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Apparel Decoration Explained

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As you shop our Superior Cheer website or catalog and choose apparel items that you want to personalize, the decoration options available might seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to feel that way! 

When you are ready to place your order, our experienced Sales Team will evaluate the products you are interested in and advise you on the best decoration options available.  Each decoration style has its own set of challenges, so it helps to understand the application process and the recommended fabrics. We hope this gives you a better idea of how your garment will look when it is complete! 

As a helpful reminder, our design services are always free! If you have a great idea for your new personalized Spirt Wear or Warm-Up apparel, be sure to let our Sales Team know. Our Graphics Team will work on creating your design in a
full-color sketch illustration for your approval. 

EMBROIDERY 

Superior Cheer Embroidery

Embroidery is one of the most versatile decoration styles. Whether you are looking for a small left chest or a bold design, this technique is a perfect way to display team pride. Give your group a professional edge with custom embroidered uniforms, apparel, bags, and accessories. Our in-house digitizer converts your logo or idea into a stitch-ready format that our industrial embroidery machines use to decorate your garment. 

Embroidery does not work well for wind and water repellent/resistant garments, or apparel that is mesh or has a high percentage of spandex (like leggings). 

APPLIQUE 

Superior Cheer Applique

Applique is the process most cheerleaders are familiar with; it’s used commonly in cheer shells! Applique utilizes fabric pieces, sequins, and embroidery to create a large, dimensional design that can cut down on stitch count, saving you money in the long run. Not just for uniform shells, this technique is also great for left chest designs. 

We can customize your design to fit your specific needs, including a combination of materials such as felts, tackle twill, chenille, metallics, and print options for unique designs that will wow fans! 

We do not recommend appliquéing wind and water repellent/resistant garments.

SCREEN PRINTING 

Superior Cheer Screen Printing

Screen printing works well for vibrant designs. The screen print process involves forcing ink through prepared screens of a fine silk mesh to create your design. This means only one color can be applied at a time to the garment, so the number of colors is limited. Screen printing is generally used for quantities of 12 or more due to the setup required. This style is not ideal for small or intricate designs. 

Screen printing works well on most garment fabrics, although some 100% Lycra or spandex fabrics may not be suitable. Our Sales Team will advise if they think the garment you’ve chosen is not suitable for Screen Printing. 

DIGITAL PRINTING 

Superior Cheer Digital Printing

Also known as dye-sublimation, digital printing is a direct-to-garment process where inks are printed directly onto the product with the latest technology to ensure color saturation and sharp images. This cutting-edge process locks in color, making them completely machine washable. Superior Cheer offers digitally printed uniforms, flags, along with our team wear options. There are no minimums or setup fees for digital printing. 

Digital printing is best suited for 100% cotton garments or a 60/40 cotton/poly blend. Other fabric contents will cause the printed design to look faded and not vibrant. 

VINYL & HEAT TRANSFERS 

Superior Cheer Vinyl Heat Transfer

Vinyl & Heat Transfers use high-performance technology to create contour cut designs applied to garments using a heat press. The heat-applied materials contain a sensitive adhesive on one side so that when the heat is applied, the material adheres to the garment. This technique is used to apply team names and numbers to athletic uniforms and warm-ups. Vinyl and heat transfers are available in several options that include classic vinyl, nylon, stretch, flocked, metallics, glitter, and more!

Vinyl and heat transfers can be applied to most fabrics except for fleece and Sherpa fabrics (and any other plush fabrics). Transfers must be kept to 1-2 colors.

RHINESTONES & GLITTER 

Superior Cheer Rhinestones and Glitter

Add sparkle to your warm-ups and apparel! Glitter designs are great by themselves or combine them with rhinestones, rhinestuds, and nailheads for even more BLING. Glitter vinyl is perfect for dance or cheer wear or anywhere you need to add some sparkle. Glitter vinyl is durable, wash after wash. And rhinestones can also be added to applique, screen printed, and digital transfers! 

Rhinestones are applied to the garment at a high heat setting, some fabrics may not be suitable for Rhinestones. Our Sales Team will advise on the garment you are considering. 

We hope that this brief overview helps you understand a little bit more about the decoration options that we offer on our garments. If you have any questions regarding our products, please email our Sales Team or call 1-800-776-1194 to speak to our Sales Team.

 Take a look at some of our Frequently Asked Decoration Questions!


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