Apparel

T-shirts

The Print Lab has in-house production capabilities for t-shirts and activewear using a number of different processes, including dye sublimation, direct-to-film transfer, and heat vinyl, as well as screen printing options through our network of suppliers. 

Dye sublimation is a process where a special ink is sublimated from a solid to a gas and back under high heat and embedded into polyester fibers. This is a permanent process that results in a seamless full-color imprint onto any polyester surface. 

• Is only compatible with polyester-based apparel
• Must use a white or light-gray colored fabric, white ink is not available for this process
• Long-lasting graphic bleeds into the fabric of the garment and does not have any texture of its own
• Cost-effective for any size of graphic

Heat transfer vinyl is a flexible process compatible with a number of different products where a piece of printed or cut vinyl is weeded and masked, then heat pressed into the fabric.

• Compatible with a wide variety of apparel types, including polyester, cotton, and blends
• Graphic is printed onto a piece of white heat transfer vinyl, so it is visible on any color of garment  
• Depending on the size and complexity of the graphic, the imprint can either be weeded out individually and masked with transfer tape so that the graphic elements are cut exactly to shape, or the entire graphic can be produced and "bubble cut" to shape and imprinted as a single graphic with a visible white border. 
• Cost effective for simple graphics without complex contours, or for smaller-run projects

Direct to film is a new process where a graphic is printed onto a transfer film, then heat pressed with adhesive into a garment.

• Compatible with white ink, so the graphic can be pressed onto any apparel type or color
• Most cost-effective for small graphic imprint area (pricing is calculated per square inch)

Screen printing is a traditional process commonly used for apparel.

• Produced through trade partnerships, allowing for bulk pricing on larger orders
• Inks lay on top of the garment, and is compatible with any color or style of garment
• Turnaround time can be longer than in-house production options, not suitable for short run or rush projects

Licensing

ASU's licensing agent, IMG College Licensing, connects the university to a wide variety of manufacturers with a listing of them on their website. Manufacturers of any products and providers of any services using or in connection with any ASU logos and trademarks must be licensed by ASU. A list of currently authorized licensees is available for review.

All items embellished with marks of Arizona State University whether for resale or internal consumption are subject to royalties.

As part of RFP contract #202101, the following awarded licensed apparel universitywide contractors are available to provide you with quotes, samples, artwork, availability, and delivery for water-based ink T-shirts and polo-styled embroidered shirt apparel.

• ASU Print and Imaging Lab
• Anton Sport, Inc.
• BC Graphics
• College Thread, Greek House
• University Tees
• X-treme Apparel

Why use a licensed vendor?

• Supports ASU branding and the ASU Communications Guide.
• Helps adherence to the ASU Purchasing contract for all shirts and embroidery.
• Provides additional revenue for ASU.
• Indemnifies ASU against liabilities from products, and reduces risks.
• Protects the reputation of ASU and its identifying marks.
• Requires producers to adhere to ASU’s Code of Conduct that demands companies refrain from abusive labor practices and production that degrades the environment.