Category: Apparel

The -Brrr Months Are Here: Why Embroidered Jackets Make Great Team Gear
The “-ber” months are here, and that usually means cooler mornings, layered clothing, and the return of jackets around the office, jobsite, and everywhere in between.

It is also a great time to think about branded outerwear.

Custom embroidered jackets are one of the most useful pieces of company apparel because they combine function with a polished, professional look. They also make great employee gifts, team apparel, and year-end recognition pieces.

Why Embroidery Works So Well on Outerwear

Embroidery gives jackets a clean, professional finish that holds up well over time.

It works especially well for company logos, employee names, departments, and team branding. Compared with a larger printed graphic, embroidery can give outerwear a more refined look that works just as well in an office as it does at an event or on a jobsite. And because jackets tend to be worn for several seasons, your logo gets a lot of visibility. Here are some embroidery tips.

There Is a Jacket for Every Kind of Team

“Company jacket” can mean a lot of different things depending on how and where your employees work.

Soft Shell Jackets

Soft shells are a great option for office staff, sales teams, managers, and employees who move between indoor and outdoor environments. They are lightweight, polished, and easy to layer.

Fleece

Fleece jackets and quarter-zips are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. They work well for offices, schools, healthcare teams, and organizations looking for something warm without being too heavy.

Insulated and Puffer Jackets

For employees who spend more time outdoors, insulated jackets and puffers provide more warmth while still offering a professional branded look.

Work Jackets

For field crews, construction teams, service companies, and other hands-on jobs, durable work jackets can provide both warmth and a consistent company appearance.

Vests

Sometimes you want warmth without a full jacket. Embroidered vests are a good option for layering and can work especially well for sales teams, event staff, and employees who are frequently on the move.

A Company Gift People Will Actually Use

The end of the year is also approaching, which means many businesses are starting to think about employee appreciation and holiday gifts.

A quality jacket can be a great alternative to another mug, pen, or desk item.

It is useful, it feels substantial, and employees can wear it both at work and outside of work.

Adding an embroidered company logo creates a gift that also helps strengthen team identity without feeling overly promotional.

You can also personalize jackets with employee names, departments, or other details to make the gift feel more individual.

Choosing the Right Outerwear

Before selecting a jacket, think about how your team will actually use it.

Ask yourself:
- Will employees mostly wear it indoors or outdoors?
- Do they need lightweight layering or serious warmth?
- Does the jacket need to look professional in front of customers?
- Will employees be working physically while wearing it?
- Do you want something employees can wear outside of work?
- What budget makes sense for the size of your team?
The best jacket is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one that fits how your employees work and what they will actually wear.

Come See and Feel the Options

Outerwear is one of those products that can be difficult to choose from a picture alone.

Fabric weight, lining, stretch, fit, and overall feel can vary significantly from one jacket to another.

Black Duck’s Albuquerque showroom has samples of many apparel styles so you can compare options in person, see how garments fit, and feel the fabrics before making a decision.

If there is a specific jacket, style, color, or size you would like to evaluate that we do not currently have in the showroom, we can often bring in a sample for you. Sample costs vary depending on the item and the number of samples requested.

Planning Jackets as a Holiday or Year-End Gift?

Start early.

Jackets involve more decisions than a basic T-shirt order, especially when you are coordinating sizes for an entire team.

You will want time to:
1. Select the jacket
2. Review samples if needed
3. Collect employee sizes
4. Finalize embroidery artwork
5. Approve the order
6. Complete production before your event or gift date
Our standard production lead time is approximately 10 working days after artwork approval and order details are finalized, but product availability and larger orders can affect timing.

October is a great time to start if you are considering jackets for the holidays, employee appreciation, winter uniforms, or year-end gifts.

Make the -Brrr Months a Little Warmer

Whether you need lightweight office jackets, fleece for the whole team, durable workwear, or personalized holiday gifts, custom embroidered outerwear is a practical way to keep your team warm and your brand visible.

Black Duck can help you choose the right jacket, prepare your embroidery, and make sure your team looks good heading into the colder months.

Ready to layer up your team? Stop by our showroom or conta c t us to start exploring embroidered outerwear options.
October 1, 2026
Optimizing Your Screen Print Design: How to Get the Best Looking Shirts
A great screen print starts long before the ink hits the shirt.

The difference between an average shirt and one people genuinely want to wear often comes down to the design itself in how it’s built, how it’s colored, and how well it works with the screen printing process.

At Black Duck, we see it all the time: small design decisions can make a huge impact on the final product.

Whether you’re creating shirts for your business, event, staff, brewery, school, or brand, here are some of the biggest ways to optimize your screen print design for the best possible results.

Simpler Designs Often Print Better

One of the biggest misconceptions is that more detail automatically means a better shirt. In reality, clean and intentional designs almost always produce stronger prints. Screen printing shines when designs have:
- Clear shapes
- Strong contrast
- Readable typography
- Balanced spacing
- Intentional use of color
Overly detailed artwork can become muddy on fabric, especially on smaller print areas.

A bold, clean design usually:
- Prints sharper
- Holds up better over time
- Feels softer
- Looks more professional
Color Count Matters

Every ink color in traditional screen printing requires its own screen and setup. That means color count directly affects production complexity and cost. For many projects, the sweet spot is:
- 1–3 colors for clean, bold branding
- 3–5 colors for more detailed artwork
- Higher color counts for specialty or retail-style prints
Some of the best-looking shirts are surprisingly simple.

A strong two-color print on the right shirt can often look more premium than a complicated design with eight colors.

