Different Garment Print Types with Images

Generally printing is a process of applying colour to fabric in definite patterns or designs. In either way we can define textile printing as; it is one kind of localized dyeing where dyes or pigments and chemical applied by any method which can produce a particular effect of color on fabric according to design. The textile printing industries are typically categorized as two markets: industrial textile printing and soft signage printing. The industrial textile printing market includes apparel, home furnishing, and technical textiles; the soft signage textile printing market focuses on graphic advertisements printed on textile substrates such as banners, corporate flags, etc. Garment printing is a vital aspect of fashion and textile design, offering endless possibilities for creativity and branding. There are different types of printing techniques which are applied on garments. In this article I will give different types of garment print techniques with images.

Different Types of Garment Print with Images

Garment printing is a popular technique used to enhance the aesthetic appeal and market value of apparel products. Important types of garment print are briefly described below.

1. Discharge print:
Used to print lighter colors onto dark background fabrics, they work by removing the dye already present in the garment. Discharge print also called Extract Printing, method of applying a design to dyed fabric by printing a color-destroying agent, such as chlorine or hydrosulfite, to bleach out a white or light pattern on the darker colored ground.

2. Non-PVC print:
Relatively new breed of ink and printing with the benefits of plastisol but without the main toxic components – soft feeling print. Instead, these prints use water-based, silicone, or non-toxic hybrid inks that are safer for the environment and human health.

3. Puff print:
Puff print is a common print in the fashion Industry. Sometimes we call it emboss print also. It is almost similar to the rubber print. We can make this print in any color. Mainly buyer asked this print on knitted T-shirt. The printing process is same as other screen print. An additive to plastisol inks which raises the print off the garment, creating a 3D feel.

4. High density print:
High Density (HD) garment printing is a specialty screen printing technique that uses thick layers of ink or gel to create a raised, three-dimensional (3D) effect on the fabric surface. Which gives thick prints on the surface of garments. Achieved by either giving more number of coats or by using thickener. The ink is applied through a high mesh-count screen and cured to form a textured, elevated print.

5. Suede ink print:
Suede is a milky colored additive that is added to plastisol. With suede additive you can make any color of plastisol have “suede” feel.

6. Sticker print:
The plastisol print is already printed on paper and will be transferred on to garment in the fusing process.

7. Pigment print:
These penetrate the fabric more than the plastisole inks and create a much softer feel. Pigment is mainly synthetic organic materials. Printing by the pigments is an easy task.

8. Glitter print:
Metallic flakes are suspended in the ink base to create this sparkle effect.

9. Metallic print:
Similar to glitter, but smaller particles suspended in the ink. Smooth in texture when compared to glitter.

10. Organic print:
Organic print range covers the natural dyes, and the other pigment dyes which lies under the specifications made by G.O.T.S.

11. Foil print:
This printing method is based on the use of metallic foil paper of aluminum or copper one. Where a metallic foil sheet is heat-pressed onto the fabric surface using a special adhesive, creating a shiny, reflective, and eye-catching effect.

12. Plastisol print:
Plastisol print is one of the most common screen printing methods used for garments, where PVC-based plastisol ink is applied onto fabric and cured under heat to form a durable, flexible layer. Good color opacity onto dark garments and clear graphic detail with, as the name suggests, a more plasticized texture.

13. Distressed / khadi print:
Distressed Print (also known as Khadi Print in some regions) is a fabric printing technique that creates a worn-out, vintage, or cracked look on the garment surface. It is the decorative print and it is the activity of making a print to appear aged and older, giving it a “weathered look”.

14. Caviar bead print: 
A glue is printed in the shape of the design, to which small plastic beads are then applied. It is used for both adult and children’s fashion products. Caviar bead used in caviar bead printing is made from synthetic resin particles with a variety of colors and sizes. The beads are located adjacent to each other in colorful ‘fish eggs’ patterns projecting clearly on the fabric surface in order to get the best look.

15. Silicone print: 
To counter inferior wash and weather durability, poor hand feel of some prints like plastisol printing mills tried silicone inks because of their good washing durability, hand feel, elongation properties and environmental friendliness.

16. Flock print: 
This process involves printing of glue on the fabric first, applying the fiber flock on the gel printed by keeping the fabric on special table (electro statically charged). Flock is a substance made of short fibers; these short fibers can be made up of cotton, rayon, wool and other natural or synthetic fibers. In this case we are focusing on garment printing such as t-shirts, hoodies, hats etc.

Conclusion

Garment printing industry has evolved tremendously, offering numerous techniques to suit different styles, materials, and markets. By understanding these various garment print types, apparel manufacturers, designers, and entrepreneurs can create fashionable, high-quality garments that resonate with consumers.

Mazharul Islam Kiron

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.

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