When you think of “Specialty T’s”, you may first think of the type of fabric. However, it entails much more than that. Not only is it the type of fabric, such as a poly/cotton/rayon blend, but it also encompasses cut, color, and style of the tee shirt. All of this affects how to decorate or customize the shirt.

Custom screen printing is certainly one of the more common forms of apparel decoration. However, with changing trends in both composition and style, decorators should understand the different processes when screen printing specialty apparel.  Blends in particular have a tendency to shrink in the dryer if the heat is too excessive. These types of garments will take certain inks differently.

While most customers may want screen printing or heat transfers for their specialty tee shirts, there are some who prefer embroidery. The major factor in this technique is the weight of the garment. Many specialty t-shirts are lightweight and stretch. Some will embroider well. Some will not.

These t-shirts are more fragile, so the correct hooping process for embroidery is crucial. Possibly a magnetic hoop is called for to avoid stretching the material. Some of the specialty materials are too lightweight for embroidery and cannot hold heavy or bulky stitches.

Embroidery can be an excellent method when decorating certain specialty styles, such as trendy, long sleeve fleece options.

We will be able to direct you to the best option for your garments, whether it be custom screen printing, custom embroidery, heat transfer, sublimation or digital printing in St. Louis. Give us a call or email us for your free quote request.