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Promotional products, clothing & bags

VistaPrint Printing & Embroidery Technologies

Your go-to guide to finding the right decoration technique for your business.

How to pick the right printing technology?

When it comes to picking the right decoration tech, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Intended use
How you'll use the product matters. Are they for one-time events or everyday use that requires lasting durability?
Artwork compatibility
Do you have a detailed or intricate design? Choose a technique that can handle the level of detail to make your artwork shine.
Brand identity
Choose a technique that fits your brand vibe. Sleek and modern? Or are you looking for something more fun and vibrant?
Budget
Ordering for large runs or stocking up on team uniforms? Starting with your budget makes it easier to decide what works best.

Clothing & bags decoration technologies

Vibrant colours and textures that range from classic embroidery to bold, raised 3D prints.
Screen Printing
Durable, best value in bulk. Not recommended for photos, fine details or logos with multiple colours.
  • Minimum order quantity applies
  • Design is printed in 1 colour
  • Smooth, slightly raised feel
Direct-to-Garment
Works with any design. Not for uniforms as colours may fade after repeated washes.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Unlimited colours
  • Soft feel
Heat Transfer
Vibrant, colourful print. Not for large, solid designs or small, floating details.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Unlimited colours
  • Firm, plastic-like feel
Embroidery
Very durable and offers a professional look. Not for photos, fine details or gradients.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Up to 14 colours
  • Textured, slightly raised feel
Dye Sublimation
Vivid colours, permanent print. Only works on polyester or polyester blends.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Unlimited colours
  • Soft feel
Embroidered Patches
Durable, versatile and easy to apply. Not for photos, fine details or gradients.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • 3 background colours & 10 border colours
  • Textured, slightly raised feel

Promotional products decoration technologies

From elegant etching to bold, vivid sublimation, give your merch a standout look.
Pad Printing
Great value in bulk. Not for photos, fine details or multiple colours.
  • Minimum order quantity applies
  • Design is printed in 1 colour
  • Smooth, slightly raised feel
Dye Sublimation
Vibrant & fade-resistant. Only suitable for white products.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Unlimited colours
  • Smooth feel
Digital Inkjet
No design limitations. Not ideal for porous materials.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Unlimited colours
  • Smooth feel
Laser Engraving
Sharp & elegant look. Not for photos, small fonts or fine details.
  • No minimum order quantity
  • Material colour determines engraving colour
  • Smooth, light surface etching

Make your logo stand out with VistaPrint printing technologies.

Choosing the right decoration technology for your brand can make all the difference in how your products look, feel and connect with customers. Each method brings its own unique qualities to your design. So, if you're creating uniforms, Screen Printing is your go-to choice – great value in bulk and the print lasts wash after wash. For a classic, professional touch, Embroidery adds texture and depth that gives your logo a professional look you’ll love.

Finding the right decoration technology to match your brand’s style and needs not only enhances the appeal of each product but also reinforces a strong, memorable brand image. Not sure where to start? No worries. Our experts are here to help guide you to the right decoration technique that meets your needs.

Made by you, #MadeWithVistaPrint

We love seeing your custom creations. Post a photo on social media and add @VistaPrint and #MadeWithVistaPrint for a chance to be featured here.
Frequently asked questions

Your unique touches can be added to custom clothing and bags using different decoration techniques, including:

  • Screen Printing: 1 print color for a smooth, slightly raised feel.
  • Direct-to-Garment: unlimited print colors & designs for a soft hand feel.
  • Heat Transfer: unlimited print colors for a firm, plastic-like feel.
  • Dye Sublimation: unlimited print colors for a vibrant, permanent print.
  • Embroidery: up to 12 thread colors for a textured, professional look.

Choosing between Embroidery and Textured Direct-to-Garment depends on the look and feel you want for your logo or design.

Embroidery is a classic choice that adds a textured, professional feel – ideal for a more traditional look.
It's highly durable and works especially well on fabrics, like hats, jackets and uniforms. If you're aiming for a polished, professional appearance, embroidery is a great option.

Textured Direct-to-Garment, on the other hand, creates a raised, 3D effect that really makes your design pop. It's bold, modern and eye-catching – offering a unique tactile experience. Textured Direct-to-Garment is durable as well and can be a great choice if you want your logo to have that extra dimension.

There are several printing technologies used for clothing and bags, each with their own method:

  • Screen Printing: a thick layer of ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto your garment.
  • Direct-to-Garment: ink is sprayed onto your garment and absorbed into the fibres.
  • Heat Transfer: your design is printed onto vinyl film and heated onto the fabric.
  • Embroidery: your design is stitched onto the fabric with coloured threads.
  • Dye Sublimation: heated ink absorbs into your garment.

  • Pad Printing: ink is stamped onto the surface of your product.
  • Dye Sublimation: heated ink transforms into gas and fuses directly into the material.
  • Digital Inkjet: ink is printed directly onto the surface of your product.
  • Laser Engraving: your design is etched onto the surface of your product.

For small, hard goods like pens, pad printing offers a smooth, durable finish, while laser engraving provides a sharp, permanent look. Both methods ensure your design stays crisp and professional.