Textile Finishing
Textile finishing makes textiles distinctive. It gives garments identity, recognition value and functionality. Logos, lettering and designs are applied in a way that ensures they remain permanently bonded to the fabric and meet the requirements of the intended application. The choice of process depends on the type of fabric, the design, the level of wear and the desired effect. Each finishing method follows clear technical principles and is selected specifically to create a harmonious overall appearance.
"Most often, we embroider our TRIGEMA wing logo."
Finishing Methods
| Criterion | Embroidery | Screen Printing | Flock | Transfer Printing | Digital Printing | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum washing temperature (please follow the care instructions for the shirts) |
90 °C | 60 °C | 60 °C | 40 °C / 60 °C | 30 °C | 40 °C |
| Logo colours | max. 12 | max. 10 | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Lead time (working days) | 5–10 | 5–10 | 5–10 | 10 | 5–10 | 15–20 |
| Suitable fabrics | All fabrics |
All fabrics containing cotton (requirement: a smooth fabric surface, for example no terry cloth) |
All fabrics | All fabrics | All fabrics (excluding fabrics made entirely from viscose or polyester) |
100% polyester |
| Size range | 1–28 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | All-over |
| Minimum order quantity | From 1 item | 50–100 items | From 1 item | From 1 item | From 1 item | 400 items |
Embroidery
Custom embroidery gives textiles a particularly premium appearance and is highly durable. During the embroidery process, designs, names and logos are stitched directly into the fabric using thread and modern embroidery machines. Several machines operate in parallel and together achieve a capacity of more than five million stitches per hour. This allows even larger orders to be completed precisely within a short time. Embroidery is one of the most popular finishing methods because it is durable, dimensionally stable and colourfast. Thanks to many years of experience, classic logos as well as complex designs can be produced reliably. The finish can be used on almost all products, is also suitable for smaller quantities and retains its shape even after frequent washing. Embroidery is robust, long-lasting and retains its brilliant colours over time.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a proven finishing process and is suitable for both small, intricate designs and large-format logos. In our modern screen-printing facility, textiles are finished with coloured designs that are heat-set after printing. This process permanently bonds the colours to the fabric and provides excellent durability. Only environmentally friendly inks certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 are used. In screen printing, each colour is applied to the textile using a stencil. This process produces even, opaque prints and is particularly suitable for larger quantities. The finish is washable up to 60 °C and is therefore also ideal for workwear. Despite the high colour coverage, the garment remains comfortable to wear, even with all-over designs.
Flock
Flock is a finishing process particularly suitable for lettering, logos and clear designs with a bold effect. It creates a velvety surface that feels slightly raised and gives the textile a distinctive, premium appearance. During the flocking process, the design is first cut from a special flock film and then permanently transferred to the textile using pressure and high temperature. This process firmly bonds the design to the fabric, allowing it to retain its shape even with regular use. Flock is particularly suitable for designs with clear contours and uniform areas. The surface is robust, colour-intensive and long-lasting. At the same time, it remains comfortable to wear because the design has a soft, textile texture. Thanks to its durability, flock is frequently used for sportswear, clubwear and workwear.
Transfer Printing
Transfer printing is particularly suitable for photographic designs, logos with colour gradients and highly detailed designs. It is a durable and vibrant finishing method that can be used flexibly on almost all products. Its versatility makes transfer printing suitable for simple logos as well as complex, photorealistic designs. During transfer printing, a heat press applies the design from a carrier film permanently to the fabric using high pressure, high temperature and a defined application time. After the film is removed, only the design remains on the textile. Transfer printing is suitable for almost all textiles and offers a comfortable feel, even with larger designs. As an alternative to screen printing, this finishing method is also available on request with washability up to 60 °C and is suitable for all order quantities.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is particularly suitable for photographic prints, complex designs and smaller quantities. This process offers short lead times and provides a cost-effective solution when custom designs or special events need to be produced. As no elaborate preparation is required, individual pieces and small batches can also be produced efficiently. In digital printing, also known as direct-to-garment printing, textiles are printed directly with ink, similar to the principle of an inkjet printer. The print data is processed directly from the digital artwork. The high print resolution allows photorealistic designs, fine colour gradients, logos, lettering and detailed images to be reproduced precisely. Digital printing therefore offers maximum design freedom and is ideal when flexibility, fine detail and short response times are required.
Sublimation
Sublimation finishing is particularly suitable for sports and performance shirts with multiple logos or all-over designs. In this process, the dye is not applied to the surface of the textile but transferred directly into the fibre. As a result, the surface of the fabric remains unchanged: the design cannot be felt and does not sit visibly on the material. All functional properties of the material, such as breathability and moisture management (e.g. COOLMAX), are fully retained. During sublimation transfer, the design is heated using a heat press. Through a combination of time, pressure and temperature, the dye permanently bonds with the white polyester or polyamide fabric. The result is an even, colour-intensive design without transitions or edges. The finish is permanent, wash-resistant and ideal for intensive sporting use.
