Category: sportswear technology

Why do customized sportswear need to be quality inspected before leaving the factory?

Quality inspection (quality inspection) of customized sportswear before leaving the factory is a key link to ensure product quality, meet customer needs and maintain the company’s quality reputation. The following are the main reasons and the specific significance of quality inspection:

1.Ensure that the product meets the design requirements

    • Customized sportswear usually has unique patterns, logos, colors or text designs. Quality inspection needs to check whether the actual product is consistent with the design draft (such as printing accuracy, embroidery position, color difference, etc.).
    • Check whether the size and tailoring of customized sportswear meet the order specifications (such as the accuracy of sizes of different numbers).

    2.Control the quality of materials and craftsmanship of customized sportswear

      • Fabric inspection: Confirm whether the material of customized sportswear meets the standards (such as breathability, elasticity, wear resistance), and avoid using inferior or wrong fabrics.
      • Craft inspection: Check whether the stitching of customized sportswear is firm, whether the seams are flat, and whether the printing/embroidery is firm (to prevent discoloration or cracking).
      • Functional testing: For example, whether the moisture absorption and perspiration, UV resistance and other properties of customized sportswear are qualified.

      3.Avoid batch defects

        • Systematic errors may occur during the production process (such as blurred printing or wrong size marking in a batch). Quality inspection can intercept problematic products in time to reduce after-sales disputes and losses.

        4.Maintain brand and customer trust

          • The sale of inferior customized sportswear products will damage the brand image, especially the team customized uniforms (such as clubs and schools) have higher quality requirements.
          • Strict quality inspection can improve customer satisfaction and promote long-term cooperation.

          So what are the regular quality inspections and common items? They are the following 4 points:
          1: Appearance inspection: stains, thread ends, symmetry.
          2: Size measurement: whether the size error of each part is within the allowable range.
          3: Functional testing: color fastness, tear resistance testing.
          4: Packaging verification: whether the label, tag, and packaging are standardized, etc.

          What is Raindrop fabric

          Raindrop fabric (also called “raindrop fabric” or “dot texture fabric”) is a fabric with a concave and convex texture similar to raindrops or small dots on the surface, usually achieved through special weaving processes or finishing technologies. Its name comes from the raised dots evenly distributed on the fabric, which resemble raindrops. The following is a detailed analysis of this fabric:

          1.Common materials
          Raindrop fabric does not refer to a single fiber, but is processed from different base fabrics according to the purpose. Common materials include:

            • Polyester fiber (polyester): wear-resistant, easy to care for, suitable for outdoor or sportswear.
            • Nylon: light and waterproof, often used in functional clothing (such as jacket lining).
            • Cotton or cotton blends: soft and breathable, mostly used in casual clothing or household items.
            • Composite fabrics: waterproof coatings (such as PU coatings) or breathable membranes (such as TPU) may be added to enhance functionality.

            2.Features and Uses

              • Texture Effect:
                The raised “raindrops” on the surface are formed by the following methods:
                o Weaving process: double-sided knitting or jacquard weaving to form a three-dimensional dot structure.
                o Embossing: using a hot press machine to press a concave and convex texture on the fabric.
                o Coating/compounding: dot-shaped glue coating (such as waterproof glue dots) to achieve functional + texture combination.
              • Functional Advantages:
                o Breathable and perspiration-wicking: the raised structure increases air circulation (suitable for sportswear lining).
                o Anti-slip and wear-resistant: the texture enhances friction (such as backpack lining, gloves).
                o Waterproof and moisture-wicking: the raindrop texture can guide moisture to slide off (common in outdoor clothing).
              • Common uses:
                o Sportswear (such as baseball jacket lining, cycling clothes)
                o Outdoor equipment (tent lining, mountaineering bags)
                o Household items (anti-slip tablecloths, pillows)
                o Fashion design (textured decorative fabrics)

              3.Differences from similar fabrics

                • Waffle Fabric:
                  Grid-like concave and convex texture, strong moisture absorption, mostly used for towels and bathrobes.
                • Seersucker:
                  Irregular concave and convex are formed by shrinking elastic yarn, which is lighter and more breathable.
                • Flocking dot fabric:
                  The surface is formed by electrostatic flocking to form velvet dots, which is soft to the touch and used for decoration.

