Trend alert! Retro-cool, vintage-inspired graphics are all the rage in apparel decoration right now. Make sure you can offer clients this unique lived-in look by brushing up on how to ensure outstanding results with each imprint. The experts at Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) explain everything you need to know.

First things first, what decoration method should you use? NLA’s decoration pros recommend discharge printing for that subtle “softly worn” appearance. This is possible through this technique’s process that uses water-based inks which extract dye out of fabric and replace it with the selected dye color you’ve chosen. Another idea? Don’t use any dye color at all for the ultimate distressed, vintage look, as NLA’s proprietary soft wash process already creates highs and lows in the fabric’s ink colors.

Another important element to consider when trying to achieve a vintage look is the graphic design and typography style. Look for graphics that have a retro-inspired vibe and use a softer color palette to achieve that broken-in look from the first wear through many “wash and wear” cycles to come.

Lastly, let’s discuss which apparel fabrics to print on. We love NLA’s sueded and tri-blend fabrics for vintage-inspired projects. The soft and consistent heathered tri-blend feels soft and broken-in from the moment it’s put on, while the ultra-soft sueded fabric feels like a blast from the past with a modern edge.

NLA Recommendations

• Unisex Sueded T-Shirt (6410)
  
  With the soft, velvety hand feel from its unique brushed finish, there are plenty of features to love about this unique shirt.
• Unisex Tri-Blend T-Shirt (6010)
  
  This silky smooth tee has great drape, stretch and recovery for that perfect lived-in fit and feel.
• Unisex Tri-Blend 3/4 Raglan T-Shirt (6051)
  
  There’s a reason this nostalgic favorite has never gone out of style, making it a safe bet for broken-in branding.

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