Case Study: Elevating KangooIt Club’s Apparel with Innovative Screen Printing

Case Study: Elevating KangooIt Club’s Apparel with Innovative Screen Printing

KangooIt Club approached Sprint Textile Decorations with a straightforward request: to create a hoodie featuring their logo on the front and back using screen printing. 

This project demonstrates how thoughtful design, advanced techniques, and creative thinking can transform a simple concept into a truly premium product. 

Client Request

KangooItClub initially outlined a design consisting of:

  • Four-color screen printing on the front

  • Four-color screen printing on the back

 

The objective was to maintain a clean, functional look while ensuring the branding stood out effectively on a black hoodie. Initial demand:

Our Creative Proposal

To add value and elevate the design, Sprint Textile Decorations proposed a refined version:

  1. Front and Back Prints:

    • One color on the front for simplicity.

    • One color on the hoodie.

    • One color on the back for consistency.

  2. Special Effects:

    • Suede base ink for a soft, textured finish.

    • Silver shimmer particles for added flair and sophistication.

  3. Labeling:

    • Sublimated labels cut with a zig-zag pattern for a unique touch.

    • Labels sewn on the sleeve and near the bottom hem for extra brand visibility.

  4. Final Packaging:

    • Individually packed in polybags to ensure pristine delivery.

 

Our final product:

The redesigned version included premium details like special-effect inks and tailored labels, resulting in a product that feels luxurious and aligns perfectly with the KangooItClub’s dynamic brand.

Production Process

 

  • Screen Printing: The creative process involved setting up screens for the custom prints and applying specialty inks to achieve the desired texture and shimmer.

  • Labeling: Custom labels were designed, sublimated, and cut into unique shapes, adding a handcrafted feel.

  • Assembly: Each hoodie was carefully assembled, stitched, and packed, ready for delivery.

Comparison of Techniques: DTF vs. Screen Printing

A detailed cost and technique comparison was conducted to determine the best approach:

 

Key Insights:

  1. Cost Efficiency for Small Batches: For smaller quantities, DTF remains competitive due to no setup costs. However, for slightly larger orders, screen printing becomes cost-effective even for intricate designs.

  2. Durability and Comfort: Screen printing with specialty inks ensures the material remains breathable, making it ideal for garments with large print areas or heavy coverage.

  3. Customization Options: Unique effects like puff, suede, and cork can elevate the appeal of screen-printed apparel.

Large Print Areas

When printing large designs, screen printing becomes significantly more cost-effective, even for smaller orders. For example, an A3-sized design with 1-2 colors becomes economical with just 20 pieces. This makes it an excellent choice for bulkier designs or projects requiring substantial print coverage.

High Coverage with Breathability Concerns

Large print areas with heavy ink coverage (>50%) can compromise the comfort of the garment. With DTF printing, the layer of ink applied creates a film-like coating that blocks airflow, leading to discomfort, especially on larger prints.

In contrast, screen printing allows for the use of specialized inks like soft base or discharge inks. These inks dye the fabric threads directly, avoiding a thick film and preserving the fabric’s breathability. 

This method ensures structural integrity while providing vibrant, high-quality results. Screen printing becomes particularly cost-efficient for designs with 2-3 colors, starting at 30 pieces (A3-sized prints).

Standing Out in a DTF-Dominated Market

In a market saturated with DTF-printed garments, screen printing offers a chance to differentiate your products with special effects. Options like suede base, puff printing, cork base, and other specialty inks can add a unique and premium touch to your apparel. Whether used independently or combined, these effects help your designs stand out.

This project is a prime example of how combining classic techniques with creative innovation can transform a simple design into a standout piece. The collaboration between KangooItClub and Sprint Textile Decorations not only met the client’s expectations but also added a unique touch that reflects their brand identity.

Key Insights – When to Choose Screen Printing

  1. Large Print Areas: For designs covering large areas, screen printing becomes economical even with low quantities (20 pieces for A3-sized prints).

  2. Heavy Ink Coverage: Unlike DTF, screen printing can use breathable inks (e.g., discharge or soft base), maintaining garment comfort.

  3. Specialty Inks and Finishes: Techniques like suede base or metallic shimmer add a premium touch, allowing brands to stand out in crowded markets.

Conclusions

Traditional methods like screen printing still stand out as the best solution when larger quantities or specific requirements come into play. 

Whether you’re looking to create standout merchandise or refresh your brand’s apparel, Sprint Textile Decorations can help you bring your vision to life.

A Strategic Component to Any Apparel Project

At Sprint, we believe that one of the most essential components of a successful textile project is the ability to provide guidance from the very beginning. 

We don’t just execute – we support our clients in making smart decisions, especially when it comes to textile choice, print techniques, and overall product strategy. 

Our role starts with a few key questions that help uncover what the client truly wants: 

  • Who is the target audience? 

  • What does the brand manual allow? 

  • What quantity is expected? 

  • What is the desired durability? 

  • What’s the budget? 

These answers help shape a proposal that goes beyond the brief. In the case of KangooIt, we went a step further – changing the textile, rethinking the print method, and playing with tone variations. 

The branding components were carefully dissected and realigned with the brand’s manual, respecting the degree of creative freedom it offered. 

We offer a free consultation for every project, guiding our clients in choosing the right path forward. If you’re not sure where to begin, fill out our offer request form – we’re happy to help.

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