                4.Purchase and maintenance suggestions

                  • Sports/outdoor use: Choose polyester or nylon base fabric, pay attention to waterproof and breathable performance.
                  • Daily use: Cotton raindrop fabric is more skin-friendly, but
                    Avoid high-temperature washing to prevent deformation.
                  • Maintenance: Turn the fabric over when washing in the machine to avoid sharp objects scratching the raised texture.

                  Why do customized sportswear need to be quality inspected before leaving the factory?

                  Quality inspection (quality inspection) of customized sportswear before leaving the factory is a key link to ensure product quality, meet customer needs and maintain the company’s quality reputation. The following are the main reasons and the specific significance of quality inspection:

                  1.Ensure that the product meets the design requirements

                    • Customized sportswear usually has unique patterns, logos, colors or text designs. Quality inspection needs to check whether the actual product is consistent with the design draft (such as printing accuracy, embroidery position, color difference, etc.).
                    • Check whether the size and tailoring of customized sportswear meet the order specifications (such as the accuracy of sizes of different numbers).

                    2.Control the quality of materials and craftsmanship of customized sportswear

                      • Fabric inspection: Confirm whether the material of customized sportswear meets the standards (such as breathability, elasticity, wear resistance), and avoid using inferior or wrong fabrics.
                      • Craft inspection: Check whether the stitching of customized sportswear is firm, whether the seams are flat, and whether the printing/embroidery is firm (to prevent discoloration or cracking).
                      • Functional testing: For example, whether the moisture absorption and perspiration, UV resistance and other properties of customized sportswear are qualified.

                      3.Avoid batch defects

                        • Systematic errors may occur during the production process (such as blurred printing or wrong size marking in a batch). Quality inspection can intercept problematic products in time to reduce after-sales disputes and losses.

                        4.Maintain brand and customer trust

                          • The sale of inferior customized sportswear products will damage the brand image, especially the team customized uniforms (such as clubs and schools) have higher quality requirements.
                          • Strict quality inspection can improve customer satisfaction and promote long-term cooperation.

                          So what are the regular quality inspections and common items? They are the following 4 points:
                          1: Appearance inspection: stains, thread ends, symmetry.
                          2: Size measurement: whether the size error of each part is within the allowable range.
                          3: Functional testing: color fastness, tear resistance testing.
                          4: Packaging verification: whether the label, tag, and packaging are standardized, etc.

                          Are the sizes of sportswear in Europe, America and Asia very different?

                          Are the sizes of sportswear in Europe, America and Asia very different? Yes, there are obvious differences in the size standards of sportswear, which are mainly reflected in body adaptation, size marking and pattern design. The following is a specific comparison:

                          1.Body shape difference

                            • Asian size:
                              o Mainly based on East Asian body shape (China, Japan, South Korea, etc.), usually the pattern is more slim, the shoulder width and sleeve length are shorter, and the waist-hip difference is smaller, so the overall sportswear size is more slim.
                              o Asian size is more suitable for people with shorter height and smaller frame, especially women’s clothing may pay more attention to the waist curve.
                            • European and American size:
                              o Based on the European and American body shape, the shoulder width and sleeve length are longer, the chest and hip circumference are larger, so the overall sportswear size is looser.
                              o European and American size is more suitable for people with taller stature, larger frame or more developed muscles.

                            2.Differences in size markings

                              • Common markings in Asia:
                                o Numbers + S/M/L (such as 160/80A, where 160 represents height, 80 represents chest circumference, and A represents standard body shape).
                                o Japanese sizes may be smaller (such as “L size” is equivalent to “M size” in Europe and the United States).
                              • Common markings in Europe and the United States:
                                o Mainly letters (XS-XXL), numbers may be marked in inches/centimeter (such as “32” represents waist circumference).
                                o Some brands use “US 8” and “EU 36” to distinguish regional codes.

                              So, in fact, the sizes of sportswear in Europe and the United States are very different from those in Asia. In addition to different body shapes, the standard methods of size are also different.

                              What are the styles of customized sports suits?

                              Customized sports suits have various styles, and the following are some common choices:

                              1.Basic style

                                • Short-sleeved T-shirt + shorts: suitable for summer or indoor sports, light and breathable.
                                • Long-sleeved T-shirt + long pants: suitable for autumn and winter or outdoor sports, warm and windproof.

