The world of decorated apparel continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and 2025 will be remembered as a year of robust innovation, breakthrough technology and category-defining product launches. From new decorating tech to apparel blanks and shop software that streamline production, industry leaders showcased tools that helped decorators do more with less, unlock creativity and boost business performance. Here’s a roundup of the products that shaped 2025 and earned recognition from Impressions Magazine’s 2025 Impressions Industry Impact Awards and industry spotlight coverage.
New Decorating Technologies That Set the Standard
Avient MagnaPrint Hybrid Fusion Vibrant White
One of the standout innovations of the year in screen-printing technology was the MagnaPrint Hybrid Fusion Vibrant White from Avient Specialty Inks’ MagnaColours division. Designed for hybrid production workflows that mix screen printing with digital processes, this water-based high-opacity white ink offers outstanding detail, softness and wash performance while shortening cure time—a boon for shops seeking both quality and throughput.
ROQ IMPRESS Automated Heat-Press System
Automation took a leap forward with ROQ’s fully automatic IMPRESS, FEED, PEEL and PULL system. Built to handle a wide range of heat transfers—including DTF, vinyl, screen and specialty items—this system drastically reduces manual labor by automating placement, backing removal and finished part ejection. Designed to speed production without sacrificing precision, it reaffirmed the role of automation in competitive print shops.
M&R Quatro Cutter X
For high-volume direct-to-film (DTF) decorators, the M&R Quatro Cutter X addressed one of the most persistent shop challenges: efficient film cutting after printing. With automated crop-mark detection and fast cutting speeds, the system supports just-in-time workflows—helping reduce production bottlenecks and manual handling.
Digital Decorating & Fabric Innovation
Gildan Plasma Printing Technology
Not just a product but a process breakthrough, Gildan’s Plasma Printing Technology redefined digital decorating by integrating fabric softeners into the garment at the manufacturing stage. The result: enhanced softness, improved ink coverage and reduced need for pre-treatment in direct-to-garment (DTG) printing—an innovation that earned industry buzz and broad attention.
Shop-Level Software & Workflow Tools
STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine
2025 was also a year where shop management technology advanced in parallel with printing hardware. STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine stood out as a comprehensive e-commerce and production platform that combines order management, workflow automation, QR-based production routing and even shipping label output. Designed to bring order and efficiency to even the most complex decorators, it highlighted the growing importance of integrated software solutions in shop operations.
Apparel & Design Excellence
While technology gets many headlines, products that embody creativity and consumer appeal also made a mark in 2025:
ATC Earth Wash Tee – Named Best New Casual Wear, this soft, vintage-inspired T-shirt combined fashion appeal with responsible manufacturing values.
Atlantis/ReTraze Visor Line – Recognized as Best New Headgear, these visors use recycled, traceable materials like upcycled fishing nets and bottles, blending performance with sustainability.
Allmade Organic CVC Fleece Hoodie – A Best New Activewear pick that backed sustainability with premium feel and production ethos.
Why 2025 Mattered
What set 2025 apart was not just the quantity of new products entering the market, but the breadth of categories they spanned. From hybrid printable inks and automation systems to digital workflows and sustainable fabrics, this year highlighted a shift toward tools that empower decorators to grow profitably while meeting customers’ demands for quality, speed, and innovation.
As we head into 2026, the momentum from this year’s launches and award-winning products underscores a decorated-apparel industry that is as dynamic as ever, ready to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities.
