1. Identify the material before choosing a print
A label saying nylon or polyester is only a starting point. Ask for the fabric reference, surface finish, coating or laminate construction and intended care instructions. STAHLS' notes that coatings can interfere with print adhesion on nylon and that heat can damage sensitive materials. Request a trial on the actual production fabric and color instead of approving the process from a generic swatch.
- Give the decorator a fabric swatch and its supplier information when available.
- Ask which ink or transfer product is proposed and whether its instructions cover this fabric and finish.
- Record the approved application settings for that material; do not copy a universal temperature from an online tutorial.
Technical reference: STAHLS': printing and heat transfer on nylon
2. Compare methods against your artwork
Use this shortlist to ask for samples. It is a comparison of development routes, not a promise that every method is available or suitable for every jacket. Transfer Express's selection tool considers artwork colors, fabric, quantity and size together; give suppliers the same brief so their proposals can be compared.
| Method | When to discuss it | Approval point |
|---|---|---|
| Direct screen print | Ask for a sample for a flat graphic or repeated brand mark. | Confirm the ink system, curing requirements, adhesion and finish on the actual shell. |
| Heat-applied transfer | Ask which transfer suits your logo's detail, colors and dimensions. | Check material compatibility, heat marks, edge adhesion and any dye migration. |
| Embroidery | Consider when the brief calls for a stitched texture. | Review needle penetration, backing access and sealing of the decorated area. |
| Separate badge or patch | Consider when a distinct badge is part of the design. | Specify how it attaches. Sewing introduces needle holes; bonding requires a compatible adhesive and process. |
- Request separate costs for setup, each placement and the proposed quantity. There is no single cheapest method for all designs.
- Compare a physical sample at the intended size. A large artwork preview does not show how small lettering will reproduce.
- Evaluate the logo on the finished garment, including whether a backpack strap, pocket or seam crosses its position.
Technical reference: Transfer Express: inputs for selecting a heat transfer
3. Check color changes after heat printing
On polyester, heat can cause fabric dyes to migrate into a printed design. A light logo can change color, and the effect may appear after the first inspection. Transfer Express identifies lower-temperature transfer systems and dye-blocking products as possible controls. They must still be selected for the actual material; lowering the temperature without following the product instructions is not a reliable fix.
- Keep a decorated sample for a follow-up color check after the interval agreed with the decorator.
- Compare the logo against the approved color reference, especially on dark or strongly colored fabric.
- Approve each relevant fabric and color combination rather than assuming one sample covers the whole order.
Technical reference: Transfer Express: dye migration and possible controls
4. Review embroidery as part of waterproof construction
Embroidery introduces needle holes. Madeira describes sealing the reverse of embroidery on waterproof garments with suitable materials. For a jacket program, ask how the decorated area will be accessed and sealed, and how its performance will be checked. A backing product alone does not establish a waterproof rating for the finished jacket.
- Mark the proposed logo location on the jacket specification before sample approval.
- Ask whether the decoration should be applied to a panel before assembly so its reverse remains accessible.
- Include the decorated area in the agreed water-resistance review. Do not rely only on a test report for undecorated fabric.
Technical reference: Madeira: embroidery considerations for waterproof workwear
5. Approve a sample with a written checklist
Treat the decorated sample as a production reference. The following is a proposed buyer checklist, not a report of tests already performed by KAIDA. Define the methods, conditions and acceptance limits with the supplier for your particular jacket.
- Artwork: confirm spelling, dimensions, placement, orientation and color reference.
- Appearance: inspect fine details, coverage, edges, puckering, gloss changes and visible press marks.
- Attachment: agree how to assess lifting, peeling or loose stitches after the relevant handling and care checks.
- Care: specify washing and drying conditions and the number of cycles required for your program. Do not accept an undefined 'washproof' claim.
- Garment performance: agree whether water resistance or other performance needs checking at the decorated area after processing and care.
- Bulk reference: retain the approved sample, fabric/color reference, decoration specification and acceptance record together.
6. Send a brief that can be quoted
You do not need to select the final process before contacting KAIDA. Start with the jacket and the branding outcome you need. A useful brief lets us identify the open decisions instead of pricing different assumptions.
- Logo file plus its intended width and height; include a clear reference if the final artwork is not ready.
- Front, back or sleeve placement marked on a jacket image.
- Style reference and fabric details, or a note that material selection is still open.
- Quantity by style and color, destination market and required timing.
- Appearance, care and performance requirements that the sample must meet.