Printing Methods & Fabric Care Instructions
At Remuda Western Wear, we take pride in creating unique apparel for kids and their parents. But have you ever wondered how we achieve the vibrant and long-lasting prints on our garments? It all comes down to the science of fabric composition.
When it comes to printing on fabric, we mostly use a special blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This specific combination allows the inks to adhere to the fabric, resulting in vivid and durable prints. But why do we choose this particular blend?
The key lies in the polyester yarn. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that has unique properties when it comes to printing. Unlike cotton, which is a natural fiber, polyester has a smooth and non-absorbent surface. This smoothness allows the ink to bond with the fabric, creating vibrant and sharp prints.
But why do we include cotton in the blend? Cotton is known for its softness and breathability, making it a comfortable choice for apparel. By combining polyester with cotton, we achieve the perfect balance of durability and comfort. The cotton fibers provide a soft and breathable feel, while the polyester ensures that the prints stay vibrant and long-lasting.
We mostly use sublimation for our prints to achieve a vintage or weathered look that gives each piece character. One of the advantages of using a polyester-cotton blend for printing is the sublimation process. Sublimation is a printing technique that involves transferring ink onto fabric using heat. When sublimating on poly blends, such as our 65% polyester and 35% cotton fabric, a unique effect is created. The ink penetrates the polyester fibers, resulting in a soft, worn-in appearance that can’t be replicated with standard printing methods. This adds an extra touch of character to our designs, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
In some cases, we use DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints on certain fabrics when needed. Some apparel we carry is made from 100% cotton or predominantly cotton blends, which won’t take sublimation ink—DTF allows us to still offer high-quality, full-color designs on those garments.
So, the next time you wear one of our tees or any other apparel from Remuda Western Wear, know that there's a little science behind the quality and uniqueness of our prints. For our 65% polyester / 35% cotton blends, we use sublimation printing, which allows the ink to bond with the polyester fibers—resulting in vibrant, long-lasting designs with a vintage, weathered look that adds extra charm. For garments made from 100% cotton or high-cotton blends that can’t be sublimated, we use DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing to ensure you still get bold, full-color artwork with excellent durability and feel. No matter the fabric, we use the best print method to bring each design to life.
🧼 Care Instructions for Printed Apparel
To keep your Remuda Western Wear apparel looking its best, follow these simple care guidelines:
For Sublimated Garments (Polyester/Poly Blends):
- Machine wash cold, inside out
- Use mild detergent
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener
- Tumble dry low or hang dry for best results
- Do not iron directly on the print
For DTF-Printed Garments (Cotton/High-Cotton Blends):
- Machine wash cold, inside out
- Use gentle cycle and mild detergent
- Avoid bleach or harsh stain removers
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- If ironing is needed, avoid direct heat on the printed area (turn inside out or cover with cloth)
General Tips:
- Washing inside out helps protect the print
- Air drying extends the life of both fabric and print
- Avoid dry cleaning
With a little TLC, your Remuda Western Wear pieces will stay vibrant and ready for every ride, roundup, or lazy Sunday. 🤠