Arizona Cap & Apparel

Exploring the World of Apparel Decorating Methods

June 29, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Apparel decorating methods offer an exciting range of options for transforming garments into personalized works of art.

In the ever-evolving world of fashion and personal expression, apparel decorating methods play a crucial role in transforming ordinary garments into unique pieces of art. From traditional techniques that have stood the test of time to modern innovations driven by technology, there is a vast array of methods available for adorning clothing with designs, patterns and graphics. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and widely used apparel decorating methods, each offering its own distinctive charm and appeal.

Embroidery is one of the oldest and most versatile methods of apparel decoration. It involves stitching intricate designs onto fabric using specialized embroidery machines. These machines often have multiple stitching heads to allow for simultaneous embroidery on several garments. Each head has various spools of thread to allow for multi-color designs. This technique allows for great precision and durability, making it ideal for adding logos, lettering or detailed artwork to a wide range of garments, including hats, jackets and polo shirts.

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a widely used method for creating vibrant and long-lasting designs on apparel. It involves applying ink through a fine mesh screen onto the fabric, with each color requiring a separate screen. The garment is then put through an oven to cure the ink. This technique offers excellent color saturation and is highly suitable for large-scale production runs. Screen printing is commonly employed for creating custom t-shirts, jerseys and promotional merchandise.

DTG printing is a relatively modern technique that uses specialized inkjet printers to print high-resolution designs directly onto garments. DTG printers apply water-based inks onto fabric, resulting in a soft and breathable finish. This method is particularly suitable for small production runs or one-off custom designs, as it allows for unlimited colors and intricate artwork. DTG printing is commonly used for personalized t-shirts, hoodies and fashion-forward apparel.

DTF printing, also known as film transfer printing, is a technology that combines digital printing and heat transfer. It involves printing designs onto a specialized film using inkjet printers with specially formulated inks. The film is then placed onto the garment and heat is applied, causing the ink to transfer and adhere permanently to the fabric. DTF printing offers vibrant colors, excellent durability and the ability to print on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester and blends. It is particularly suitable for complex and detailed designs, making it popular for sportswear, activewear and fashion garments.

Apparel decorating methods offer an exciting range of options for transforming garments into personalized works of art. Whether through the timeless elegance of embroidery, the vibrant colors of screen printing, the versatility of DTG printing or the cutting-edge technology of DTF printing, each technique brings its own distinct aesthetic and charm to clothing. As fashion continues to evolve, these methods will undoubtedly continue to inspire creativity and allow individuals to express their unique style through their apparel. QCBN

By Morgan Simonson

Morgan Simonson is the sales and marketing director at Arizona Cap & Apparel.

Arizona Cap & Apparel, formerly Arizona Cap Company, was opened in 1999 selling custom, decorated caps. Within a few years, the company began offering a full line of apparel and promotional items, including mugs, pens, banners and business cards. Today, it is owned and operated by a mother and son team, Eva and Vance Janckila. Located in Prescott Valley, the business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

T-Shirt Season: Time to Show Off Your Brand

May 25, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Work with your apparel decorator and promotional goods provider to find the right product for you.

Summer is coming and everyone is getting ready for the warmer weather and outdoor events. Spring is the right time to order your apparel and promotional items for the season change. There are many great options to make the season safer and more enjoyable as you promote your business or event.

Many businesses are looking for great ways to promote their company with promotional products made for warmer weather. Some fun product ideas are coolers, water bottles, sunscreen packs, sunglasses, beach chairs, beach towels, totes and waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Besides branded giveaways and gifts, consider decorated pop-up canopies and tablecloths for the events that you’ll be hosting or participating in during this season.

While promotional goods are hot items, the right apparel can make all the difference. Those who work outdoors at summer camps and other places will appreciate clothing with built-in UV protection. This type of apparel offers protection of SPF30+ in youth to adult sizing. Your outdoor employees and parents of children at camps will thank you for your consideration!

As you consider summer branded apparel options, there are many styles to keep your employees and customers cool on those hot summer days. Tank tops, shorts, cotton t-shirts and caps of all styles, including those that have the neck cape are best-sellers at this time of year. All these items can be branded with your logo.

With so many fun options, it should be easy to find the right merchandise and apparel to make this season more enjoyable and safer. Work with your apparel decorator and promotional goods provider to find the right product for you. QCBN

By Eva and Vance Janckila

Vance Janckila is the production manager at Arizona Cap & Apparel. He specializes in decorating apparel using several techniques, such as screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. For more information, visit arizonacap.com.

