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Printing Methods & Fabrics Compared

Every option side by side, so you can see which suits your design, fabric and quantity at a glance. Each row links to its own page, and each chart to the in-depth guides.

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Decoration methods compared

How your design gets onto the garment. The right method depends on the artwork (how many colours, how much detail), the fabric and the quantity.

Decoration methods compared
Option	Best for	Colours & detail	Fabrics	Feel	Durability
Screen printing	Bold logos and graphics on volume runs	Solid colours; one screen per colour	Cotton and blends	Plastisol sits on top; water-based is soft	Very durable
Embroidery	Chest logos on uniforms, polos, caps, outerwear	Solid thread colours; very fine detail blurs	Almost any, including heavy fabrics	Raised, textured stitch	The most durable
DTF printing	Full-colour, gradient and photographic art	Unlimited colours and fine detail	Cotton, polyester and blends	A thin film on the surface	Durable with correct care
Sublimation	All-over prints, jerseys, performance wear	Unlimited colours, edge to edge	Polyester only, ideally light colours	None: the ink is in the fibre	Does not crack or peel
3D puff	Raised logos on caps and hoodies	Bold shapes; no fine lines	Caps, fleece, cotton	Raised and sculpted	Puff embroidery is very durable

In-depth guides:Printed or Embroidered T-Shirts: Which Should You Choose?Printed or Embroidered Towels? Which Branding Lasts Print or Embroider? Choosing a Decoration Method That Fits the Product Puff Print vs 3D Puff Embroidery: Which Raised Effect Is Right for Your Garment?

Fabrics compared

What the garment is made of decides how it feels, how it washes and which decoration suits it.

Fabrics compared
Option	Feel	Best for	Care	Suits
Combed ring-spun cotton	Soft and smooth	Retail tees and merch	Wash inside out, cool to warm	Screen print, DTF, embroidery
Brushed-back fleece	Warm, soft inner face	Hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, tracksuits	Low tumble heat keeps the handle	Embroidery, screen print, DTF, 3D puff
Poly-cotton	Crisp, easy-care	Workwear and uniforms	Shrinks and wrinkles less than cotton	Embroidery, screen print, DTF
Performance polyester	Light, quick-drying	Training kit and sportswear	Cool wash, low heat	Sublimation, DTF
Piqué	Textured and breathable	Polo shirts	Holds its shape through washing	Embroidery

In-depth guides:Recycled Polyester in Apparel: An Honest Assessment Ring-Spun vs Carded Cotton T-Shirts: Which Is Right for Your Brand?Organic vs Recycled Cotton: Which Is Right for Your Brand?Eco-Friendly Custom Hoodies: Organic Cotton, Recycled Fleece & Water-Based Inks

Garment weights at a glance

Fabric weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre), or ounces for denim. These are the ranges our wholesale pages publish.

Garment weights at a glance
Option	Weight range	What the range covers
T-shirts	150 to 240+ GSM	Everyday tees through to heavyweight streetwear
Hoodies	280 to 450 GSM	Everyday fleece to heavyweight streetwear
Tracksuits	280–450 GSM fleece, or lightweight poly	Fleece for lifestyle sets, poly for training
Denim jackets	8 to 14+ oz	Lightweight to heavyweight denim

In-depth guides:Heavyweight T-Shirts: Why Brands Keep Going Thicker Heavyweight Hoodies: Why UK Brands Keep Going Heavier Heavyweight Hoodies: What US Streetwear Brands Get Right Towel Cotton and Weave Explained: Why GSM Is Not a Quality Rating

Outerwear types compared

Jackets for teams, crews and merch, and what each construction is for.

Outerwear types compared
Option	Construction	Best for	Branding
Softshell	Bonded three-layer, wind-resistant	Corporate and field teams	Embroidery
Puffer & gilet	Recycled or down-alternative fill, baffled or channel-quilted	Cold-weather teams and merch	Embroidery
Varsity	Melton body, leather-look or knit sleeves, ribbed trims	Clubs, schools and streetwear	Embroidery and patches
Rain shell	Taped seams	Outdoor work and events	Heat-sealed transfers, which avoid needle holes
Fleece	Brushed, warm mid-layer	Staff and outdoor teams	Embroidery
Hi-vis	Fluorescent with reflective tape	Sites and roadside work	Confirm the required standard in your quote

In-depth guides:Custom Varsity Hoodies: The College Look Done Properly Custom Jackets Buyer’s Guide: Softshell vs Puffer vs Varsity vs Denim Custom Softshell Jackets: The Branded Outerwear Guide Custom Varsity Jackets: Materials, Badges and Ordering Guide

Labels & packaging compared

The finishing that turns a decorated blank into your own brand.

Labels & packaging compared
Option	What it is	Where it goes	Why it matters
Woven neck label	A label woven from thread	Inside the back neck	Your brand on every garment, for its life
Care label	Fibre content and washing instructions	Side seam	Fibre content is a legal requirement in the UK and EU
Hang tag	A card tag	Attached to the garment	Retail presentation, product details and price
Size sticker	A printed size label	On the bag face	Pick sizes without opening anything
Branded polythene bag	A resealable bag with your logo	Around each folded garment	Protection in transit and a branded unboxing

In-depth guides:Private Label Towels for Wellness and Lifestyle Brands Embroidered Towels: Monogram, Logo or Woven Label?What Must Be on a Clothing Label Packaging: The Cheapest Way to Make a Garment Feel Expensive