity of 10 pieces, the new product is priced competitively for large and small-scale projects. Customers who would normally opt for DTF will find DTF Digital Hybrid a better option when they need 50 pieces or more.

Archroma color atlas decorated apparel

Image courtesy of Archroma

Archroma Ultra Compact Color Atlas for Apparel

Archroma introduced an innovative portable version of its market-leading Color Atlas by Archroma® color catalogue to help streamline textile and apparel industry workflows with truly convenient color comparison. The Color Atlas by Archroma, Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions are available as convenient libraries of textile color swatches that set a new standard for efficient color selection and comparison while on the go, in the office, factory or in a work-from-home setting. Color comparison is a fundamental part of the work of designers and their textile mill and brand partners. However, achieving the perfect color match or color harmony without convenient access to color library reference books has long been a challenge. Physical color libraries can be bulky and heavy with even compact editions of physical libraries are too big to fit into a backpack or shoulder bag. The new Color Atlas by Archroma® formats give designers a visual companion tool for digital color libraries may not be accurate due to the limitations of the user’s smartphone or tablet display. The Color Atlas by Archroma Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions overcome these challenges. Both formats are user friendly and travel-ready, with no mask required to isolate colors for selection and comparison.

Arcus Printers Direct-to-Film Soft Touch Powder

Arcus Printers released its new Arcus Soft Touch Powder, a high-performance adhesive powder to help create high-quality,

Arcus Soft Touch Powder

Image courtesy of Arcus

direct-to-film (DTF) prints on a variety of materials. DTF powder is a key component in textile personalization, offering an alternative to traditional screen printing and heat transfer methods.
• Super-Soft Hand Feel: Unlike traditional DTF adhesive powders that can leave a “plastic” feel once the transfer is cured, the new powder offers a soft and natural texture, mimicking the look and feel of screen printing
• Superior Stretchability: Ideal for most materials – including challenging substrates like spandex or nylon
• Low Dust: The carefully selected particle size minimizes dust, providing a cleaner and safer work environment for decorators
• Proprietary Blend: Arcus Printers’ unique formula is designed for superior performance and reliability.
• Safe, Domestic Manufacturing: Arcus Soft Touch powder, manufactured in the U.S., uses OEKO-TEX certified materials.

Brother DTG DTF digital printer decorated apparel

Image courtesy of Brother

Brother GTX R2R High-Volume DTF Printers

Brother Industrial Products Division (IPD) now offers the GTX R2R printer for creating direct-to-film (DTF) transfers.
It’s a dedicated roll-to-roll DTF solution designed for high-volume printing that allows it to provide maximum productivity with little operator involvement. Offering the ability to do high resolution and fine details, the two industrial printheads have eight ink channels: CMYK in one and four white inks in the other. The industrial maintenance station with wet capping system keeps white ink flowing. The adhesive powder circulation system has a built-in ionizer, and the infrared curing station has a take-up roll device. The maximum roll size is 16 inches (40.6 cm). Using Brother Innobella Textile inks, the GTX R2R offers a wide color gamut and an opaque white. It comes bundled with Digital Factory Apparel Direct to Film Edition software, which includes file prep, color management and automated production tools. The High Speed print mode allows for up to 65 percent faster printing speed over Standard print mode. The GTX R2R is the perfect companion to any DTG shop as it’s ideal for items that are difficult to pretreat and enables business to create large items that will not fit on a platen, according to the company. Multiple designs can be printed on a single sheet for smaller applications such as a pocket design or sleeve, and it’s ideal for polyester, synthetics and other temperature-sensitive fabrics that are not compatible for DTG. Like the DTG units, it comes in two sizes built to fit individual business’s needs. The GTXpro R2R is ideal for small to medium shops, and the GTXPro B R2R is designed for higher volume output using bulk inks.