Considering the Right Promotional Product for your Brand and Purpose

April 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

When choosing an item, it’s important to keep in mind who your target market is and how you plan to use the item in your advertising campaign.

Promotional products, otherwise known as merch or swag, are a great way to promote your business. These can be any number of items such as pens, shirts, stickers and water bottles, to name a few. The purpose of promotional products is found in its name, they are to promote your business, your cause or your brand. In a general sense, promotional products are any item that has your logo on it that is used to raise awareness of your cause.

When choosing an item, it’s important to keep in mind who your target market is and how you plan to use the item in your advertising campaign. For example, if your target market is higher end, you want to get an item that has a higher perceived value or quality. You also want the item to be useful and reusable, that way after using your item and seeing your logo you will be at the front of their mind when something related to your business comes up. The next thing to consider is the quality of the product. If it breaks or your logo wears off quickly, then the item no longer serves the purpose of displaying and promoting your brand. Quality is not always the highest priority; for example, if you have a limited-time promotion, something cheap that draws people in might be a good fit.

With tens of thousands of items to choose from, how do you know which ones will be suitable for you and what will be the best item given your unique circumstances? Getting in touch with a promotional products advisor who can curate a list of items, has connections with the vendors and knows which vendors offer quality products will streamline the process to ensure the success of your promotional products campaign. QCBN

By Vance Janckila

Keeping Your Brand on Top with Baseball Caps

April 1, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

When purchasing many caps, work with a professional to help you navigate these choices and you’ll find the perfect cap for your needs.

Caps are a trendy accessory that are appreciated by a wide range of people, from outdoor workers to fashionistas alike. Besides being practical and fashionable, they’ve also become popular choice for companies to promote their brand. With so many styles, colors and patterns from which to choose, it’s easy to find the perfect cap for your needs.

Caps come in two basic styles: a five-panel or six-panel. This refers to the number of fabric pieces needed to complete the crown, or top of the cap. A five-panel cap will not have a seam in the center front of the cap, which makes a nice, smooth surface for easy screen printing, heat pressed designs and embroidery. The six-panel can be decorated with the same techniques but with the seam, it is more popular to embroider or use patches on this style. Both styles can be structured, with a firm front, or unstructured, with a soft front.

There are several choices for back closures. Two options, which allow for easy adjustment from youth to adult sizing, are the Velcro back straps or sliding buckles. Both are durable and look nice. The metal buckle is offered in nickel and brass tones. Another style, the plastic snap back, has become very popular. The cap sizing is adjusted by pushing snaps into pre-made holes in the straps. Finally, the stretch fit caps have spandex sewn into the fabric and are sold in three sizes.

When selecting caps, there is more to consider besides whether it’s a five- or six- panel, structured or unstructured, or what type of closure is right. For instance, would you like a curved or flat bill? What type of fabric is best? Caps come in a range of fabrics, from cotton twill, wool, mesh backs and blends. How would like your caps decorated? When purchasing many caps, work with a professional to help you navigate these choices and you’ll find the perfect cap for your needs. QCBN

By Eva Janckila

Considering the Professional Look of Embroidery

January 27, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

You will find that overall, embroidery is a cost -effective and beautiful way to promote your company brand.

The art of adding embroidery on clothing changed little for more than 2,000 years. Embroidery, seen as early as the 3rd century in Asia, spread to Europe as trade routes opened. Traditionally, it was used as a rich, decorative option for royalty and others of high status. In modern times, however, it has become a popular choice of decoration for successful business owners. To many business owners, embroidery adds professionalism and sophistication to corporate, branded apparel.

Throughout the centuries, embroidery was done by hand, one piece at a time and was a slow, artistic process. Modern, embroidery equipment can achieve in minutes what took days or weeks to complete in the past. For example, some machines are capable of embroidering 15 items, with designs of up to 15 colors, at one time. Although the embroidery machines of today are very technical, they can produce the beautiful, high-quality designs that customers have desired through the ages.

Choosing the right product for your embroidery needs can be challenging because of the wide variety of styles and options available. An embroidery specialist can help streamline the process to ensure that you have a quality product that looks great with your logo. As a business owner, you want to present your best image to the world. You will find that overall, embroidery is a cost -effective and beautiful way to promote your company brand. QCBN

By Eva Janckila

Arizona Cap & Apparel, formerly Arizona Cap Company, was opened in 1999 selling custom decorated caps. Within a few years, the company began offering a full line of apparel and promotional items, including mugs, pens, banners and business cards. Today, it is owned and operated by a mother and son team, Eva and Vance Janckila. Located in Prescott Valley, the business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

Arizona Cap & Apparel

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