                                2.Compression style

                                  • Compression top + compression pants: tight design, improve sports performance, reduce muscle fatigue.

                                  3.One-piece style

                                    • One-piece sportswear: one-piece design, reduce the sense of restraint, suitable for high-intensity sports.

                                    4.Layered style

                                      • Inner layer + outer layer: the inner layer absorbs sweat, the outer layer is windproof and waterproof, suitable for outdoor sports.

                                      5.Fashion style

                                        • Design top + sports pants: incorporate fashion elements, suitable for daily wear and light exercise.

                                        6.Functional style

                                          • With pocket design: convenient for carrying small items, suitable for running, cycling, etc.
                                          • Reflective strip design: improve the safety of night sports.

                                          7.Seasonal models

                                            • Summer models: light and breathable, suitable for high temperature environments.
                                            • Winter models: thick and warm, suitable for low temperature environments.

                                            8.Team models

                                              • Unified design: suitable for teams or clubs, enhancing cohesion.

                                              9.Personalized models

                                                • Customized patterns/logos: designed according to needs, showing personality or brand image.

                                                10.Special material models

                                                  • Quick-drying fabrics: quick perspiration, keep dry.
                                                  • Warm fabrics: suitable for cold weather.

                                                  11.Yoga models

                                                    • Yoga vests + yoga pants: good elasticity, suitable for flexible sports such as yoga.

                                                    12.Running models

                                                      • Running vests + running shorts: light and breathable, suitable for long-distance running.

                                                      13.Basketball models

                                                        • Basketball vests + basketball shorts: loose design, suitable for basketball.

                                                        14.Football models

                                                          • Football tops + football shorts: breathable and perspiration-wicking, suitable for football.

                                                          15.Golf style

                                                            • Golf polo shirt + golf pants: simple and elegant, suitable for golf.

                                                            These styles can be selected and customized according to needs, sports types and seasons.

                                                            Summary of the benefits of sports fabrics

                                                            Sports fabrics are now commonly used in the production of various sportswear. So what are the benefits of sports fabrics?

                                                            1. Moisture absorption and perspiration
                                                              Sports fabrics usually have the function of moisture absorption and perspiration absorption, which can quickly absorb sweat and discharge it, keep the skin dry and improve comfort.
                                                            2. Breathability
                                                              Good breathability helps air circulation, regulate body temperature, and avoid overheating during exercise.
                                                            3. Elasticity and ductility
                                                              Sports fabrics usually have high elasticity, can adapt to various movements, and provide a better sports experience.
                                                            4. Lightweight
                                                              Sports fabrics are usually lightweight, reduce burden, and are suitable for long-term exercise.
                                                            5. Antibacterial and deodorant
                                                              Some sports fabrics are treated with antibacterial treatment to reduce bacterial growth and prevent odor.
                                                            6. Wear resistance
                                                              Sports fabrics are usually wear-resistant, suitable for high-intensity exercise, and extend the life of clothing.
                                                            7. Quick drying
                                                              Sports fabrics can dry quickly, reduce dampness and discomfort, and are suitable for outdoor sports.
                                                            8. UV protection
                                                              Some sports fabrics have UV protection function, reduce UV damage, and are suitable for outdoor activities.
                                                            9. Warmth and cooling
                                                              Depending on the season, sports fabrics can provide warmth or cooling functions to adapt to different environments.
                                                            10. Environmental protection
                                                              Some sports fabrics use environmentally friendly materials to reduce the impact on the environment.

                                                            Sports fabrics improve sports comfort and performance through moisture absorption and perspiration, breathability, elasticity, lightness and other functions. At the same time, they have antibacterial, wear-resistant, quick-drying and other characteristics, suitable for various sports scenes.

