Heat Transfer Trends and Growth Opportunities

As an apparel decorator, it's important to stay up to date with the latest trends in custom heat transfers in order to provide your clients with the most relevant and in-demand designs.  

Here are some ways you can stay informed: 

Impressions Expo Long Beach is the industry’s premier event.

1. Attend trade shows and events: Attending trade shows and events in the apparel industry is a great way to network with other professionals and see the latest trends in custom heat transfers and other decoration techniques. Here you can find a list of the upcoming events Howard Custom Transfers will be presenting: 2023 Trade Show Schedule.  

2. Follow industry blogs and publications: Many blogs and publications cover the latest trends in custom heat transfers, as well as other topics related to the apparel industry. Some popular online and print publications include Impressions and Graphics Pro. We also recommend the Shirt Show podcast for relevant, in-depth perspectives from industry professionals with a light and fun vibe.  

3. Engage with social media: Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube are great sources for inspiration and keeping up with the latest trends in custom heat transfers. Follow industry leaders, popular brands, and influencers in the space to see what designs are gaining traction. 

4. Join industry groups and associations: Joining industry groups and associations such as the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) can provide access to resources and networking opportunities to stay informed on the latest trends and techniques. 

5. Collaborate with other designers: Collaborating with other designers and professionals in the apparel industry can provide new insights and ideas for custom heat transfer designs. 

Now that you know where to seek out the latest in-demand trends in custom heat transfers, what are they? Let us lend our perspective!  

Puff: What’s old is new again! 

Puff ink was first introduced in the early 1970s and quickly gained popularity for creating a raised or 3D effect on fabric. 

Puff transfers add a dimensional effect on the surface of the garment.

At the time, puff transfers were often used to create bold, graphic designs with a tactile texture. Popular designs included band logos, cartoon characters, and psychedelic patterns, which were commonly seen on t-shirts and other apparel items. 

Puff transfers were also popular for creating custom designs for school spirit wear and team apparel, as they allowed for the creation of bold, eye-catching designs that could be easily personalized with school or team colors and logos. 

While the popularity of puff transfers waned in the 80s and 90s as other heat transfer methods became more prevalent, they have since regained popularity in recent years as a nostalgic throwback to the colorful, bold designs of the 70s. Today, puff transfers are often used to create retro-inspired designs with a modern twist. 

Puff custom plastisol transfers are a type of custom heat transfer that creates a raised or 3D effect on the surface of the garment it’s applied to. Puff transfers are made using a special type of ink that expands or "puffs up" when it reaches a specific temperature – in our case, 375°F. 

DTF: Direct-to-Film…what were you thinking?! 

DTF heat transfers refer to a printing method that involves using a Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer to print a design onto a special PET carrier film. The transfer is then placed onto the fabric or garment and heat pressed, transferring the design onto the material. 

DTF offers a cost-efficient option for low-volume orders with full-color artwork.

DTF heat transfers are becoming increasingly popular in the garment printing industry because they allow for high-quality, full-color prints on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and more. More importantly, they offer a cost-effective, low-minimum option, ideal for the print on demand model that most transfer users adhere to.  

DTF heat transfers can be cost-effective for a variety of applications, depending on factors such as the volume of prints, the complexity of the design, and the type of material being printed on. Here are some scenarios where DTF heat transfers may be most cost-effective: 

1. Small to medium-volume orders: DTF heat transfers can be cost-effective for small to medium-volume orders, especially when compared to other printing methods such as screen printing or embroidery. This is because DTF heat transfers do not require any setup or screen fees, making them ideal for short runs or one-off designs. 

2. Full-color designs: DTF heat transfers can produce high-quality, full-color prints, making them ideal for complex designs with multiple colors. Compared to spot color printing methods that require additional fees for each color, DTF heat transfers can be more cost-effective for designs with many colors. 

3. Customization: DTF heat transfers allow for customization of individual garments, which can be cost-effective for businesses that offer personalized products. Rather than having to order a minimum quantity of identical garments, DTF heat transfers allow for individual customization at a lower cost. DTF also allows for variable printing, which cannot be achieved using typical printing methods with minimum order requirements.  

Eco-Friendly Options: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle  

Many consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for heat transfer options that use eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. 

colorVIBE Hybrid transfers are a digital hybrid option that use water based ink printed on a recyclable PET carrier film.

Water-based heat transfers use ink that is free of harmful chemicals like PVC, making them an environmentally friendly option. These transfers use alternative materials that are more sustainable and biodegradable. They are also less likely to crack or peel over time, resulting in longer-lasting prints. Typically, this type of transfer is printed on a PET carrier film that can also be recycled after use, aiding in the environmentally friendly nature of the transfer itself. 

It's important to note that while these options are more eco-friendly than traditional heat transfer methods, they may still have some impact on the environment. When choosing a heat transfer option, consider factors such as the materials used, the production process, and the end-of-life disposal options to make the most environmentally friendly choice possible. 

By staying up to date on the latest trends in custom heat transfers, you can offer your clients the most current and in-demand designs, which can help to differentiate your business and grow your customer base.