On the Cutting Edge

Aug 1, 2008

This crest design, which is an example of the distressed applique technique, is one sample being showcased by Sportco so clients know they can get a custom product that looks like it came right off the shelves at, say, Abercrombie and Fitch. Seay acknowledges it took the team a bit of experimenting to discover which of the laser's capabilities are applicable to their market and how these new techniques should be executed.

It's old news to many in the decorated apparel market that retail trends largely determine standards for customized wearable and nonwearable products. Wholesale vendors of apparel, tote bags and other items ideal for screen printing and embroidery have responded to this movement by adding fashionable styles comparable to what's seen in boutiques, chain shops and department stores. But that may not be enough to appease end users. Consumers are seeing decoration techniques such as burnout prints and frayed edging as they browse through their favorite clothing stores. Therefore, they want their customized products to reflect similar detailing and finishing touches. A basic left-chest embroidered set of initials or front, center print may not cut it for customers seeking trendier techniques.

What are decorators doing to bring retail-inspired decoration methods to their customers? One screen printing and embroidery company is keeping up with the pace of retail by bringing a laser system in-house that allows for three new and popular design techniques. With the laser system, Sportco, Naperville, Ill., can quickly burn a design through the top layer of a fabric to reveal material underneath, create appliqués with frayed, vintage edging and etch patterns into appliqué materials or directly onto certain types of garments. "[Our laser methods of distressed appliqué, reverse appliqué and etching] appeal to everybody and anybody," says Kim Seay, vice president of marketing and support services. From schools and club organizations to the resort market, these laser embellishment methods have a broad appeal across all lines. "There are so many [retail styles] out there with this type of decoration, it felt natural for us to add the system," she adds. "[And it keeps us] on the cutting edge and allows our creative staff to just go crazy." —Susie McManus

Dunbrooke Releases 2009 Catalog
Independence, Mo.-based Dunbrooke Apparel Corp. just released its 2009 product catalog, which will feature Reebok promotional apparel as well as new Dunbrooke styles.
September 05, 2008

Nazdar SourceOne Unveils Swatch Book Selector
Shawnee, Kan.-based Nazdar SourceOne recently introduced its 2008 Digital Media selector swatch book, which features an enhanced selection of flexible and rigid wide-format digital media for aqueous, solvent and UV curable inkjet printers.
September 05, 2008

Stahls' Launches Online Digitizing Service
St. Clair Shores, Mich.-based Stahl's recently partnered with EmbWorx.com, an online digitizing company.
September 04, 2008

ShirtsMyWay Offers Customized Corporate Looks
ShirtsMyWay.biz, Copenhagen, Denmark, is taking promotional and corporate shirts from lackluster to custom chic thanks to the insight of co-founders Peter Crawfurd and Michael Yang.
September 01, 2008

Magic Headwear to Offer Apparel
To complement its already-strong headwear business, Magic Group, Compton, Calif., is in the process of launching its first apparel line, Magic Activewear.
September 01, 2008