2024 was one for the books for the decorated apparel industry! Decorators and manufacturers alike put their best foot forward, debuting technological garments, advanced software upgrades, futuristic machinery heavily focused on direct-to-film (DTF) and more. Before 2025 gets fully underway, we decided to take a look back at some of the most innovative products that were released throughout 2024.
Image courtesy of 613
613 Originals DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers
613 Originals released what it calls its new DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers, a proprietary heat-transfer solution expressly configured for the high-demand apparel and promotional markets. Developed for compatibility with a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester and various blends, DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers offer professional-grade results that remain vivid and long-lasting, even on complex fabric textures and patterns. The clear transfer film simplifies placement and maximizes accuracy, allowing creators and businesses to achieve precise alignments to limit waste. According to the company, the versatility of the DTF Hybrid Heat Transfers makes them perfect for diverse applications—from fashion to sportswear, promotional products, and beyond. Available in its single image program with multiple sheet sizes, including the largest sheet size available in the market. With a minimum order quantity of 10 pieces, the new product is priced competitively for large and small-scale projects. Customers who would normally opt for DTF will find DTF Digital Hybrid a better option when they need 50 pieces or more.
Image courtesy of Archroma
Archroma Ultra Compact Color Atlas for Apparel
Archroma introduced an innovative portable version of its market-leading Color Atlas by Archroma® color catalogue to help streamline textile and apparel industry workflows with truly convenient color comparison. The Color Atlas by Archroma, Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions are available as convenient libraries of textile color swatches that set a new standard for efficient color selection and comparison while on the go, in the office, factory or in a work-from-home setting. Color comparison is a fundamental part of the work of designers and their textile mill and brand partners. However, achieving the perfect color match or color harmony without convenient access to color library reference books has long been a challenge. Physical color libraries can be bulky and heavy with even compact editions of physical libraries are too big to fit into a backpack or shoulder bag. The new Color Atlas by Archroma® formats give designers a visual companion tool for digital color libraries may not be accurate due to the limitations of the user’s smartphone or tablet display. The Color Atlas by Archroma Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions overcome these challenges. Both formats are user friendly and travel-ready, with no mask required to isolate colors for selection and comparison.
Arcus Printers Direct-to-Film Soft Touch Powder
Arcus Printers released its new Arcus Soft Touch Powder, a high-performance adhesive powder to help create high-quality,
Image courtesy of Arcus
direct-to-film (DTF) prints on a variety of materials. DTF powder is a key component in textile personalization, offering an alternative to traditional screen printing and heat transfer methods.
• Super-Soft Hand Feel: Unlike traditional DTF adhesive powders that can leave a “plastic” feel once the transfer is cured, the new powder offers a soft and natural texture, mimicking the look and feel of screen printing
• Superior Stretchability: Ideal for most materials – including challenging substrates like spandex or nylon
• Low Dust: The carefully selected particle size minimizes dust, providing a cleaner and safer work environment for decorators
• Proprietary Blend: Arcus Printers’ unique formula is designed for superior performance and reliability.
• Safe, Domestic Manufacturing: Arcus Soft Touch powder, manufactured in the U.S., uses OEKO-TEX certified materials.
Image courtesy of Brother
Brother GTX R2R High-Volume DTF Printers
Brother Industrial Products Division (IPD) now offers the GTX R2R printer for creating direct-to-film (DTF) transfers.
It’s a dedicated roll-to-roll DTF solution designed for high-volume printing that allows it to provide maximum productivity with little operator involvement. Offering the ability to do high resolution and fine details, the two industrial printheads have eight ink channels: CMYK in one and four white inks in the other. The industrial maintenance station with wet capping system keeps white ink flowing. The adhesive powder circulation system has a built-in ionizer, and the infrared curing station has a take-up roll device. The maximum roll size is 16 inches (40.6 cm). Using Brother Innobella Textile inks, the GTX R2R offers a wide color gamut and an opaque white. It comes bundled with Digital Factory Apparel Direct to Film Edition software, which includes file prep, color management and automated production tools. The High Speed print mode allows for up to 65 percent faster printing speed over Standard print mode. The GTX R2R is the perfect companion to any DTG shop as it’s ideal for items that are difficult to pretreat and enables business to create large items that will not fit on a platen, according to the company. Multiple designs can be printed on a single sheet for smaller applications such as a pocket design or sleeve, and it’s ideal for polyester, synthetics and other temperature-sensitive fabrics that are not compatible for DTG. Like the DTG units, it comes in two sizes built to fit individual business’s needs. The GTXpro R2R is ideal for small to medium shops, and the GTXPro B R2R is designed for higher volume output using bulk inks.
