Custom Printed Hats

A Guide to Hat Printing: Screen Printed vs Transfers

Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.

A Comprehensive Guide to

Custom Bulk Hats with Printed Logos

Screen printing and transfers on headwear provide a cost-effective and versatile way to customize hats with logos, designs, and artwork. Screen printing is a popular method for custom printing on headwear, using a stencil and ink to transfer the design onto the surface. This method is suitable for various types of headwear, including custom printed bucket hats, caps, and beanies, and offers excellent durability and vibrancy of colors. Transfers, on the other hand, involve printing the design on transfer paper and then transferring it onto the headwear using heat and pressure. This method is particularly suitable for smaller orders or designs with many colors, and it allows for precise detail and a soft feel. Both methods offer customization options that can enhance brand recognition and visibility, making headwear a popular promotional item for businesses of all sizes.

At DTLA Print, we cut no corners and provide consistent quality prints and detailed transfers. We offer reliable, attentive service and can handle high volume at wholesale prices for our B2B customers.

Are Custom Heat Transfers or Custom Printed Caps Better?

When it comes to customizing hats, water-based heat transfers are the way to go. They offer photographic quality of detail and are more affordable then screen print services. Water-based heat transfers are also very durable, when wash correctly they can handle un to 75 washes. If these two services still don’t feel right for you, custom embroidered hats is a great alternative if you’re looking for a more luxury custom hat. But, if you’re going to durability and affordability custom heat transfers are the way to go!

Make Merch People Actually Want to Wear

Custom Screen Printed Hats

Custom hat printing is a class, timeless custom service. Especially for custom trucker hats, which gained early 2000s popularity with their catchy, ironic phrases. One particular issue that may arise with screen printing on headwear is that the curved surface of the headwear can make it difficult to achieve a precise print. This can result in distortion or blurring of the design, particularly in areas where the curvature is more pronounced, such as the crown of a custom 5 panel hats. Another issue is that headwear typically has a smaller print area compared to other garments, which can make it challenging to fit detailed designs. In contrast, regular screen printing on flat surfaces such as branded t-shirts and custom hoodies does not pose the same challenges in terms of curvature and print area.

Custom screen printed hats typically require specialized equipment and techniques. For example, some manufactures may use a smaller screen or a curved screen to ensure a more accurate print. Others may use a different ink or application method to achieve a softer feel that is more suitable for headwear. DTLA Print knows all the ins and outs when it comes to how to print on custom hats no minimum and who can offer guidance on design considerations and print options.

If you’re looking for a similar customization service, we advise looking into custom patch hats, which can offer much quicker turnaround times.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Custom Screen Printed Hats

Advantages

Cost-effective for large quantities
Creates a soft feel on fabrics
Durable and long-lasting designs
Vibrant colors, even on dark fabrics

Disadvantages

Limited to simple designs with few colors
Messy and time-consuming process
Expensive to set up with higher minimums, not suitable for small orders
Not ideal for photo replication
Requires more chemicals and equipment compared to heat transfers

A Closer Look at

Custom Hat Transfers

With custom heat transfers for hats, the issue is that the heat required to apply the transfer can sometimes cause the hat material to warp or shrink. This can result in a distorted or misshapen hat, particularly if the hat material is sensitive to heat. Additionally, transfer printing on custom dad hats may require special considerations for the placement of the design, as some areas of the hat may be difficult to reach or may not adhere well to the transfer.

In contrast, regular transfer printing on flat surfaces such as custom shirts and bags does not typically pose the same challenges in terms of curvature and material sensitivity. Regular transfers are also usually applied using a heat press, which may not be suitable for all hat materials.

To address these challenges, transfer printing on hats may require specialized equipment and techniques, such as using a lower heat setting or a different transfer material that is better suited for custom hats. DTLA Print has extensive experience in wholesale custom embroidery and hat transfers – let’s get to work!

Custom Puff Print Heat Transfers

Unfortunately, traditional puff print screen printing is not available for hat printing. However, we do offer puff print heat transfers which are very similar.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Custom Heat Transfer Hats

Advantages:

Cost-effective for smaller orders
Can print images with multiple colors and complex designs easily
Affordable setup costs keep overall costs down
Produces high-quality images
Allows for easy customization of different hats
Clean and environmentally friendly process

Disadvantages

Less suitable for darker hats
Designs may not last as long as screen printed hats
Results in a stiffer feel on the fabric
Colors may not be as bright as screen printed hats

Tips for the Best Heat Pressed Caps

Getting the best heat pressed cap starts by picking the best hat for the job. There are some important things to discuss with your team before moving forward.