CICLO Biodegradable Polyester/Nylon Fibers

The fact that plastics are both cheap and eminently corrosion resistant makes them incredibly useful. There is, however, very

CICLO

Image courtesy of CICLO

much a downside to this usefulness in the way plastics seemingly last forever upon entering the waste stream. The result has been a pollution problem on land and at sea of truly epic proportion. Fortunately, there now appears to be at least the beginning of a solution, something called CICLO, what its creators describes as a technology that is “added to polyester and nylon during the melt extrusion process, creating countless biodegradable spots that are permanently embedded throughout the matrix of the plastic.” The result? In layman’s terms, plastic fibers that biodegrade at roughly the same rate as wool. Imagine the possibilities! Not surprisingly, the decorated-apparel sector, with its increasing interest in sustainability, is already putting the new technology to the test, with such industry leaders as Delta Apparel and Hanes/Champion incorporating it into their product lines. Good for them and good for CICLO! For more information, visit ciclotextiles.com.

Easiway Easisolv

Image courtesy of Easiway

Easisolv Screen-Printing Squeegee and Floodbar Wash


Easiway Systems unveiled its latest breakthrough–Easisolv 401N Squeegee and Floodbar Wash. According to the company, the “revolutionary” product sets a new standard in cleaning solutions, featuring a first-of-its-kind formula that does not swell squeegee rubber, ensuring extended equipment life and consistent printing quality. Engineered specifically for automated cleaning equipment, 401N streamlines operations while effectively removing ink from suspension, simplifying cleaning and recirculation processes. Its versatile formula dissolves plastisolv, solvent, and UV inks, adhering to strict quality standards and restricted substances lists, including those of industry giants like Nike, Gildan, and Adidas.

Image courtesy of Epson

Epson SureColor F-Series DTG Printer

Epson debuted the new SureColor F-Series direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs, artisan businesses, and print service providers, the versatile entry-level SureColor F1070 is purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications. The hybrid printer combines outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package to allow designers to spend more time creating, according to Epson. Engineered for both DTG and DTFilm printing, the unit features an enclosed design with transparent viewing panels to enhance the printing process, and DTFilm printing capability allows users to go beyond traditional garment printing and transfer personalized designs to a wider variety of materials. It also features a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and next-generation UltraChrome DG2 ink with CMYK+Wh. White ink prints on dark garments for enhanced clarity and photographic print quality, and a cartridge-free ink pack system reduces ink replacement frequency to support productivity.

Equipment Zone EZ-SHAKE DTF powder shaker

Image courtesy of Equipment Zone

Equipment Zone New EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker

Equipment Zone launched the EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker, a new tool to aid in the workflow of creating DTF transfers. The EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker is a completely enclosed system and will automate your powder application process, evenly coating your DTF sheets with a simple lever push. At the touch of a button, any excessive powder is neatly and automatically shaken off. The powder sticks solely to the printed sections, with the excess being effortlessly collected for reuse.
DTF EZ-SHAKE main features include:
● Sealed system for mess-free operation
● Accepts film sheet sizes up to 16-inches by 20-inches
● Applies an even distribution of powder
● Powered exhaust with filter
● Interchangeable powder cartridges for quick and clean refills
● Dimensions: 22.7-inches (long) by 24.4-inches (wide) by 33.2-inches (high)
● 120 volt 5 amps
● Weight: 80 Pounds

Gildan/Comfort Colors Pigment Pure Line

Image courtesy of Gildan

There are any number of variables at play when introducing a new apparel line, and with its Pigment Pure initiative, introduced at the 2024 Impressions Expo in Long Beach, California, Gildan’s Comfort Colors brand has truly found a winning combination. Already known for, well, their “comfort” and good looks, the T-shirts and fleeces comprising today’s Comfort Colors line incorporate super soft 100-percent ring-spun U.S. cotton that looks as good as it feels. Beyond that the company’s Pigment Pure process also breaks new ground both aesthetically and environmentally by dyeing the fabrics it employs on a “surface level” thereby 1) creating a palette of “subtle, vintage-looking colors” and “nature-inspired shades” of a type that has long been part of the brand’s DNA and 2) reducing dyeing times by around 40 percent, saving both water and energy. For more information, visit comfortcolors.com/us.

