How to choose between heat transfer and screen printing for sportswear logos?

How to choose between heat transfer and screen printing for sportswear logos?

When choosing between heat transfer and screen printing for sportswear logos, prioritize durability, fabric compatibility, and production scalability. Heat transfer offers precise, full-color designs on small batches but can crack or peel under repeated stretching, especially on high-spandex fabrics. Screen printing is more durable for large runs and high-stress areas but may have limitations in fine details or multi-color designs.

At the manufacturer level, evaluate logo performance on pre-production samples. Test adhesion, stretch recovery, and washing durability under conditions the end user will encounter. Check for edge lifting, ink cracking, or color bleeding—common causes of bulk rejections. Consider fabric type, thickness, and elasticity, as improper pairing can lead to premature failure.

Additionally, review minimum order quantities, setup costs, and turnaround times. Approving full-size sample garments with the intended logo method is essential before placing bulk orders. This ensures logos remain functional, visually consistent, and long-lasting, preventing returns, reworks, or unsellable inventory.