Choosing the right decoration method is essential for making your brand stand out with style and superior quality.
Each design, product and material deserves the ideal finishing technique. That’s why we offer a full range of decoration methods, each chosen to bring your logo or artwork to life.
As your partner in branded merchandise, we guide you through the process, from creative direction to production. Explore our decoration methods below to discover the perfect finish for your apparel, accessories, gifts and promotional products.
Appliqué is a decorative technique where fabric shapes are cut, layered, and sewn and/or heat-applied onto a garment to create bold, textured designs. Using die-cut fabric pieces, appliqué adds dimension and a distinctive, vintage-inspired aesthetic that stands out from traditional embroidery or print methods.
This method is especially popular for athletic and collegiate-style apparel, offering a durable, high-impact look ideal for sweatshirts, varsity jackets, and sports team jerseys.
The Look
Bold, layered fabric shapes with a textured, vintage athletic feel.
The Process
Fabric is selected and die-cut into custom shapes. The pieces are positioned on the garment and stitched then it’s heat-fused in place for a secure, durable finish.
Ideal Materials
Heavyweight apparel such as fleece, sweatshirts, varsity jackets, jerseys and outerwear.
Benefits
Distinctive, dimensional look
Durable and long-lasting decoration
Excellent for large logos, letters, and athletic branding
Adds texture and premium visual impact
Restrictions
Higher cost compared to standard print methods
May pucker if not properly applied
Colour choices limited to available fabric palette
File Format
Vector artwork required (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg)
Designs should allow for clean cut shapes rather than fine detail
Brand patches are decorative emblems or badges affixed to garments or accessories, offering a bold, tactile branding option that stands out. Available in materials such as embroidered fabric, woven thread, silicone, rubber, or leather. These patches add texture, colour, and personality to your branded merchandise.
Perfect for jackets, bags, hats, uniforms and lifestyle apparel. Brand patches create a durable, premium feel and can be sewn, heat-applied, or adhered depending on the material.
The Look
Dimensional emblem with stitched, heat-applied or rubberized finish.
The Process
The custom patch is produced (embroidered, woven, or molded) and applied via stitching, heat or adhesive backing.
Ideal Materials
Apparel, caps, bags, and outerwear fabrics.
Benefits
Eye-catching, durable decoration. Wide range of styles and textures. High perceived value and retail-quality look. Flexible branding option for apparel and accessories.
Restrictions
Adds slight weight or thickness to garments. Limited detail for small or intricate logos.
File Format
Vector artwork preferred; thread, silicone, or leather options vary by design.
Chenille cresting is a specialty embroidery technique that creates bold, fuzzy, textured logos with a classic varsity and collegiate feel. Using thick yarn stitched in continuous loops, this method produces a raised, carpet-like surface that stands out both visually and to the touch. Chenille is a well-established decoration method for varsity jackets, school branding and athletic apparel.
The Look
Fuzzy, raised texture with a bold, vintage varsity aesthetic.
The Process
Artwork is converted for chenille stitching. Thick yarn is loop-stitched using specialized embroidery equipment. The crest is finished and applied to the garment through stitching or heat application.
Ideal Materials
Jackets, hats, letterman apparel, sweatshirts, varsity outerwear and heavy garments.
Benefits
Highly textured and eye-catching
Iconic collegiate and athletic style
Durable, long-lasting decoration
Adds dimension and premium visual impact
Restrictions
Thick texture adds bulk to garments
Not suitable for fine detail, halftones, or gradients
Limited to bold, simple artwork shapes
File Format
Vector artwork preferred (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg)
Designs should be simplified for loop stitching
Cresting is a premium decoration method that uses embroidered and/or woven emblems finished with a merrowed edge for a clean, professional look. These pre-made crests are produced separately and then stitched or heat-applied to garments and accessories, making them a flexible branding option for ongoing programs and uniform collections.
The Look
Structured, detailed crest with stitched or woven texture and a clean merrowed edge.
The Process
Custom crest is embroidered or woven and finished with a merrowed border. It is then applied to the product through stitching and/or heat pressing.
Ideal Materials
Outerwear, uniforms, headwear, bags and structured apparel.
