3 Types of Customization for Garments

Customization comes in all different shapes and styles. For Full Source, the three types that we use are embroidery, heat vinyl transfer, and screen printing. Depending on the type of customization and quantity will alter the pricing significantly. Below, the three types of customization that we provide are going to be explained.

Threading the Needle with Embroidery

While you have many choices for customization, embroidery is a classic and professional looking option. Embroidery is a process which transfers or creates a name or logo with thread. All the embroidery we do uses an embroidery machine. This process is the most expensive customization we offer and there is a set-up fee involved. Once we have a logo on file we are able to re-use that logo for future orders as long as the logo’s colors, size, and design does not change.

First of all, to begin the process of customization, have a high-resolution art file of your logo. If you are not using a logo, have an idea of the font style and position of the text you would like to add. Some examples of a high-resolution art file include a pdf, eps (preferred), cdr, or a jpg. We can take this information and create a custom quote so you can see the charges before placing the order. Please note we do not create an art proof before you place an order.

Go All Out with Color

Because we have so many options for colors, font, and placement it is best to have a clear idea of what you would like the final garment to look like. Our helpful and informed customer service agents are here to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. We can embroider most garments but cannot embroider over pockets, zippers, or collars. Embroidery will look best on polo shirts, baseball caps, and fabric bump caps. It also works well on solid vests and jackets. We can embroider mesh safety vests but recommend vinyl heat transfer or screen printing.

Finally, if you do not have a high-resolution art file of your logo, our art department can create one for you for an additional fee. Embroidery lead times vary greatly. Please allow on average 15+ business days for the completion of the embroidery order.

Second Type of Customization – Vinyl Heat Transfer

Another type of customization that Full Source can do is ‘vinyl heat transfer.’ Also known as a cad (Computer Aided Design) cut. The text or logo gets cut from the vinyl. It is then heat pressed onto the article of safety wear or clothing, sort of like an iron. Items that can get this type of customization are as follows. Safety vests, bomber jackets, shirts, and ball caps. It’s like the feel and texture of the numbers printed on the back of a sports jersey.

The colors that are available are black, white, red, green, navy and royal blue.Some of the positives for vinyl heat transfer are because it’s an easy process, which can save time. Compared to other types of customization that may have a setup time. Cad-cut is durable and washable. There is no minimum requirement for apparel pieces. Whereas screen print requires at least 24 items. There is also no set up fee.

Whereas, the disadvantages of having cad cut done is the pricing. Starting at $6.99 per article of safety wear can add up fast for large orders. It’s also limited to what colors you can choose from. Plus, printing can only be in one color. Most businesses or people that get heat vinyl transfer with use the color black. Which makes cad cut color a non-issue. The logo or text cannot be complex because it has to get cut out of the vinyl.

Vinyl heat transfer is a great choice for low quantity orders. The quick and simple process gets you your customization faster. So you can enjoy it longer.

Most Affordable Customization is Screen Printing

Last but not least, is screen printing. Our cheapest option starting at $0.99 cents for a one color black ink logo. Up to 6 colors can get printed but the price will adjust accordingly.

The process involves a logo applied to a screen by ultraviolet light. Logos and text have the ability to much more complex. Which is then transferred to the fabric or garment. Once transferred, it’s then passed through a heater to cure the ink and dry it. With screen printing, the logo can get placed on the front or back of the garment. That is as long as there is room for either location.

One of the downsides is that the least amount of 50 garments for printing. Everyone may not need that many things for customization. Which you would be better off with the heat vinyl transfer or embroidery option. Garments such as safety jackets are not able to be screen printed within our warehouse. Because the weatherproof exterior would not allow the ink to stick. Check with our customer service to see which manufacturers can screen print jackets or FR. But everything else from casual wear to standard safety vests and safety shirts.

As long as all garments are in stock for screen printing, the order takes about 10-15 business days. If it needs to come from a warehouse, then the lead time would be 15+ business days. Need your screen print order even faster? We do offer a “rush” option for a fee, which cuts the lead time in half. Unless the items you’re trying to order are on backorder. For additional information on screen printing, please click here.

In Conclusion

Whatever the job, customization helps you stand out from the crowd. Don’t look like everybody else on the job site with the same boring yellow or orange safety vest. A great way to advertise or to show team spirit. Find the best customization match for you.