Artwork- High quality art file is one of the first things you should do when producing a heat pressed cap. Make sure your artwork is vectorized so no detail is lost.
Material- The fabric of your hat can make or break your project. We suggest using either a 100% cotton Hat or a Nylon blend. We have found that spandex blend hats do not agree with heat transfers. If you’re dead set on a spandex blend hat, try silicone print.
Hat Shape- Choosing the right hat shape is crucial to producing an effective product. We find that 5 panel hats are the best canvas for heat transfers. We always suggest to get custom printed snapback hats to ensure your design will fit on many different head sizes. Bucket hats also work well with heat transfers, a custom printed bucket hat is always in style come festival season.

Eco-friendly Inks

One Order = One Tree Planted

Wholesale Pricing

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How This Process Works

Your account rep will work with our teams to review each and every order by triple checking all details and artwork for accuracy and optimal print quality. You will receive a free full creative proof for your approval before we proceed to production.

3x

Your order is triple checked by our team prior to production and before shipment

Choose Product(s)

Select product to print on
Select colors, sizes
Select print types, locations

Upload Artwork

Upload artwork file(s) as well as any special instructions
Your artwork is checked for optimal quality and resolution
Your account rep will review & guide you through the rest
Once approved, we’ll begin your order

Make a lasting impression

Lead the pack in your industry with employees and customers that actually want to wear your merch

Custom Headwear Printing & Transfers [Wholesale]

What We Offer

DTLA Print was created to provide helpful service,
simple streamlined ordering & eco-friendly options.
A company with transparent prices & ethics, a company who aims to
create good things.

Dedicated Reps

Each account receives a dedicated rep who can be reached by phone or via e-mail.

Quality Over Quantity

DTLA Print believes in quality over quantity and we want our customers to feel the same way.

Long Lasting Relationships

We value all of our clients and aim to solidify long lasting & mutually beneficial relationships.

We Don't Cookie Cut

Each project is unique and requires its own process. Depending on the desired product, we will customize the inks and process for each order.

We Stand Behind Our Work

Our main goal is to provide peace of mind, so you can relax and have confidence that your job will come out exactly as you had imagined.

Innovative Ideas

DTLA Print is proud to be a leading partner in the promotional products + fashion industry, with unique ideas + out of the box printing methods.

Let's Get to Work!

Start The Conversation

Your personal account rep is here to help guide and answer any questions you may have through the entire production process. Please provide a little description on how we may help. We look forward to speaking with you.

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“Stress Free Process in an industry full of Headaches”

“A trusted & reliable partner from start to finish”

“Felt Secure upon initial contact, Fully Blown Away by Delivery”

“DTLA Print helped us get our sh*t together”

“DTLA Print gave us the right suggestions to make an ROI on our merch for the first time”

“Great People - Great Experience - Great Product”

We look forward to speaking with you.

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Headwear Printing

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I care for my custom heat transfer hat?

To care for your custom heat transfer hat and ensure its longevity, follow these essential guidelines. First, avoid machine washing or drying the hat as it may damage the heat transfer design. Instead, opt for hand washing using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the hat’s surface, paying extra attention to the heat transfer area. Rinse thoroughly and air dry the hat in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid ironing the heat transfer design and store the hat in a cool, dry place to prevent any potential fading or peeling.

What types of designs can be printed using heat transfer technology?

Heat transfer technology enables the printing of diverse designs on various surfaces. It can reproduce logos, branding elements, and custom graphics with intricate details. Additionally, heat transfer allows for personalized text, such as names or slogans. Photographic prints with high-quality images are achievable, along with the transfer of original artwork and illustrations. With its versatility, heat transfer technology offers a broad spectrum of design possibilities for different industries and applications.

Are Heat Transfers Eco Friendly?

Heat transfers can be considered relatively eco-friendly compared to other printing methods. They typically use fewer chemicals and produce less waste, as they don’t require excessive cleanup or disposal of screens or plates. Heat transfer processes also consume less water and energy, contributing to reduced environmental impact. However, it’s important to note that the environmental friendliness of heat transfers depends on various factors, such as the materials and inks used. Opting for eco-friendly materials, such as water-based or eco-solvent inks, can further enhance the sustainability of heat transfer printing.

What are heat transfers made of?

Heat transfers are also known as DTF (Direct to Film) transfers are made when ink & adhesives are attached to a film.

How big can a custom puff print heat transfer be?

For hats a puff print transfer can be as large as 5.5 inches and wide 2.5 tall.