Impressions - February 2017 - 49

is a trend toward using more detailed,
intricate fonts, which are being integrated with team mascots or graphics to
create more eye-catching, sophisticated
looks.This trend extends to team uniforms
and fanwear.
To offer this look, choose your decorating process carefully.The printer/cutter
process, which involves inkjet printing a
design on white material and then contour
cutting it, is ideal for high detail. One of
the newer trends is to use a laser cutter
to create graphics with film-roll goods.
Laser cutting also reduces the amount of
weeding necessary, which always has been
a barrier to doing intricate designs with a
blade because it can double or triple the
weeding time.
4. Stretch Litho: A new hybrid transfer,
called stretch litho, allows decorators to
offer full-color screen printing with no
limitations on colors.While printer/cutter transfers are ideal for smaller-quantity,
full-color jobs, the cost does not decrease
as the quantity increases.With stretch litho,
however, the price drops as the quantity
increases, making it ideal for orders of 100
pieces or more.
5. Color Blocking: Color blocking is
making a comeback in the decorated apparel marketplace. Color accents are added
on elbows, across shoulders, in striping
and side panels, or in piping and trims
on uniforms.
In terms of adding decoration to a
color-blocked garment, if color matching
is a concern, a printer/cutter is the ideal
process.You can most closely match a color
using a printer/cutter vs. being restricted
to the stock colors of film-cutter materials.
6. Standout Details: The bling trend
lives on, with metallic gold and silver
continuing to be sought-after effects for
uniforms and spiritwear. Teams like to
stand out and metallics are a good way to
achieve that goal.
Tonal prints are another evolving trend
at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's
an understated look that almost blends in
with the garment.You can easily create a
tone-on-tone look by using a clear glossy
or clear matte heat-applied material. It
allows the shirt color to show through,
but provides just enough sheen to make
the graphic visible. Tonal effects also work
well as accents, especially on players' names.
Another trend is using a team motto
- as a tonal effect - instead of players'
names. A motto can build team camara-

derie and, if done subtly, won't compete
with the number.
7. Patterned Twills: Twill used for
embroidery appliqué has long been a staple
in the team market especially for football
and hockey jerseys. Many suppliers sell
patterned twill numbers. Patterns also
can be incorporated with heat transfers.
A heat-applied film does not add a lot of
weight, but gives an eye-catching two-color effect.
These ideas can help you offer new looks
to your team uniform customers. Doing
some research and development to come
up with new looks on your own often
can pay off in increased sales. Experiment
with these tips and see if you can get your
team customers excited about having the
most unique uniforms in their league. 
Josh Ellsworth is general manager for Stahls' CADCUTdirect.com. For more information or to comment
on this article, email Josh at josh@cadcutdirect.com

Pair metallic material with a
modern font for a stylish, fun look.

or visit his website at joshellsworth.com.

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FEBRUARY 2017

P.49

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Impressions - February 2017

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