HCT Blog
Learn more about the custom apparel decorating industry as a whole, with a focus in screen printed heat transfer application and techniques. We are sharing our best tips and tricks to help your t-shirt business thrive in today’s competitive market. Do you have a suggestion for a blog topic? Let us know HERE. Would you be interested in contributing to our blog? We’re looking for custom apparel companies to share their success stories! Apply HERE.
Want to make your apparel brand unforgettable? In a crowded market, visual storytelling is your game-changer. By crafting bold narratives, you can transform simple designs into powerful symbols of culture, values, and emotion. Explore how storytelling doesn’t just attract customers—it builds fierce loyalty, forges a lasting brand identity, and turns every piece into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re going for the bold, eye-catching flair of Glitter or the sleek, refined finish of Shimmer, this guide breaks it all down! Learn which option is best for your designs—Glitter for vibrant statements or Shimmer for intricate, upscale looks. We cover everything from design complexity to fabric compatibility, giving you the insight to make your apparel pop. Ready to elevate your next project? Check out the blog for expert tips and inspiration!
In the world of custom apparel decoration, time is money. Whether you're fulfilling small batch orders or large production runs, efficiency is key for success. As a custom apparel decorator who utilizes the power of custom heat transfers, you already possess a valuable tool for streamlined production. But here's the secret - there's always room to improve your workflow!
When ordering custom heat transfers, the file type you submit to your vendor can significantly impact the quality of the final product. Understanding the difference between vector and non-vector graphics as well as the nuanced differences between file types is crucial for making the right decision.
Moment merch is a way to capture and remember a particular moment in time through printed apparel and other items, but how can custom heat transfers help to achieve the speed to market needed for success?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through 14 essential steps to achieve a flawless heat transfer application every time. From choosing the right materials to perfecting your technique, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you elevate your heat transfer game.
Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers are taking the custom apparel world by storm. They offer vibrant colors, intricate details, and work on a wider range of fabrics than traditional methods. But to truly unleash the potential of DTF, you need artwork that's optimized for the process.
Custom heat transfers have become a staple for personalizing apparel, but their potential extends far beyond creating just t-shirts. The true strength of heat transfers lies in their ability to seamlessly adhere to a wide range of products and materials, opening a treasure trove of possibilities for businesses looking to enter new markets or expand their offerings.
So, you've decided to use custom heat transfers to elevate your brand or product. But with a plethora of suppliers out there, how do you choose the right partner? Here are key questions to ask potential suppliers, along with some additional tips to ensure a smooth and successful partnership built to last.
Decorated apparel, once mainly seen in casual wear and promotional items, is now making its way onto runways and into the closets of fashion-forward individuals everywhere. This blend of decorated apparel and high fashion marks a shift where creativity, innovation, and self-expression come together.
Transforming your creative vision into a vibrant heat transfer can be exciting, but navigating the world of color profiles might feel like deciphering a secret code. This blog is here to shed light on the key differences between color profiles for heat transfers, ensuring your designs come to life in stunning detail.
It's tempting to slash prices or undercut competitors for a quick sale, but this short-term approach often leads to long-term setbacks. Let's explore why undercutting is detrimental and how focusing on value-driven strategies can secure sustainable success in sales.
Tie-dye and heat press designs are both fantastic ways to personalize a shirt. But if you're planning a project that involves both techniques, you might be wondering: what comes first, the dye or the design? Let’s find out!
Perceived value encompasses everything from brand reputation to the uniqueness of the product. Learn how custom heat transfers emerge as a game-changer for apparel decorators seeking to elevate their offerings and stand out in the market.
When it comes to customizing apparel with tagless labels, two popular options stand out: Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers and screen print transfers. Both offer vibrant designs, but beneath the surface lie distinct advantages depending on your project's needs. Let's delve into the intricacies of DTF vs. screen print transfers for tagless labeling.
Direct to Film (DTF) transfers have become a popular choice, but a key question arises: should you invest in DTF equipment and print transfers yourself, or rely on a transfer supplier? We have all the answers.
As the weather begins to turn, summer ushers in a vibrant wave of events, festivities, and outdoor activities. For custom apparel decorators, this season is a golden opportunity to capitalize on the surge in demand for customized clothing.
Trade shows offer invaluable opportunities for professionals in the decorated apparel industry to network, discover trends, and expand their businesses. Knowing how to maximize your time and efforts can make a significant difference in the outcomes you achieve. In this blog, we'll explore key strategies for making the most out of attending a trade show in the decorated apparel sector.
Whether you're a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or a passionate hobbyist, offering unique and personalized apparel can set you apart from the competition. Let's explore how leveraging heat transfers can take your custom apparel business to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just starting out, mastering the art of heat transfer application requires attention to detail, precision, and a keen understanding of best practices. Here are some of the top mistakes to avoid when applying custom heat transfers.
When we talk about utilizing custom heat transfers in the decorated apparel segment, we often focus on ease and efficiency. While these are top reasons to incorporate heat transfers into your business model, there’s another added benefit not often discussed: unique customizations.
The choice between custom heat transfers and direct screen printing can be a pivotal one. Let's delve into the key considerations for choosing custom heat transfers over direct screen printing and why timing plays a crucial role in this decision-making process.
While the temptation to prioritize cost savings when choosing suppliers is understandable, it's crucial to recognize the long-term implications of this approach. Let's delve into why the "get what you pay for" mentality holds true in the world of custom transfers and why the race to the bottom can prove detrimental in the B2B market.
As one of the premier trade shows dedicated to the industry, Impressions Expo Long Beach kicks off each year by bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, decorators, and professionals from various related sectors, creating a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration.
Let's explore the latest trends that are shaping the industry. From innovative techniques to shifts in design philosophy, here's what's in and what's out for apparel decorators in 2024.
Dive into the dynamic landscape of the custom apparel industry to uncover the transformative trends that are set to redefine the way we personalize garments in 2024.
Whether it's for the press, influencers, event guests, new employees, or marketing your own business, promo boxes can be a great way to leave a lasting impression.
Heat transfers have a relatively modern history compared to other printing methods like screen printing or letterpress, but did you know that the first adoption of heat printing dates all the way back to the late 18th century?
With Halloween just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up your shop with some spooky apparel, and we’ve got the perfect products for you to be on top of your spooky season game.
In the world of apparel decoration, having the right tools makes all the difference between success and failure. These are my non-negotiables, the tools I can’t work without if I want to turn out consistent, professional-quality prints.