The Dye Sub Column
Sublimation trends for 2018 A
those needs. With fluorescent and expanded gamut inks, more accessible larger format printing and new ideas being born of consumer buying patterns, the sublimation market for 2018 is going to be more creative and popular than ever.
Here are a few areas to explore, which we think will be driving sales throughout the year.
Pillows
Pillows were very popular in 2017, and we expect this trend to continue to grow. Not only are they easy to decorate, theyʼre both a profitable and evergreen product that you can offer off-the-shelf and as custom orders. There a lot of different types of pillow cases you can purchase as blanks. Satin, velvet, fleece, peach skin, canvas, faux canvas and sequin are just a few. You can use the natural colour of the fabric as the main part of your design, or print full-bleed to completely cover the pillow with the colours and images that you want. Once the case is complete, place a pre-made insert to fill out the pillow and you have a product that people will absolutely love. Throw and decorative pillows are always in style. You can offer custom monogramming or designs for an additional charge, or sell off-the-shelf with your own original designs. Sports photos, school photos, birth statistics/ announcements, family names, funny
s trends and demands continue to rise, technology is also advancing to meet
phrases, holiday images/ sayings and memory pillows are just a few ideas to run with.
Mermaid pillows – ones with reversible sequins – took markets by storm over the past 12 months, and these types of pillow cases can often be personalised and decorated using sublimation. They also command premium prices, especially when you add names and photos to them. Some businesses are even selling them as baby gender reveal and announcement novelties.
Apparel trends
Shirts, hats and jackets will always be a staple of the apparel decorating market, but sublimation helps you branch out into more creative products. It is already popular for poly- performance sportswear and uniforms. Sublimated socks have also risen to the top as an in-demand product for both wholesale and retail customers. Teams love to add customised socks to their uniforms. Whereas before, athletic socks have been either white or only one or two colours, now, sublimated socks include full-color logos and team colours – even pictures. They can be made up as full-bleed designs from toe to calf or just offer strategically placed images, words or team numbers.
Athletes and their fans also like customised socks with pictures of their favourite players printed on them. One great idea for kidsʼ sports is to build a relationship with the local photographers who shoot team pictures, and offer socks featuring each player, along with a
Sublimation printing is still incredibly popular and profitable for all kinds of business owners. Robin Kavanagh, public relations manager at Sawgrass, takes a look at sublimation trends which will be big this year.
Sublimated socks
complementary pattern in coordinating team colors. These sell especially well among the teams that make it to the end- of-season playoffs and championships. Baby markets are also a great place to focus on with sublimated apparel. Beanies, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular. These soft, stretchy knit caps offer both comfort and warmth, and are great for babies and small children. You can easily add names, favourite colours, characters and graphics to order, making them both practical and an eventual keepsake for families. Look for seasons or milestones that you can mark with a beanie: first holidays, monthly pictures, first trip to grandmaʼs, etc. Along with this idea, you can also decorate baby bodysuits and sell as a packaged set!
Flags Personalised cushions
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Printing larger is easier than ever these days with sublimation, which is helping drive demand for flags. Desktop systems give you a maximum print size of 13x19in. This is just right for garden or lawn flags that can be generalised or customised, car flags, desk flags and
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