Lawson Screen & Digital Ultimate DTF Printing Solution Bundle

Lawson Screen & Digital’s new cutting-edge Prestige XL2 Pro Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printer Bundle includes the Prestige XL2

Lawson Screen & Digital DTF printer

Image courtesy of Lawson

Pro DTF Printer and the Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer. This innovative combination delivers a game-changing solution for print shops looking to elevate their DTF printing capabilities with unmatched color accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use, according to the company. At the heart of this bundle is the Prestige XL2 Pro DTF Printer, a state-of-the-art 24-inch direct-to-film printer engineered for professionals who demand superior performance. Featuring an advanced 8-color printing system (CMYK + Red, Green, Orange, and Blue), the Prestige XL2 Pro offers an expanded color gamut, producing vibrant, lifelike prints that surpass the capabilities of standard DTF printers. Its generous 24-inch width accommodates large, intricate designs, making it ideal for producing custom apparel, textiles, and other personalized items with precision and clarity.
Paired with the Prestige XL2 Pro, the Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer is engineered for maximum efficiency and convenience. This compact yet robust machine ensures a clean, organized workspace with its built-in air purifier, creating a safer working environment. Its precise scale marks allow for fast and accurate film alignment, while the curved heating platen provides clear results. Together, the Prestige XL2 Pro DTF Printer and Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer can offer an ideal solution for print shops looking to boost creativity, efficiency, and print quality.

Madeira USA E-Zee Green Backing

Madiera USA E-Zee cut recycled embroidery backing

Image courtesy of Maderia

Madeira USA’s E-Zee Green Backing, a medium-weight machine-embroidery backing made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Part of company-wide commitment to sustainability that includes, among other products, the company’s Sensa Green eco-friendly machine embroidery thread (made of 100 Lyocell, a fiber of botanic origin produced via a process using a minimum of water), products like E-Zee Green Backing are just what the industry needs to truly clean up its act. According to Madeira USA, “The fashion industry is becoming more environmentally aware and every small change toward sustainability counts.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Melco SUMMIT Embroidery System

Melco SUMMIT embroidery machine

Image courtesy of Melco

With its appropriately named SUMMIT embroidery system, embroidery industry leader Melco is aiming to take its game to a whole new level through a combination of performance and ease-of-use. Capable of sewing up to 1,500 stitches per minutes and equipped with 16 needles, the SUMMIT offers a 10.1-inch HD resolution touch screen, built-in barcode scanner, automatic thread tensioning with Acti-Feed, and an ultra-responsive operating system. The SUMMIT’s easy-to-use touch-screen interface gives you all the information you need at a glance, including automatic maintenance reminders, access to a variety of step-by-step, on-screen guides to ensure your machine is running at its peak, and 30 days of on-screen tracking.
The system’s built-in barcode scanner quickly loads designs and design settings via the Melco’s proprietary OFM file system. The system’s cutting-edge software also allows you to quickly load hoop settings.

Ninja Transfers “Easy Peel” DTF Apparel-Decorating Tech

Ninja Transfers DTF apparel decoration

Image courtesy of Ninja Transfers

Custom direct-to transfer (DTF) manufacturer Ninja Transfers, widely known for its innovative approach to apparel decorating, has announced the launch of what it calls its new Easy Peel Technology. According to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based Ninja Transfers, its latest product offering marks the next evolution of DTF transfers, replacing traditional cold peel methods and enhancing hot peel applications to deliver unparalleled efficiency and quality. According to Ninja Transfers, Easy Peel “revolutionizes” the transfer process by allowing users to peel immediately while hot or wait until the design is cool with the ability to pull off the transfer backing slowly at first and then fast to ensure the image is properly adhered to the product.

Roland DGA VersaSTUDIO Desktop BY-20 Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printer

Image courtesy of Roland DGA

The Roland DGA BY-20 desktop DTF system is centered around the BY-20, a water-based printer that uses the DTF transfer method to improve the design and efficiency of apparel goods production. The BY-20 lets you produce customized apparel and accessories quickly with no weeding required. With the BY-20, you can transfer even complex designs onto both light and dark fabrics—not only cotton but also polyester, cotton polyester, denim, nylon and rayon.

