Why Water-Based Printing is a Must-Have for Summer Apparel
The Heat is On—Give Your Customers More Comfortable Shirts!
Ever had a customer complain their branded t-shirt felt like a heat trap in the sun? That’s the problem with plastisol—it’s durable but heavy, stiff, and suffocating on lightweight fabrics. When temperatures rise, customers want cool, breathable apparel—and that’s where water-based printing makes all the difference.
Why Plastisol is Holding You Back
Plastisol has been the industry standard for decades, but the truth is—it’s less suitable for light summer garments. It forms a thick, plastic-like layer on fabric, trapping heat and making lightweight apparel feel bulky and stiff. Customers today expect more from their custom apparel, and if you’re still relying on plastisol, you’re falling behind.
A Cooler, More Comfortable Print
What if you could offer your customers prints that feel lighter and more breathable than plastisol? Water-based inks lay thinner on the fabric, creating a soft and flexible print. No more stiff, sweaty plastisol patches—just cool, comfortable designs that people actually want to wear.
Plastisol is Out—Water-Based Printing is the Future
Plastisol might be durable, but it’s a heat trap. It sits on top of the fabric like a plastic coating, stiffening over time and making lightweight apparel feel bulky and uncomfortable. Water-based ink, on the other hand, bonds with the fabric fibers more smoothly, keeping it light, flexible, and breathable—even on the hottest days. That makes it the go-to choice for summer apparel and premium fashion-forward products. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Two Color Waterbased print
Front is printed with waterbased ink which is thinner and more breathable then plastisol. Additionally, only two inks were used. The halftones (gradients) give the print more dynamic appearance without driving up the cost.
Back - Ink Comparison
The back design is printed with both ink types to showcase the difference. While our plastisol prints are very, very thin, they are still not as comfortable as waterbased ink.
Back - Close Up
Some of the coarse halftones can be seen on the top and right side of the image.
And the TWIST!
The middle section is printed with PHOTOCHROMIC ink (changes color when exposed to sunlight). In this case it is just a color changing fill, but this could be a text or design that shows up when outside.
The halftones are easier to see here.
Why This is a Must-Have for Your Business
Distributors who only offer plastisol are already falling behind. Customers are demanding lighter, softer, eco-friendly prints—and if you can’t provide them, they’ll find someone who can. Offering water-based printing isn't just an upgrade—it’s a necessity if you want to stay ahead. Customers looking for high-end, breathable apparel will come back for more once they experience the difference.
The Feel of the Shirt is What Brings Customers Back
Imagine offering a print that’s not just soft and breathable—but also has a surprise waiting in the sunlight. What if your designs could transform before your customers’ eyes, creating an effect they can’t stop showing off? With the right approach, water-based printing isn’t just about comfort—it’s about creating moments that customers remember.