Benefits
Polished, professional appearance
Crests can be produced in advance and applied over time
Durable and long-lasting decoration
Adds dimension and premium brand presenc
Restrictions
Higher cost per piece compared to direct decoration methods
Longer production timelines due to crest manufacturing
File Format
Vector artwork preferred (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg)
Artwork should be suitable for embroidery or woven thread interpretation
Debossing and embossing are tactile decoration methods that stamp your logo or design into a material using heat and pressure.
Debossing presses the design into the surface, creating an indented effect.
Embossing raises the design above the surface for a dimensional, textured look.
Both techniques deliver an elegant, understated finish that communicates quality and craftsmanship, perfect for leather, PU, or paper products.
The Look
Subtle depth effect. Indented (debossed) or raised (embossed) design
The Process
A custom metal die is created. Heat and pressure is applied to the surface and the design is pressed in (or raised with backing die for embossing)
Ideal Materials
Leather, faux leather, PU, paper, cardboard and select plastics
Benefits
Premium, tactile look and feel. Adds texture without colour. Long-lasting and durable finish. Ideal for journals, portfolios, packaging, and accessories
Restrictions
Limited to one level of depth. Not suitable for detailed or fine line artwork. No colour — texture-based decoration only
File Format
All formats applicable, Vector preferred. ‘.dst’ file used for production
Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a modern technique where your design is printed directly onto a specialized film, powdered with adhesive, and then heat pressed onto the product. It combines the vivid colour capability of digital printing with the durability of heat transfers, making it ideal for detailed, multi-colour logos on fabric.
The Look
Vibrant, flexible print with a soft, slightly raised finish
The Process
Artwork is printed on transfer film and coated with adhesive powder. Heat is then pressed onto fabric. Cool-peeled to reveal the final design
Ideal Materials
Cotton, polyester, blends, fleece and treated leather
Benefits
Full-colour printing on light or dark fabrics. Excellent stretch and wash durability. Works well on a wide range of textiles. No need for pre-treatment
Restrictions
Slightly heavier feel than sublimation. Not suitable for extremely heat-sensitive materials
File Format
High-resolution files (300 dpi) or vector graphics preferred
Supports CMYK and white ink layers
Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital decoration method that prints full-colour designs directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology. The water-based inks soak into the fibres of the garment, producing a soft, lightweight feel with vibrant, detailed artwork that won’t crack or peel.
DTG is ideal for detailed logos, gradients, and photographic designs, especially on cotton-based apparel. It’s a perfect solution for smaller quantities, short runs or designs that demand high detail and full-colour reproduction.
The Look
Soft, smooth print that feels part of the fabric. Full-colour and high-resolution.
The Process
The garment is pre-treated and artwork is printed directly onto fabric using digital inkjet heads. The design is heat-cured for long-lasting colour and durability.
Ideal Materials
100% cotton, cotton-blend, and light-coloured apparel (some fabrics may require pre-treatment).
Benefits
Photographic-quality, full-colour printing. Soft hand-feel with no heavy ink buildup. Ideal for short runs or one-off designs. Excellent detail, gradients and small text. Eco-friendly water-based inks.
Restrictions
Works best on cotton or cotton-blend garments. Limited opacity on dark fabrics (unless white underbase used). Not suited for textured, heat-sensitive or heavily dyed materials.
File Format
High-resolution files (300 dpi) or vector artwork preferred
Supports CMYK and RGB full-colour printing
Domed decals are full-colour printed decals sealed beneath a clear, raised resin dome, creating a striking 3D effect with added depth and shine. The printed design is applied to a white or metallic substrate and encapsulated under a smooth, transparent dome that enhances colour vibrancy while protecting the artwork beneath.
The Look
Glossy, raised 3D appearance with rich, full-colour depth
The Process
Artwork is printed in full colour and applied to a white or metallic substrate. It is then sealed under a clear resin dome and cured for durability and clarity
Ideal Materials
Flat, smooth plastics and metals, including name badges and hard promotional items
Benefits
Eye-catching 3D finish with enhanced colour depth
Durable and long-lasting
UV resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Adds a premium, polished look to hard-surface products
Restrictions
Not suitable for fabrics or textured surfaces
Size and shape limitations apply
Resin dome may scratch or haze over time with heavy wear
File Format
CMYK colour files recommended
Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, TIFF, Vector (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg)
Embroidery is a premium decoration method that uses thread to stitch your design directly into the fabric, creating a textured, high-end finish that lasts. After your artwork is digitized into a stitch-ready format, precision embroidery machines bring your logo to life using carefully selected thread colours and stitch techniques. The result is a clean, lasting look, ideal for corporate apparel, uniforms, and premium promotional products.