STAHLS’ Heat Applied Flexbroidery

STAHLS' Flexbroidery heat-press decoration

Image courtesy of STAHLS’

Heat-press specialist STAHLS’ launched Flexbroidery, a heat-applied product that creates a full-color direct embroidered finish in seconds, no sewing required. Flexbroidery eliminates the complexity of traditional embroidery, featuring fast and easy heat application that streamlines production and boosts output, in the process offering an efficient, versatile, cost-effective alternative to authentic embroidery. Businesses can now deliver detailed, high-end embroidered looks without the stress and limitations of conventional stitching, thereby eliminating the challenges associated with delicate fabrics, difficult placements and digitizing. With Flexbroidery, any heat press operator can achieve a full color embroidered finish without the time, training and skill required for direct embroidery, making it easier for more decorators to meet high-volume demands and quick turnarounds profitably. In addition to heat-applied Flexbroidery transfers for apparel, bags, hats, outerwear and accessories, Flexbroidery with a pressure sensitive adhesive is also available for tumblers, mugs, water bottles and other hard goods.

The post Looking Back: 2024’s Biggest Apparel Decorating Products & Trends appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/looking-back-2024s-biggest-apparel-decorating-products-trends/164810/feed/ 0
Performancewear Commands Comfort Durability https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/performancewear-commands-comfort-durability/164474/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/performancewear-commands-comfort-durability/164474/#respond Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:58:09 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=164474 Evolving fabrics and versatile colors fall in line as people continue their love affair with performancewear

The post Performancewear Commands Comfort Durability appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
Models outside wearing athleisure

Russell Athletic’s Dri-Power Fleece Crew Sweatshirt and Cotton Performance T-Shirt
are both ideal for any active lifestyle. Photo courtesy of Fruit of the Loom

Though the performancewear category has not undergone sweeping changes, several dominant trends will continue throughout the rest of the year and into 2025, as volume, weight and versatility remain key trends. Comfort is paramount, yes, but durability has taken a front seat when it comes to consumers with active lifestyles. Every detail counts, from a zippered pocket for valuables to a drop tail for layering year-round. Also, per the norm, sustainable practices remain as in-demand as ever.

“Comfort is still No. 1, when it comes to future development, with sustainability being a short follower,” says Kristen Vincent, senior merchandise manager, Fruit of the Loom, JERZEES, & Russell Athletic. “Beyond durability and function, performancewear should have some kind of sustainability aspect to it. Sustainability will become expected, no longer a plus 1.”

Wearers will continue the want for clothing that lasts and performs the way it is intended, agrees Bryan Kiel, director of marketing, Edwards Garment. The company invests in testing fabric to ensure it can withstand 50-plus washes.

“As a uniform supplier, we prioritize testing when looking at bringing a new style to market,” Kiel says. “We do this because we want to launch styles that you can wash and wear again and again. Apparel buyers don’t want to waste their money on a style that is going to snag, fray or lose its color after a couple of washes.”

Staying Current and Trendy

Moisture-wicking fabric also continues as a fast-growing category of the performancewear segment. Generally made from 100-percent polyester with micro-weave yarns, the fabric is breathable and will keep the wearer dry. It is, inherently, an extremely durable fabric that will not fade or shrink.

“Due to the incredible demand for the fabrication, we continue to add new colors and styles,” says Eric Rubin, CEO, Blue Generation. “We recently added a long-sleeve polo version of our top-performing Avenger Polo BG7602, and it was an immediate success. We plan to expand the category even further for 2025 to include a long-sleeve, hooded pullover.”

Blue Generation also has seen success in color-blocked athletic polos and T-shirts equipped with moisture wicking technology.

All-Around Eco-Friendly

The demand for sustainability in the manufacture of apparel and the content of fabrics remains incredibly important. Vincent says sustainability is a necessity within

Model outside wearing athleisure

Don’t sweat the details while wearing the 2-layer bonded fabric of the Performance
Tek Jacket. Photo courtesy
of Edwards Garment

performancewear, with 100-percent of JERZEES’ styles being free of any harmful substances.

“I would say the wholesale channel has caught up when it comes to the transparency of positive manufacturing efforts, such as reduced water usage, energy and product waste,” she says. “At Fruit of the Loom, we achieved zero waste for five consecutive years, which is a significant contribution to turning around the negative impact apparel has on the environment.”

