With garment print still proving a popular growth market, Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at some of the latest technology on offer in this sector, analysing how these machines can help your business access new opportunities SETTING NEW TRENDS IN FASHION Garment printing has proven to be one of the stand-out growth areas for the industry in recent years. Both manufacturers and suppliers have been waxing lyrical about the many opportunities within this market, encouraging those who are not yet in this sector to consider making the move to take advantage of demand. However, as is the case with moving into any new area, it is not quite as simple as throwing some money at a new machine and diving straight into production. Sign-makers and wide-format printers should first consider where the demand lies among their existing customers, as well as what other clients they should be looking to target. Here, we speak with several leading manufacturers in the garment print market to find out more about the areas that offer the most opportunities and what sort of equipment sign and related companies should be looking at to make the most of demand. Lower Barrier to Entry First up to comment is Colin Marsh, managing director of Resolute. According to Marsh, garment printing remains a “strong and reliable” growth area for printers and sign-makers, particularly as diversification becomes essential for long-term business growth and success. “Many customers are already sourcing printed garments elsewhere, which means the demand is proven and the opportunity is there,” he says, continuing: “By bringing garment printing in-house, businesses can increase their market share, shorten turnaround times, and retain more control over quality and margins. “Technologies like direct-to-film (DTF) printing have lowered the barrier to entry, removing the need for specialist skill sets or large production runs. This makes garment print accessible, scalable, and highly profitable. For print businesses looking to future-proof their offering, garment decoration is no longer an add-on, it is a logical extension of services they are already offering.” With this, Marsh goes on to say that demand is highest in online retail and shortrun personalisation, where speed, flexibility, and visual impact directly influence buying decisions. He says custom garments for ecommerce brands, creators, events, and GARMENT PRINTERS | ROB FLETCHER 32 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
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