The Look
Stitched-in design, either flat or raised (3D).
The Process
Multi-head computerized embroidery machines stitching up to 16 colours of thread per design.
Ideal Materials
Most apparel, outerwear, accessories and bag fabrics.
Benefits
Premium finish, long-lasting durability, professional appearance and high perceived value.
Restrictions
Not ideal for thin materials or over seams. Requires a hooping area with enough space for stitching.
File Format
All formats applicable, Vector preferred. ‘.dst’ file used for production.
Colour Systems
Embroidery threads from leading suppliers such as Isacord, Madeira and Robison-Anton.
Heat transfer printing uses heat and pressure to bond printed artwork onto a fabric surface. The design is first printed on special transfer paper or film, then applied to the product using a heat press. This method produces full-colour, photo-quality results with excellent precision, making it a top choice for complex or vibrant designs.
Perfect for t-shirts, sports uniforms, tote bags and performance apparel where colour and detail matter most.
The Look
Bright, full-colour artwork with smooth finish, similar to digital print.
The Process
The design is printed on transfer film, then aligned on garment. Heat and pressure is applied and the artwork bonds permanently to the fabric.
Ideal Materials
Cotton, polyester, blends and performance fabrics.
Benefits
Ideal for full-colour, detailed logo. Great for small runs and variable designs. Smooth, durable finish resistant to fading. Works well on light and dark fabrics.
Restrictions
Not ideal for thin materials or over seams. Requires a hooping area with enough space for stitching.
File Format
High-resolution artwork (300 dpi minimum) or vector files preferred. Supports CMYK or RGB full-colour graphics
HXD (High Definition Decoration) is an innovative hybrid technique that combines the dimension of embroidery, the precision of engraving, and the colour flexibility of print. Using a 3D molded process, it produces a raised, tactile logo with striking depth and smooth detail. Ideal for brands that want to make a modern, premium impression.
The Look
Raised, dimensional logo with smooth edges and precise colour detail.
The Process
The artwork is digitally sculpted and a mold is created. Coloured layers and textures are applied and bonded to fabric with heat and pressure.
Ideal Materials
Performance apparel, outerwear, bags and accessories.
Benefits
Modern, premium look with 3D dimension. Durable and flexible, it resists cracking and peeling. Allows for detailed, multi-colour designs. Unique tactile finish that elevates apparel.
Restrictions
Best for smooth, flat areas. Not ideal for very small text or ultra-fine detail.
File Format
Vector artwork required for precise mold creation
Labels add a subtle yet professional branding touch to garments and accessories. Available as woven, printed or heat-applied options. Labels are ideal for adding your logo or design in a refined, consistent way. They are a great choice for inside branding, private label apparel, or retail-style finishing.
The Look
A clean, branded tag that is either woven, printed or in silicone form.
The Process
The custom label is produced and sewn, heat-sealed, or adhered onto the product.
Ideal Materials
Apparel, accessories, headwear, bags and textiles.
Benefits
Adds subtle, professional branding. Versatile placement (interior or exterior). Available in woven, printed, or silicone styles. Lightweight and long-lasting.
Restrictions
Small area for artwork. Fine text or intricate detail may be limited by label type.
File Format
Vector artwork recommended; Pantone colour matching available.
Laser engraving uses a precision laser beam to etch your design directly into the material surface, creating a permanent, high-end mark with a clean, professional finish. Instead of applying ink or colour, the laser removes a thin layer of the material to reveal a tonal impression, resulting in a modern, refined look that will not fade, crack or peel over time.
The Look
Sharp, clean, tonal imprint, often subtle and premium, with the material’s natural colour showing through
The Process
A laser beam is programmed to trace your artwork. It then burns or etches the design into the surface, producing a permanent, highly detailed finish
Ideal Materials
Stainless steel & metal, Wood & bamboo, Leather & faux leather, Glass & crystal, Certain coated or powder-painted surfaces, Hard plastics
Benefits
Permanent and highly durable, will not fade or rub off. Precise and detailed, great for small text and intricate logos. Premium look for corporate gifting and retail-quality merchandise. Works well on curved and hard surfaces
Restrictions
No colour options. Tonal engraving only (unless using colour-fill methods). Not suitable for very soft materials or delicate fabrics. Results vary slightly by material colour and finish
File Format
Vector artwork recommended (.ai, .eps, .pdf)
Fine lines and details engrave exceptionally well
Solid, single-colour art required (no gradients)
Mixed media decoration combines two or more branding techniques on a single product to create a layered, dynamic, and highly distinctive finish. By blending methods such as embroidery, heat transfer, screen printing, laser engraving, or specialty applications, this approach allows for greater creative freedom and elevated brand expression.
