Performance Printing

WHAT IF YOUR SPORTSWEAR could do more than just look good? Imagine jerseys that connect fans to exclusive content, outerwear that tells the story of its sustainability journey, or trims that don’t just add style but also protect brand authenticity. For screen printers — and other apparel decorators — delving into the world of high-performance printing, the future of sportswear isn’t just about vibrant designs, high-tech fabrics, or durable prints. It’s about merging innovative graphics with groundbreaking digital technology and the power of heat printing.

Heat print innovations are paving the way for decorators and retailers to offer apparel that performs on and off the field, creating new opportunities for your business to stand out in a competitive market.

Real Betis Balompie, a La Liga level pro team based in Seville, Spain, is wearing a jersey personalized with heat-printed patches recognizing the Chinese Year of the Snake. Photos supplied by Stahls’ TexPrintTechnologies (TPT) based in Madrid, Spain.

Branding with Graphics and Trims

Heat printing allows sportswear brands to create graphics and trims that withstand the toughest action. Whether it’s reflective elements for enhanced visibility, flexible silicone emblems, or high-stretch, low-temp heat transfers for premium jerseys, heat-applied embellishments offer unmatched durability and aesthetic appeal. These advanced materials elevate both performance and style, making every garment a true standout on and off the field.

The digital evolution of sportswear labeling is trending. At the forefront of this transformation is a cutting-edge heat transfer technology that infuses custom apparel with a unique digital identity, such as Stahls’ FanTrackIQ™. This innovative system leverages Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and security hologram labels.

This technology provides a range of benefits, including:

• Enhanced Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS): Streamline operations with digital tagging for inventory accuracy and logistics optimization.
• Consumer Engagement: Connect with customers through personalized NFC (Near-Field Communication) transfers. A simple tap of a smartphone on a transfer can lead to landing pages with videos, garment care instructions, or sustainability stories.
• Authenticity and Security: Protect your brand with licensed security hologram labels and digital watermarks that authenticate apparel and build trust with consumers. This next-level garment labeling technology sets a new standard in brand protection and consumer trust. By integrating licensed security hologram labels and digital watermarks, brands can ensure authenticity and prevent counterfeiting.
• Auto-Generative Algorithms: The addition of an auto-generative authenticity algorithm guarantees each label is unique, reinforcing product integrity. This innovation not only safeguards brand reputation but also enhances customer confidence. This provides a seamless way to verify genuine apparel. As counterfeit markets grow, this advanced labeling technology is a game-changer for apparel brands committed to quality and security.
• Data-Driven Insights: Gather valuable user data for marketing strategies and research, empowering brands to make informed decisions.

Digital watermarks are printed onto heat transfers to protect and enhance brand identity.

Heat Printing with RFID and QR Codes

The ability to heat print RFID and QR codes onto garments brings smart technology to any item that fits under a heat press. Heat printing is the ideal method for integrating QR codes and RFID technology onto garments because it offers precision, durability, and seamless application. The fine detail required for QR codes to scan accurately demands a printing process that can capture sharp lines and intricate designs — and heat printing excels in this area. Unlike embroidery or screen printing, which may distort small details, heat-applied transfers maintain crisp edges, ensuring flawless readability.

This precision, combined with the ability to apply RFID and QR codes to a variety of fabrics without compromising durability, makes heat printing the perfect solution for brands looking to enhance consumer engagement and operational efficiency.

Once applied to garments, watermarks remain undetectable to the naked eye but can be revealed under UV light, providing instant authentication.

With RFID and QR codes, brands can create interactive shopping experiences, giving customers instant access to product details, styling tips, or exclusive content with a simple scan. RFID technology streamlines inventory management, enhancing efficiency for retailers and decorators alike.

While these technologies aren’t new, their application in heat printing is a game-changer. It offers brands a seamless way to connect with consumers, protect authenticity, and optimize operations like never before.

• Automated Inventory Accuracy: With RFID-enabled systems, retailers can eliminate shortages and ensure precise stock management.
• Sustainability Insights: Share supply chain stories and garment lifecycles through QR codes, offering consumers transparency and fostering trust in your brand’s sustainable practices.
• Interactive Shopping Experiences: NFC implementation unlocks unique digital features, such as loyalty programs, social media connections, and immersive product education.
• Seamless Connectivity: QR codes create an instant bridge between garments and digital platforms, enabling brands to start meaningful conversations with fans and customers.

You can share supply chain stories and garment lifecycles through QR codes.

Digital Watermarks

Another way to protect and enhance brand identity is with digital watermark technology. Digital watermarks seamlessly are printed into heat transfers, embedding an invisible layer of security directly into the design. Once applied to garments, these watermarks remain undetectable to the naked eye but can be revealed under UV light, providing instant authentication. This technology allows brands to protect against counterfeiting without altering the look or feel of their apparel. By integrating digital watermarks into heat transfers, brands can enhance product security, build consumer trust, and maintain brand integrity — all while leveraging the efficiency and precision of heat printing.

Stahls’ FANTRACK IQ™ technology allows you to heat print RFID and QR codes onto garments, bringing smart technology to any item that fits under a heat press.

The Future of Team and Fanwear

Heat print technology doesn’t stop at performancewear. It’s reshaping the possibilities for digitally enabled team and fanwear. Imagine jerseys that tell a story, gear that connects fans with their favorite teams, and garments that provide in-depth product information or exclusive content with a simple scan. From retail branding to automated logistics, these advancements are redefining the apparel industry.

Propelling Sportswear into the Future

As heat print technology evolves, it is bridging the gap between apparel and digital innovation. High-performance graphics, interactive digital identities, and enhanced connectivity are no longer luxuries — they are essentials for brands aiming to stand out in a competitive market. With solutions like RFID integration, and digital watermarks, the future of sportswear is more connected, sustainable, and customer-focused than ever before.