Decoration Methods
Print it. Stitch it.
Engrave it. Elevate it.
Brand it your way!
Branded Merchandise
Decoration Methods
DTF, DTG, Embroidery, Sublimation, Engraving & More
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Choosing the right branded apparel decoration method is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when investing in custom apparel, promotional products, corporate merchandise, and company store programs. The decoration technique affects durability, appearance, scalability, fulfillment flexibility, and overall brand perception.
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At Swagopoly, we help organizations select the ideal printing or embellishment method based on their goals—whether that’s bulk event merchandise, on-demand fulfillment through a company store, franchise distribution, employee uniforms, or premium corporate gifts.
Below is a comprehensive guide to today’s most effective custom printing and decoration methods, so you can make confident, informed purchasing decisions.
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DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
Best for:
On-demand company stores, full-color logos, multi-location distribution, scalable branded apparel programs
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What is DTF printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing transfers a full-color design onto a specialized film, which is then heat-applied to the garment. The result is vibrant, flexible, and highly durable branding.**
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Key Benefits:
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Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and performance fabrics
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Excellent for detailed, multi-color logos
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No minimum order requirements
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Ideal for online company stores and on-demand fulfillment
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Why businesses choose DTF:
DTF printing is one of the most versatile solutions for corporate branded apparel programs. It allows companies to fulfill orders one at a time without sacrificing quality—making it perfect for distributed teams, franchise systems, and e-commerce merchandise platforms.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing
Best for:
High-detail artwork on cotton garments
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What is DTG printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing works like a large-scale inkjet printer for apparel. The ink is applied directly into the garment fibers, producing soft, photo-quality results.
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Key Benefits:
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Ideal for complex designs and gradients
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Soft feel with no heavy ink texture
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Great for small-batch production
Considerations:
DTG works best on 100% cotton garments and is less effective on polyester blends.
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Best use cases:
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Creative marketing campaigns
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Lifestyle or artistic brand designs
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Limited edition branded t-shirts
Dye Sublimation
Fabric Sublimation
Best for:
Performance apparel, all-over prints, athletic wearDye sublimation uses heat to permanently bond ink into polyester fibers. The design becomes part of the fabric—meaning no cracking, peeling, or fading.
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Advantages:
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Full-bleed, edge-to-edge printing
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Ultra-soft feel
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Long-lasting color vibrancy
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Ideal for:
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Athletic jerseys
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Branded team apparel
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Custom performance wear
Note: Sublimation works best on white or light-colored polyester garments.
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Hard Goods Sublimation
Best for:
Drinkware, awards, coated promotional products
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Sublimation can also decorate specially coated hard goods, producing vibrant, long-lasting branding.
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Common Applications Include:
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Custom mugs
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Branded tumblers
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Promotional drinkware
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Awards and plaques
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This method is ideal for corporate gifting programs and trade show promotional products.
Embroidery
Best for:
Corporate uniforms, polos, hats, outerwear, executive apparelEmbroidery stitches your logo directly into the garment using thread, creating a polished and professional appearance.​​
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Why embroidery remains a top choice:
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Extremely durable
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Elevated, high-end look
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Excellent for textured garments
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Common applications:
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Employee uniforms
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Golf polos
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Hospitality apparel
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Branded hats and jackets
If your goal is premium, long-lasting branded apparel, embroidery delivers timeless quality.
Laser Engraving
Best for:
Executive gifts, premium hard goods, corporate awardsLaser engraving permanently etches your logo into the product surface, revealing a contrasting material beneath.​​
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Works well on:
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Stainless steel drinkware
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Bamboo cutting boards
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Leather products
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Tech accessories
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Awards and plaques
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Why businesses choose engraving:
It communicates quality, sophistication, and permanence—making it ideal for executive gifting and client appreciation.
Liquid 3D
(Raised High-Density Decoration)
Best for:
Retail-inspired apparel with dimension and textureLiquid 3D creates a raised, tactile design that adds depth and modern visual appeal.
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Benefits:
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Eye-catching, dimensional finish
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Premium retail aesthetic
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Durable application​​
This method is ideal for companies seeking a bold, fashion-forward approach to branded merchandise.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a traditional printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto surfaces by forcing it through a stencil, creating vibrant, durable designs.
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Best for:
Large bulk orders with simple designs
Screen printing remains a cost-effective solution for high-volume runs.
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Advantages:
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Economical at scale
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Vibrant, solid colors
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Durable for simple logos
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Important Consideration:
Screen printing requires setup fees and is not a good solution for on-demand fulfillment or online company store programs. It is best suited for large event orders or single-distribution campaigns.
UV DTF Printing
(Hard Goods Decoration)
Best for:
Full-color logos on non-porous surfaces.​​
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UV DTF is an emerging decoration method that applies vibrant, full-color designs to hard goods without requiring specialty coatings.
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Ideal for:
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Coolers
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Drinkware
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Tech accessories
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Promotional products with complex branding
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It provides flexibility for short runs and detailed multi-color designs on hard surfaces.
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​How to Choose the Right Decoration
Method for Your Branded Merchandise
When selecting a decoration method, consider:
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Order size (bulk vs. on-demand)
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Garment or product material
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Design complexity
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Brand positioning
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Budget
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Distribution strategy (single event vs. ongoing company store)
For businesses building scalable branded merchandise programs, franchise distribution systems, employee recognition initiatives, or corporate online stores, flexibility and fulfillment capability are just as important as aesthetics.
Why Swagopoly Is the Smart Choice for Branded Apparel & Promotional Products
At Swagopoly, we specialize in helping organizations implement hassle-free branded merchandise solutions—whether you need bulk production or an ongoing Swagopoly Microstore for distributed teams and franchise networks.
We provide:
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On-demand branded apparel fulfillment
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Bulk promotional product sourcing
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Corporate gifting programs
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Company online store management
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Multi-location and franchise merch distribution
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Employee engagement merchandise solutions
Our team will guide you through selecting the ideal decoration method to maximize brand impact, durability, and operational efficiency.
Ready to Simplify Your Branded Merchandise Program?
If you’re looking for a scalable, professional solution for custom apparel, promotional products, corporate uniforms, and company store fulfillment, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about launching a Swagopoly Microstore or to request a consultation for bulk branded merchandise orders. Let’s turn your branded merchandise into a powerful extension of your brand—without the hassle.