Regarding product makeup, Vincent believes more advancements are on the horizon. Currently, recycled fiber content is the most common attribute. JERZEES, for example, uses sustainably sourced cotton grown in the United States in all internally produced styles. The company also recently launched a 3-End 57 Combed Ring-Spun Cotton/43 Recycled Polyester Fleece collection. Each garment is moisture-wicking and saves more than seven plastic water bottles.

Kiel agrees that sustainability continues as a dominant factor, but does not necessarily believe the channel has caught up to the sustainability trend. Still, eco-friendly styles are a must among offerings.

“So many buyers are taking the sustainability of a product and even a supplier into consideration when making a purchasing decision,” he says, adding that while sustainability isn’t a deciding factor in most purchase decisions it often can be for larger opportunities.

The Decorating Method

Impactful colors moving into 2025 will be natural—colors that have transformed into long-term core colors over the last few years. Often earth-inspired, these colors

female model wearing neutral hoodie, JERZEES

JERZEES’ NuBlend Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt is pill resistant and features high stitch density for a smooth printing canvas. Photo courtesy of Fruit of the Loom

reflect consumer desire to continue sustainability efforts. Examples include hues like golden pecan or vintage white. Fabrics must remain versatile as well, with team sports calling for more vibrant hues.

“Our performancewear lineup of styles is versatile for all sports in many designs,” Rubin says. “The three most popular fabrics and textures in moisture wicking are jersey, which is a flat weave finish; micro-pique, which has a bit more ‘pique’ texture; and textured mesh, which has the most textured pattern knitted into the fabric. Team sports usually gravitate to more vibrant colors, and we offer one of the most comprehensive lineups of colors to choose from.”

Direct-to-film (DTF) is the primary printing method that will affect performancewear decoration going forward, and for good reason: it endures without compromising the garment and lends itself to fashion-forward styling. DTF-printed fabric also has superior elasticity, which will in turn allow it to keep its appearance when the garment is stretched and leave functionality intact.

“DTF is going to become a very important tool in decoration,” Rubin says. “The blending of color in DTF is more versatile than screen printing, and the minimums can be lower. It will certainly be important to performancewear.”

Meeting Demand

In terms of price point, sustainable fibers continue to come at a high cost, with limited supply in the Americas, but more availability in Asia.

Models wearing performance polos

Ideal for the golf course and other outdoor activities, the short-sleeve raglan polo will keep you cool using BLU-X_DRI moisture-wicking technology with UPF 30 rating. Photo courtesy of Blue Generation

“Less is more as we continue to see inflationary pressures and slower apparel sales, due to customers’ closer lookout on discretionary spend,” Vincent says.

“Because of the higher inventory and yarn supply issues we have endured over the last few years, we have focused our efforts by reducing the number of yarns we manufacture. It has been a balancing act. We had to get innovative with current supply, but also make sure our product is right for the market.”

Along these same lines, Edwards Garment has changed its sourcing model, focusing on multi-sourcing to help minimize the effects of supply chain issues. Turnaround times are quicker, and multiple options exist for supply from a vendor in, for instance, Central America, versus Asia or Africa. The result has been ample inventory in the company’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, warehouse.

“When Edwards Garment purchased Bishop Custom Clothing in November 2019, the company gained resources and forged new relationships with vendors in several countries worldwide,” Kiel says. “This allows the sourcing of sustainable fabrics and gives access to fabrics the company may not have had without that acquisition.”

Kiel notes Bishop has been rebranded as EdwardsX, but retains the necessary resources to achieve an apparel buyer’s sustainability goals. The relationships developed through the acquisition also helped Edwards Garment launch Point Grey, a brand of eco-friendly, ergonomically focused business casual apparel.

“The biggest challenge facing everyone is the shipping lines with vessels being diverted around the world, due to closures of normal routes increasing transit time,” Blue Generation’s Rubin says. “Consequently, we need to plan earlier to compensate for delays and deliver on time.”

Listen to the Consumer

In the end, the voice of the customer is paramount. Merely listening and remaining aware of the direction consumer demand is taking can mean the difference between hitting a homerun and striking out.