The Look
Layered, multi-dimensional branding with varied textures and finishes.
The Process
Design is strategically separated by decoration method. Each technique is produced individually and methods are applied in sequence to achieve a cohesive, elevated final result.
Ideal Materials
Garments, apparel, textiles, outerwear and accessories (method-dependent).
Benefits
Elevated, premium brand presentation
Creative flexibility across textures, colours, and finishes
Allows emphasis on specific design elements
Ideal for statement pieces and flagship merchandise
Restrictions
May increase production time and overall cost
Design limitations depend on the individual methods used
Requires careful planning to ensure compatibility between techniques
File Format
Artwork requirements vary based on the decoration methods used
Vector files preferred where applicable (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg)
Pad printing is a versatile decoration method that transfers ink from a silicone pad onto the surface of a product. The flexible pad molds to the shape and texture of the item, making it ideal for branding on curved, uneven or uniquely shaped surfaces where other print methods may not be effective. This technique delivers crisp, detailed logos and graphics, especially suited for smaller print areas and multi-surface items.
The Look
Sharp, precise imprint, ideal for smaller logos and fine detail.
The Process
Ink is transferred from an etched plate to a silicone pad, which then presses the design onto the product’s surface.
Ideal Materials
Plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, rubber and coated surfaces.
Benefits
Accurate and detailed printing on curved and irregular surfaces. Excellent for small promotional items and compact print areas. Works on a wide variety of materials and product shapes.
Restrictions
Best suited for smaller print areas. Limited colour capability. Multiple colours require multiple passes. Not ideal for large artwork or oversized prints.
File Format
Vector artwork recommended for sharp detail.
Screenprinting is a high-impact decoration method where ink is pressed through a mesh stencil onto the surface of a product or fabric. Each colour in your design requires its own screen and ink layer, making this method especially cost-effective for bold, graphic-rich artwork and branding that needs to stand out.
The Look
Vibrant, opaque ink with bold colour coverage, ideal for solid graphics and strong logo visibility.
The Process
A separate screen is prepared for each colour in your artwork. Ink is then pressed through the mesh stencil one layer at a time and cured with heat to ensure long-lasting, wash-resistant results.
Ideal Materials
Cotton and cotton-blend apparel. Polyester and performance fabrics.
Benefits
Rich, vibrant colours with strong opacity. Excellent for bold designs, logos and high-contrast artwork. Long-lasting and durable when properly cured. Very cost-effective for medium to large runs.
Restrictions
Not ideal for highly detailed, photographic or gradient artwork. Each colour requires its own screen, and multi-colour designs cost more. Less economical for small quantities due to setup time. Works best on flat or lightly contoured surfaces.
File Format
Vector artwork preferred (.ai, .eps, .pdf)
Solid colours required (spot colour). Pantone matching available
Raster files must be high resolution (300 dpi minimum)
Sublimation is a digital decoration technique that uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fibres of a product, creating vibrant, long-lasting designs. Unlike surface prints, sublimation becomes part of the material itself, meaning the design won’t fade, peel or crack.
This method is ideal for all-over designs, photographic images, and intricate colour blends.
The Look
Photo-realistic, full-colour print that feels completely smooth to the touch.
The Process
Design is printed with sublimation dye. Heat and pressure turns the ink into gas. The dye fuses into the polymer coating or fabric fibres.
Ideal Materials
Polyester fabrics, polymer-coated items like, mugs, keychains, nameplates, etc.
Benefits
Full-colour, permanent prints. No texture, the dye becomes part of the material. Excellent for detailed or photographic designs. Won’t fade, peel or crack.
Restrictions
Only works on white or lightly-coloured surfaces. Requires polyester or polymer coating and not suitable for cotton.
File Format
High-resolution raster files (300 dpi) recommended
Vector files accepted for clear edges.