CICLO Biodegradable Polyester/Nylon Fibers
The fact that plastics are both cheap and eminently corrosion resistant makes them incredibly useful. There is, however, very
Image courtesy of CICLO
much a downside to this usefulness in the way plastics seemingly last forever upon entering the waste stream. The result has been a pollution problem on land and at sea of truly epic proportion. Fortunately, there now appears to be at least the beginning of a solution, something called CICLO, what its creators describes as a technology that is “added to polyester and nylon during the melt extrusion process, creating countless biodegradable spots that are permanently embedded throughout the matrix of the plastic.” The result? In layman’s terms, plastic fibers that biodegrade at roughly the same rate as wool. Imagine the possibilities! Not surprisingly, the decorated-apparel sector, with its increasing interest in sustainability, is already putting the new technology to the test, with such industry leaders as Delta Apparel and Hanes/Champion incorporating it into their product lines. Good for them and good for CICLO! For more information, visit ciclotextiles.com.
Image courtesy of Easiway
Easisolv Screen-Printing Squeegee and Floodbar Wash
Easiway Systems unveiled its latest breakthrough–Easisolv 401N Squeegee and Floodbar Wash. According to the company, the “revolutionary” product sets a new standard in cleaning solutions, featuring a first-of-its-kind formula that does not swell squeegee rubber, ensuring extended equipment life and consistent printing quality. Engineered specifically for automated cleaning equipment, 401N streamlines operations while effectively removing ink from suspension, simplifying cleaning and recirculation processes. Its versatile formula dissolves plastisolv, solvent, and UV inks, adhering to strict quality standards and restricted substances lists, including those of industry giants like Nike, Gildan, and Adidas.
Image courtesy of Epson
Epson SureColor F-Series DTG Printer
Epson debuted the new SureColor F-Series direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs, artisan businesses, and print service providers, the versatile entry-level SureColor F1070 is purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications. The hybrid printer combines outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package to allow designers to spend more time creating, according to Epson. Engineered for both DTG and DTFilm printing, the unit features an enclosed design with transparent viewing panels to enhance the printing process, and DTFilm printing capability allows users to go beyond traditional garment printing and transfer personalized designs to a wider variety of materials. It also features a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and next-generation UltraChrome DG2 ink with CMYK+Wh. White ink prints on dark garments for enhanced clarity and photographic print quality, and a cartridge-free ink pack system reduces ink replacement frequency to support productivity.
Image courtesy of Equipment Zone
Equipment Zone New EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker
Equipment Zone launched the EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker, a new tool to aid in the workflow of creating DTF transfers. The EZ-SHAKE Automatic Powder Shaker is a completely enclosed system and will automate your powder application process, evenly coating your DTF sheets with a simple lever push. At the touch of a button, any excessive powder is neatly and automatically shaken off. The powder sticks solely to the printed sections, with the excess being effortlessly collected for reuse.
DTF EZ-SHAKE main features include:
● Sealed system for mess-free operation
● Accepts film sheet sizes up to 16-inches by 20-inches
● Applies an even distribution of powder
● Powered exhaust with filter
● Interchangeable powder cartridges for quick and clean refills
● Dimensions: 22.7-inches (long) by 24.4-inches (wide) by 33.2-inches (high)
● 120 volt 5 amps
● Weight: 80 Pounds
Gildan/Comfort Colors Pigment Pure Line
Image courtesy of Gildan
There are any number of variables at play when introducing a new apparel line, and with its Pigment Pure initiative, introduced at the 2024 Impressions Expo in Long Beach, California, Gildan’s Comfort Colors brand has truly found a winning combination. Already known for, well, their “comfort” and good looks, the T-shirts and fleeces comprising today’s Comfort Colors line incorporate super soft 100-percent ring-spun U.S. cotton that looks as good as it feels. Beyond that the company’s Pigment Pure process also breaks new ground both aesthetically and environmentally by dyeing the fabrics it employs on a “surface level” thereby 1) creating a palette of “subtle, vintage-looking colors” and “nature-inspired shades” of a type that has long been part of the brand’s DNA and 2) reducing dyeing times by around 40 percent, saving both water and energy. For more information, visit comfortcolors.com/us.
