Before we refer to the idea of printing clothes, we must be clear about the type of fabrics used for sports practice and what characteristics make them special for coaches and sportsmen.
Nowadays, in the leading companies in sportswear, it has been created in the interest not only of comfort in the garments according to their fit in the body, but also in terms of keeping sportsmen and women cool and dry; for this purpose, fabrics such as polyester microfiber are being used, which absorbs moisture and spreads over a large area so that it dries quickly. Mixtures such as cotton and polyester are also used, which repel sweat and prevent it from building up and getting wet. Technology has advanced in both fabrics and design, creating different types of customized prints.
Types of fabrics for sports practice
- Winfresh fabric: Synthetic fabric with moisture and UV resistant technology, with an open-pore fabric appearance, something to be considered when creating a print idea.
- Polystretch: 100% polyester synthetic fabric without any technology.
- Polyester fabric: Winfresh fabric with checkered mesh texture.
- Suplex sport: Fabric 88% polyester, 12% elastane, very elastic and special for gym tights and rash guard. It does not show through.
- Jersey Dry fabric: Synthetic fabric with moisture and UV resistant technology.
- Polinan: For sport divers; this type of fabric and its use, allows a variety of printing ideas.
All these fabrics mentioned above are perfect for using the sublimation technique to make any kind of custom print.
Some fabrics, such as polystretch, are not recommended for outdoor exercise in the sun, as they do not have the necessary protection from UV rays; but also develop different printing ideas to obtain a unique design.
Among the five types of prints we find for coaches and athletes are the following:
- Textile screen printing
The fabrics indicated for the silk-screen printing of sportswear should be those that are 100% breathable, that adapt to any type of physical training and sport of high demands.
This type of fabric should require special treatment when proposing a print idea, since in technical shirts (sports or work clothes), they can lose their permeability and their inks quite clearly when rubbed, so it is convenient to make a small design that does not take up much space, such as a shield, for example.
- Textile sublimation
This technique is ideal for keeping a good print idea, as it guarantees colour preservation and avoids loss of sharpness. As in screen printing, 100% polyester fabrics should be used.
This type of procedure is ideal for different types of custom prints, but at the same time it is recommended that it be on white or very light colored fabrics, because the sublimation ink is transparent and if it is applied on dark colors, the tone loses strength.
The textile sublimation does not cover the pore of the fabric, so you get breathable garments ideal for technical and sports clothing.
- Textile Cutting Vinyl
This is a good option to propose an excellent idea of printing, since independently of the type of fabric, color or style, it allows several kinds of options and types of customized prints, besides that it can be worked in short time, which makes it of a little lower cost.
The vinyl is of a certain color on one side and adhesive material on the other, to be stuck to the garment with an iron. Among the printing ideas that are most used with this technique are the numbers that are placed on the back of sports shirts.
- Textile or digital vinyl transfer
With this technique you can create a print idea with a variety of designs, since it can be printed on a special paper, the excess areas are cut out and then this paper is placed on the garment by applying heat.
The finish is always rough to the touch and one of its main characteristics is that it should be used on garments that have a high percentage of cotton, so it is recommended to wash the garments inside out for less wear.
- Embroidery
This is not a textile printing technique, but it is generally included as it is a way of personalizing the garment and can even be mixed or combined with a certain printing idea, for the creation of logos and different types of design, which gives the garment a certain status and is also very durable.
According to the stamping idea, quantity and technique chosen, will be the design results, costs and production times.
When developing a print idea you should bear in mind that some of these techniques only allow up to a maximum of 6 colours, so the type of design is important.
C.I GLOBO S.A.S as a leading company in the design and clothing sector, offers a complete package to its customers that goes from the conception of the product through all the processes and with the best technology in its printing plant where you can develop printing ideas based on world trends, until its completion and delivery.