“Being a supplier, the voice of the customer can come from our distributor or the end user,” Kiel says. “People buy what they like and what makes them look and feel great. This drives the decisions we make when producing new fabrics or styles. The concept sounds simple, but it’s not always adhered to. If the consumer doesn’t like it, the product won’t sell, and you’ll be removing it from your line quickly.”

Jennifer Morrell is an award-winning writer who has written for a number of national consumer and trade publications. For more information or to comment on this article, email Jennifer at jennmorrell@hotmail.com.

The post Performancewear Commands Comfort Durability appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/performancewear-commands-comfort-durability/164474/feed/ 0
Lawson’s DTF Powder Achieves CPSC Children’s Product Certificate Certification https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawsons-dtf-powder-achieves-cpsc-childrens-product-certificate-certification/164459/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawsons-dtf-powder-achieves-cpsc-childrens-product-certificate-certification/164459/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:11:03 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=164459 St. Louis—Lawson Screen & Digital Products announces that its DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt Powder has received the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC CPC certification is a rigorous standard that confirms products intended for use in children’s items meet all federal safety requirements. With this certification, Lawson’s […]

The post Lawson’s DTF Powder Achieves CPSC Children’s Product Certificate Certification appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
St. Louis—Lawson Screen & Digital Products announces that its DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt Powder has received the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The CPSC CPC certification is a rigorous standard that confirms products intended for use in children’s items meet all federal safety requirements. With this certification, Lawson’s DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt Powder is now recognized as safe for application on children’s clothing and other fabric products, adhering to the highest safety standards in the industry.

Lawson’s DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt adhesive powder enables the application of high-resolution, durable prints across a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and leather, and allows for precise designs featuring complex gradients and fine details.

“We are thrilled to achieve CPSC CPC certification for our DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt Powder,” says Taylor Landesman, Vice President of Lawson Screen & Digital Products. “This certification assures our customers that they can confidently use our DTF powder on children’s products, meeting the growing market demand for safe, versatile, and high-quality printing solutions.”

The DTF Station ColorPrime Hot Melt Powder is formulated specifically to ensure exceptional ink adhesion during the thermal transfer process, providing print shops with an efficient solution for producing high-quality, long-lasting prints, according to the company. With this new certification, Lawson remains committed to setting industry standards with safe, reliable, and cost-effective products for textile printing.

The post Lawson’s DTF Powder Achieves CPSC Children’s Product Certificate Certification appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/lawsons-dtf-powder-achieves-cpsc-childrens-product-certificate-certification/164459/feed/ 0
Jaanuu Appoints Decorated-Apparel Entrepreneur as VP of Business Development https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/jaanuu-appoints-decorated-apparel-entrepreneur-vp-business-development/164177/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/jaanuu-appoints-decorated-apparel-entrepreneur-vp-business-development/164177/#respond Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:46:46 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=164177 Los Angeles—Premium scrub apparel brand Jaanuu has appointed Ian Scherber as its Vice President of Business Development. Scherber brings 15 years of experience in apparel and accessories merchandising. In his new role, Scherber’s primary focus will be launching Jaanuu’s products with new and existing sales channels with the objective of broadening the brand’s reach in […]

The post Jaanuu Appoints Decorated-Apparel Entrepreneur as VP of Business Development appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
Los Angeles—Premium scrub apparel brand Jaanuu has appointed Ian Scherber as its Vice President of Business Development.

Ian Scherber Jaanuu

Ian Scherber. Photo courtesy of Jaanuu

Scherber brings 15 years of experience in apparel and accessories merchandising.

In his new role, Scherber’s primary focus will be launching Jaanuu’s products with new and existing sales channels with the objective of broadening the brand’s reach in wholesale spaces. “I’m excited to help move the brand forward while strengthening our relationships, both new and existing,” says Scherber. “Jaanuu has a lot of momentum right now and I’m eager to add my experience and ideas to the team.”

After beginning his career in screen printing in 2009, he founded Duluth Screen Printing Co. (DSP) in 2014, successfully scaling the business using Kornit DTG machines for on-demand printing while offering additional direct-to-film services. After selling DSP, Scherber then joined Kornit Digital, where he honed his knowledge around new formats of decoration from around the globe.