                                                            Learn more about heat sublimation clothing customization

                                                            Heat sublimation clothing customization is a method of printing patterns or designs on clothing through heat sublimation technology. The following is a detailed introduction to heat sublimation clothing customization:

                                                            1.The principle of heat sublimation technology
                                                            Heat sublimation is a printing technology that uses high temperature to convert dyes into gaseous state so that they can penetrate into the fabric fibers. The specific steps are as follows:

                                                              • Design and production: First design the pattern on the computer and use special software to adjust the color and size.
                                                              • Print transfer paper: Print the design on special transfer paper.
                                                              • High temperature transfer: Place the transfer paper on the clothing and heat it at high temperature (usually 180-200°C) through a heat press to sublimate the dye and penetrate the fiber.
                                                              • Cooling and setting: After cooling, the pattern is permanently fixed on the clothing.

                                                              2.Applicable fabrics
                                                              Heat sublimation technology is best suited for polyester or polyester blended fabrics because polyester fibers can better absorb dyes at high temperatures. Pure cotton or natural fibers have poor results.

                                                              3.Advantages

                                                                • High definition: The pattern details are clear and the colors are bright.
                                                                • Durability: The pattern is not easy to fade or fall off, and it is washable and wear-resistant.
                                                                • Breathability: The dye penetrates into the fiber and does not affect the breathability of the fabric.
                                                                • Personalization: Suitable for small-batch customization to meet personalized needs.

                                                                4.Application areas

                                                                  • Sportswear: Commonly used for sports team uniforms, fitness clothes, etc.
                                                                  • Promotional clothing: Used for corporate activities, exhibitions, etc.
                                                                  • Fashion clothing: Designer brands are used for unique pattern design.
                                                                  • Personalization: Personalized T-shirts, hats, etc.

                                                                  5.Precautions

                                                                    • Fabric restrictions: Mainly applicable to polyester fibers, pure cotton has poor effect.
                                                                    • Color restrictions: Light-colored patterns printed on dark fabrics have poor effect.
                                                                    • Equipment requirements: Special printers and heat presses are required, and the initial investment is high.

                                                                    6.Environmental protection
                                                                    Thermal sublimation technology is relatively environmentally friendly because the dye is almost completely absorbed by the fiber, there is less waste, and no water is used, reducing water resource consumption.


                                                                    Summary:


                                                                    Dye-sublimation customized clothing is widely used in many fields due to its high clarity, durability and personalization advantages. Although there are some restrictions on fabrics and colors, it performs very well on polyester clothing.

                                                                      Will the color of the clothes customized by heat sublimation be the same as the design?

                                                                      The color of the clothes customized by heat sublimation can usually be very close to the design, but the actual effect may be affected by many factors. Here are some key factors and considerations:

                                                                      1.Fabric type

                                                                      • Polyester fiber: Heat sublimation technology works best on polyester fiber, and the color is bright and long-lasting.
                                                                      • Blended fabric: The higher the polyester content, the better the color reproduction. If the fabric contains more natural fibers (such as cotton), the color may deviate.

                                                                      2.Design color mode

                                                                      • RGB vs CMYK: Designs are usually printed using the RGB color mode on the computer, while printing uses the CMYK color mode. There is a color difference between the two, so color correction and conversion are required.
                                                                      • Color profile: Using the correct color profile (ICC Profile) can improve color reproduction.

                                                                      3.Printer and ink quality

                                                                      • Printer accuracy: High-precision printers can better reproduce the color of the design.
                                                                      • Ink quality: High-quality sublimation inks have brighter and longer-lasting colors.

                                                                      4.Transfer paper quality

                                                                      • Transfer paper type: Different types of transfer paper have an impact on color reproduction. Choosing high-quality transfer paper can improve color reproduction.

                                                                      5.Heat press temperature and pressure

                                                                      • Temperature control: The temperature of the heat press needs to be precisely controlled. Too high or too low will affect color reproduction.
                                                                      • Uniform pressure: Uneven pressure will lead to uneven color distribution and affect the overall effect.

                                                                      6.Post-processing

                                                                      • Cooling and setting: The cooling process needs to be appropriate to ensure that the color is fixed.
                                                                      • Washing test: Perform a washing test to ensure that the color does not fade significantly after washing.

                                                                      7.Ambient light

                                                                      • Observation environment: The color may look different under different light environments. It is recommended to observe the color under natural light or standard light source.

                                                                      Summary
                                                                      Although the heat sublimation customization technology can be very close to the color of the design, the actual effect may be affected by many factors such as fabric type, design color mode, printer and ink quality, transfer paper quality, heat press temperature and pressure, post-processing, and ambient light. In order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to cooperate with a professional custom service provider and conduct sample testing and color correction before production.