Lawson Screen & Digital Ultimate DTF Printing Solution Bundle
Lawson Screen & Digital’s new cutting-edge Prestige XL2 Pro Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printer Bundle includes the Prestige XL2
Image courtesy of Lawson
Pro DTF Printer and the Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer. This innovative combination delivers a game-changing solution for print shops looking to elevate their DTF printing capabilities with unmatched color accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use, according to the company. At the heart of this bundle is the Prestige XL2 Pro DTF Printer, a state-of-the-art 24-inch direct-to-film printer engineered for professionals who demand superior performance. Featuring an advanced 8-color printing system (CMYK + Red, Green, Orange, and Blue), the Prestige XL2 Pro offers an expanded color gamut, producing vibrant, lifelike prints that surpass the capabilities of standard DTF printers. Its generous 24-inch width accommodates large, intricate designs, making it ideal for producing custom apparel, textiles, and other personalized items with precision and clarity.
Paired with the Prestige XL2 Pro, the Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer is engineered for maximum efficiency and convenience. This compact yet robust machine ensures a clean, organized workspace with its built-in air purifier, creating a safer working environment. Its precise scale marks allow for fast and accurate film alignment, while the curved heating platen provides clear results. Together, the Prestige XL2 Pro DTF Printer and Miro 24-inch DTF Powder Shaker and Dryer can offer an ideal solution for print shops looking to boost creativity, efficiency, and print quality.
Madeira USA E-Zee Green Backing
Image courtesy of Maderia
Madeira USA’s E-Zee Green Backing, a medium-weight machine-embroidery backing made from 100 percent recycled polyester. Part of company-wide commitment to sustainability that includes, among other products, the company’s Sensa Green eco-friendly machine embroidery thread (made of 100 Lyocell, a fiber of botanic origin produced via a process using a minimum of water), products like E-Zee Green Backing are just what the industry needs to truly clean up its act. According to Madeira USA, “The fashion industry is becoming more environmentally aware and every small change toward sustainability counts.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Melco SUMMIT Embroidery System
Image courtesy of Melco
With its appropriately named SUMMIT embroidery system, embroidery industry leader Melco is aiming to take its game to a whole new level through a combination of performance and ease-of-use. Capable of sewing up to 1,500 stitches per minutes and equipped with 16 needles, the SUMMIT offers a 10.1-inch HD resolution touch screen, built-in barcode scanner, automatic thread tensioning with Acti-Feed, and an ultra-responsive operating system. The SUMMIT’s easy-to-use touch-screen interface gives you all the information you need at a glance, including automatic maintenance reminders, access to a variety of step-by-step, on-screen guides to ensure your machine is running at its peak, and 30 days of on-screen tracking.
The system’s built-in barcode scanner quickly loads designs and design settings via the Melco’s proprietary OFM file system. The system’s cutting-edge software also allows you to quickly load hoop settings.
Ninja Transfers “Easy Peel” DTF Apparel-Decorating Tech
Image courtesy of Ninja Transfers
Custom direct-to transfer (DTF) manufacturer Ninja Transfers, widely known for its innovative approach to apparel decorating, has announced the launch of what it calls its new Easy Peel Technology. According to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based Ninja Transfers, its latest product offering marks the next evolution of DTF transfers, replacing traditional cold peel methods and enhancing hot peel applications to deliver unparalleled efficiency and quality. According to Ninja Transfers, Easy Peel “revolutionizes” the transfer process by allowing users to peel immediately while hot or wait until the design is cool with the ability to pull off the transfer backing slowly at first and then fast to ensure the image is properly adhered to the product.
Roland DGA VersaSTUDIO Desktop BY-20 Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printer
Image courtesy of Roland DGA
The Roland DGA BY-20 desktop DTF system is centered around the BY-20, a water-based printer that uses the DTF transfer method to improve the design and efficiency of apparel goods production. The BY-20 lets you produce customized apparel and accessories quickly with no weeding required. With the BY-20, you can transfer even complex designs onto both light and dark fabrics—not only cotton but also polyester, cotton polyester, denim, nylon and rayon.
STAHLS’ Heat Applied Flexbroidery
Image courtesy of STAHLS’
Heat-press specialist STAHLS’ launched Flexbroidery, a heat-applied product that creates a full-color direct embroidered finish in seconds, no sewing required. Flexbroidery eliminates the complexity of traditional embroidery, featuring fast and easy heat application that streamlines production and boosts output, in the process offering an efficient, versatile, cost-effective alternative to authentic embroidery. Businesses can now deliver detailed, high-end embroidered looks without the stress and limitations of conventional stitching, thereby eliminating the challenges associated with delicate fabrics, difficult placements and digitizing. With Flexbroidery, any heat press operator can achieve a full color embroidered finish without the time, training and skill required for direct embroidery, making it easier for more decorators to meet high-volume demands and quick turnarounds profitably. In addition to heat-applied Flexbroidery transfers for apparel, bags, hats, outerwear and accessories, Flexbroidery with a pressure sensitive adhesive is also available for tumblers, mugs, water bottles and other hard goods.