“We are so excited to have Ian join the Jaanuu team, bringing high levels of IQ and EQ that will be incredibly valuable,” says Jaanuu CEO Michael Alexander. “Ian’s entrepreneurial spirit is infectious and I love how he spreads that energy across our senior leadership team and company culture.”

Scherber comes with a rounded perspective of the printing and decoration industry, having traveled to more than 80 print shops worldwide, gaining a vast knowledge of the industry and the gaps that exist.

In the last decade, Jaanuu has earned its reputation as a disrupter in the fast-growing, multi-billion dollar medical apparel market. As the first physician-founded scrubwear company, the brand’s focus on fashionable styles has resulted in a product line with exceptional fit, fabrics, and functionality.

The post Jaanuu Appoints Decorated-Apparel Entrepreneur as VP of Business Development appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/news/jaanuu-appoints-decorated-apparel-entrepreneur-vp-business-development/164177/feed/ 0
Milwaukee OATS: Changing the World One T-Shirt at a Time https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/milwaukee-oats-changing-the-world-one-t-shirt-at-a-time/164163/ https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/milwaukee-oats-changing-the-world-one-t-shirt-at-a-time/164163/#respond Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:21:44 +0000 https://impressionsmagazine.com/?p=164163 More than a T-shirt, the Milwaukee OATS brand is cultivating the next generation of leaders and artists

The post Milwaukee OATS: Changing the World One T-Shirt at a Time appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
From a basement in Milwaukee to a bustling community hub, Enrique Murguia, aka T-Shirt Boomin, has transformed a simple idea into a powerful movement that blends art and advocacy as part of his screen-printing studio Milwaukee OATS.

Through his dual roles as a community organizer and young entrepreneur, Murguia uses printing messages on shirts to unify communities, raise awareness of important causes and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

The Philosophy of Impact

At the core of Milwaukee OATS is the philosophy encapsulated in its name— “Only a T-shirt.” For Murguia, T-shirts are a lot more than just apparel. They’re a medium for messages of positivity and empowerment. “You’re literally wearing your message,” Murguia says. “It’s part of your daily life, letting people know what you support and advocate for without saying a word.”

One of Murguia’s most impactful designs featured the message, “Milwaukee. Welcome to Our Neighborhood,” aimed at bridging the city’s diverse and often segregated communities.

“We distributed these T-shirts across various neighborhoods—from Latino to Black to Asian and in the suburbs—to foster a sense of unity under the common identity of being part of Milwaukee,” he says.

Another notable design depicted a soldier with a rifle facing a child holding a flower, symbolizing a poignant dialogue on peace.

“The gun and flower were pointing at each other,” Murguia says. “We wanted people to think about what peace means to them, highlighting the stark choices between violence and harmony.”

Growth and Expansion

Milwaukee OATS

The OATS team works around the clock to handle orders and continue brand growth. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee OATS

Over the years, Murguia has steadily expanded Milwaukee OATS from a modest setup in his parents’ basement to increasingly large and more professional spaces. In the beginning, Murguia was limited to water-based printing, since his initial studio, which he shared with another artist, didn’t have a washout booth. As Murguia continued to acquire more advanced equipment, however, he transitioned to an industrial space better suited to his operations.

Today, his business includes a vibrant storefront with studio space in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. The location also now serves as a hub for screen printing and a showcase for his designs and the works of other local artists.

Suffice it to say, the result has been plenty of busy days. “Sometimes I’m here till 2 a.m. I’m still building a business and figuring out how to create that work-life balance,” Murguia says of his efforts, especially when he’s in the middle of handling the rush of orders he receives during Milwaukee’s bustling summer season.

From Art to Activism

While earning an art degree, Murguia immersed himself in the fashion and counter-culture art scenes inspired by icons like Basquiat and Banksy. His early exposure to screen printing, in particular, came through influential brands like OBEY Clothing, founded by Shepard Fairey, a street artist best known for his Barack Obama “Hope” poster.