                                                                      What are the main differences between hot stamping and offset printing on jerseys?

                                                                      The main differences between hot stamping and offset printing on jerseys are the process, firmness and applicable scenarios. ‌

                                                                      Process difference

                                                                      ‌ Hot stamping‌: Hot stamping is a new type of transfer process, also known as hot stamping pad printing. It uses materials such as high-elastic glue, PU material, offset heat transfer, etc. to transfer the pattern to the fabric through high temperature. The advantage of hot stamping is that it has strong compatibility with fabrics and fabric colors, and can be applied on various fabrics and colors. ‌

                                                                      ‌ Offset printing‌: Offset printing usually prints the glue number on the jersey by ironing, similar to a sticker. The advantage of offset printing is that the pattern is bright, but it is easy to fall off or crack, especially after multiple washings. ‌

                                                                      Firmness difference

                                                                      ‌ Hot stamping‌: The pattern of hot stamping has a high firmness, which is suitable for long-term use and frequent washing. It can usually remain unchanged for 3-5 years without deformation, bursting or degumming.

                                                                      ‌ Offset printing‌: The firmness of offset printing is poor, and it is easy to fall off or crack, especially after multiple washings and sun exposure, the pattern may become blurred or fall off.

                                                                      Differences in applicable scenarios

                                                                      ‌ Hot stamping‌: Applicable to scenarios where the integrity of the pattern needs to be maintained for a long time, such as professional sports equipment and personal customized clothing.

                                                                      ‌ Offset printing‌: Applicable to temporary decoration or occasions where the firmness of the pattern is not required.

                                                                      By understanding these differences, users can choose the appropriate printing method according to their specific needs to ensure the beauty and durability of the jersey.

                                                                      What is heat transfer printing technology

                                                                      What is heat transfer printing technology


                                                                      The most commonly used method for heat transfer printing is sublimation, which utilizes the sublimation properties of dispersed dyes to transfer and fix them onto synthetic fibers such as polyester under high temperature conditions.


                                                                      The specific process is to print the pattern onto paper using a roller or flat screen after plate making, or a circular screen printing machine with dispersed dyes or inks. The transfer printing paper with printed patterns will be combined with the fabric through a transfer printing machine under suitable temperature and pressure conditions. Through physical and chemical reactions, the patterns on the paper will be instantly sublimated and transferred to the surface of the fabric, while diffusing and penetrating into the inner layer of the fibers for fixation. This is the current process of heat transfer printing on polyester fabrics.


                                                                      1 Transfer printing temperature
                                                                      The temperature depends on factors such as the optimal temperature for dye sublimation dyeing, fiber heat resistance, and heat transfer time.
                                                                      The sublimation temperature of dispersed dyes used in heat transfer printing should be lower than the melting point of fiber macromolecules and not damage the fabric strength. The suitable processing temperature for polyester is 180-210 ℃. Within this temperature range, the molecular weight of dye sublimation varieties is between 230 and 270.


                                                                      2 Transfer printing pressure
                                                                      Flat press: With a transfer pressure of 10kPa as the standard, if the pressure is insufficient, the fit between the transfer paper and the printed fabric will not be tight enough, resulting in uneven patterns and unclear colors; On the contrary, if the pressure is too high, the feel and style of the printed fabric will also change.
                                                                      Roller transfer printing machine: In order to achieve a tight overlap between the transfer paper and the printed fabric, the blanket must be tightly wrapped around the surface of the hot roller, and the appropriate pressure is generally controlled at 12kPa.
                                                                      Vacuum negative pressure heat transfer machine: Under negative pressure conditions (13.3kPa), it can achieve good coloring and penetration effects, and the printed fabric has a good hand feel.


                                                                      3 Transfer time
                                                                      In actual processing, the transfer time is 15~45 seconds. The transfer temperature, fiber type, weave and variety of woven and knitted fabrics can all affect the transfer time.


                                                                      4 Color fastness
                                                                      The color fastness of transfer printed fabrics mainly depends on the following three factors: the processed fabric; The transfer paper used and the dye printed on the transfer paper; Transfer printing process conditions.