Murguia’s commitment also expanded into the area of community service when he joined Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program, where he spent his time working with Urban Underground, an organization dedicated to fostering youth leadership and civic engagement.

“It turned into me teaching young people how to screen print, which evolved into lessons on social justice and community organizing,” Murguia says. “It’s like putting the medicine in the soda—kids have fun while learning valuable skills.”

At the same time, as Murguia’s work increasingly came to resonate within the community, a growing number of people began to recognize him as “the screen printer, the art guy making T-shirts with young people.” This in turn translated into an increasingly diverse clientele, with area bands, artists and even barbershops seeking his screen-printing services.

Community Collaboration and Mentorship

Not surprisingly, given Milwaukee OATS commitment to community, the shop’s list of nonprofit partners includes everything from Froedert Hospital to Sherman Park Grocery Store, 414 Life, Safe and Sound, Urban Underground, Cream City Conservation, Victory Gardens Initiative, Milwaukee Water Commons, Youth Justice Milwaukee, Dream.Org and the Office of Violence Prevention. “We’re not just making T-shirts,” Murguia says. “We’re part of the change, tackling issues from environmental sustainability to social justice.”

Milwaukee OATS

Milwaukee OATS works closely with the local community including schools and small businesses. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee OATS

The OATS team also engages with the community by hosting printing events and offering design services at reduced costs to some of its nonprofit partners in order for them to “have cool designs and cool shirts” as Murguia puts it.

Then, of course, there are the peer mentorship and internship programs Murguia has created to help high schoolers and college students just starting out: programs that allow trainees to acquire work and leadership skills via part-time jobs in his shop. He also works with Employ Milwaukee to provide young people who’ve had run-ins with the law the opportunity to learn empowering on-the-job skills.

“Young people come into the shop to learn skills to print or to run their own business,” he says. “We want to give the next generation the skills they need to give back to our community as future leaders. It’s amazing when you see them in a few years happily using the skills they learned with us.”

The impact of these programs is evident in the testimonials from participants. A recent college athlete from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for example, credits the internship with helping him launch a brand of his own. “I’ve been able to start a brand, which was always a dream of mine, all while learning business skills, marketing, promotion, sales, business relations and much more,” he says.

Expanding as a Community Hub

Looking to the future, Milwaukee OATS is working to expand its role to where it becomes a vital community hub. As part of this effort, Murguia says he has plans to add a music studio where young Milwaukee musicians and rappers can gather and record. “As an organizer, I see these musicians as informal creative leaders,” Murguia says. “Partnering with them helps us quickly find more interns and boosts our credibility.”

Again, as mentioned earlier, Murguia’s storefront has also become a showcase for other local creators. Reflecting on his own early days in the industry, Murguia says, “When I started making T-shirts, I looked for local retail spots to sell them. Now that I have the space, I want to give that opportunity to the ‘younger me.’” At press time, the shop featured displays from three artists, including a former intern who has since ventured into fashion by repurposing jeans, and installations from a videographer and a local musician. The eclectic mix highlights the diversity of Milwaukee’s creative scene and attracts a varied customer base.

“We’re thrilled to amplify people’s voices and go above and beyond for our customers,” he says. “People see our work in the community and want to be part of it. We’re super grateful for any order, and we want to be everyone’s preferred print shop and continue building those relationships.”

Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs

As for any advice he might have for his fellow designers or decorators, as a self-made screen printer who has navigated the ups and downs of turning a passion into a thriving business, Murguia says: “If you plant a seed today, you’re not going to get a raspberry bush tomorrow. You have to put the work in, and you may not see your yield for six months. But when you see it, it’ll be tenfold. Just have faith that it’ll bloom as you put in the work.”

Nicole Rollender is an award-winning writer, and heads up copywriting and content-creation firm STRANDWritingServices.com. For more information or to comment on this article, email Nicole at nicolerollender@strandwritingservices.com.

 

The post Milwaukee OATS: Changing the World One T-Shirt at a Time appeared first on Impressions.

]]>
https://impressionsmagazine.com/build-your-business/milwaukee-oats-changing-the-world-one-t-shirt-at-a-time/164163/feed/ 0