Bigger Runs Create Better Value

Our minimum for screen printing is 12 pieces, but screen printing becomes significantly more cost-effective as quantities increase. That’s because setup costs are spread across more shirts.

Generally:
- Small runs work great for staff shirts or limited events
- Mid-sized runs offer the best balance of price and flexibility
- Larger runs dramatically reduce per-shirt cost
If you’re building a brand, event, or merch line, ordering a larger run upfront can often provide far more value long-term.

Choose the Right Shirt for the Design

Not all garments print the same way. The fabric, texture, and material blend all affect how ink lays down and how the final print feels.

For example:
- Ring spun cotton creates a softer, smoother print surface
- Heavier shirts give prints more structure
- Performance fabrics may require specialty inks
- Tri-blends produce a softer, more vintage appearance
The best print isn’t just about the artwork — it’s about pairing the artwork with the right garment. We have a blog post about the types of shirts here.

Vector Artwork Makes a Huge Difference

One of the most common production issues comes from low-resolution artwork. For the cleanest print possible, vector art is always preferred because it can scale without losing quality. Good artwork files include:
- AI
- EPS
- SVG
- High-resolution PDF
Low-resolution screenshots or website images often need to be rebuilt before production.

Placement Matters More Than You Think

A great design can still feel awkward if placement is off. Standard full front prints are common for a reason because they work. But depending on the brand and audience, other placements can create a more elevated look:
- Left chest prints
- Oversized back prints
- Sleeve prints
- Pocket-area prints
- Hem or tag details
Sometimes a smaller, cleaner placement actually creates a more retail-inspired feel.

Final Thoughts

The best screen printed shirts aren’t always the loudest or most complicated. They’re the ones that balance:
- Great artwork
- Smart color choices
- Proper garment selection
- Thoughtful placement
- Quality production
At Black Duck, we help clients optimize designs every day to ensure the final product looks sharp, feels great, and holds up over time.

If you’re planning a shirt project and want guidance on artwork, garment selection, or print methods, we’re always happy to help. Call us or email for more information.
July 14, 2026
Why Screen Printing Is Still the Gold Standard for Custom Apparel
When it comes to decorating apparel, there are more options than ever—heat transfers, vinyl, digital prints, and more.

But even with all the new technology, screen printing continues to be the go-to method for businesses, events, and brands that want quality that lasts.

At Black Duck, we work with all types of decoration methods. And while each has its place, screen printing consistently delivers the best combination of comfort, durability, and value—especially for most bulk orders. Here’s why.

1. It Feels Better to Wear

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice right away is how the print feels.

With screen printing, the ink is pressed into the fabric rather than sitting heavily on top of it. The result is a softer, more breathable print that moves with the shirt.

If you’ve ever worn a shirt with a thick, rubbery design that feels stiff or heavy, you’ve experienced the alternative.

Bottom line: Screen printing feels more like part of the shirt, not something stuck onto it.

2. It Holds Up Over Time

Durability matters—especially if you want people to keep wearing your shirt.

Screen-printed designs are known for their longevity. When done correctly, they won’t crack, peel, or degrade the way heavier applications can over time.

That means your brand stays looking sharp wash after wash.

Bottom line: If you want a shirt that lasts, screen printing is hard to beat.

3. It’s More Comfortable in the Heat

Here in Albuquerque, lightweight and breathable apparel isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Because screen printing doesn’t create a thick layer on top of the fabric, it allows the shirt to breathe naturally.

That makes a big difference for:
- Outdoor events
- Summer staff uniforms
- Active or on-the-go teams
Bottom line: Less bulk = more comfort, especially in warm climates.

4. It’s the Best Value for Bulk Orders

If you’re ordering for a team, event, or organization, screen printing offers the best value at scale.

Once the setup is complete, the cost per shirt becomes very efficient—especially compared to other methods that can get expensive as quantities increase.

Bottom line: The more you print, the more screen printing makes sense.

5. It Delivers Consistent, Professional Results

Consistency matters when you’re printing dozens—or hundreds—of shirts.

Screen printing produces clean, vibrant designs that look the same from the first shirt to the last. That’s a big deal for brand presentation.

Bottom line: You get a polished, reliable result every time.

When Other Methods Make Sense

There are situations where other decoration methods are the right choice—like very small runs, highly detailed graphics, or specialty applications.

But for most apparel programs, especially anything with volume, screen printing continues to be the gold standard.

Final Thought

The best decoration method isn’t about what’s newest, it’s about what works best for your goals.

If you want something that looks great, feels comfortable, and holds up over time, screen printing is still the way to go.

Not sure what’s right for your project?

We’ll help you choose the best option based on your design, budget, and timeline.

Get your custom quote today.

Call us or email for more information.
May 12, 2026
Types of T-Shirts: Which One is Right for Your Brand or Event?
When it comes to custom apparel, not all t-shirts are created equal. Choosing the right shirt can make the difference between something people wear once and something they reach for every week.

At Black Duck, we help customers navigate the options every day. Here’s a breakdown of the most common t-shirt types and when to use them.
1. 100% Cotton Tees
  - Best for: Events, giveaways, budget-conscious orders. Cotton shirts are the classic choice. They’re affordable, breathable, and widely available in a variety of colors.
    
    Pros:
    
    Budget-friendly
    
    Great for large orders
    
    Easy to print on
    
    Cons:
    
    Can shrink
    
    Not as soft as premium blends
  - Best use: Large events, fundraisers, or one-time wear.
  - Our Pick: Gildan Ultra Cotton 100% US Cotton T-Shirt
2. 50/50 blend
  - Best for: Everyday wear, staff shirts, balanced comfort, and durability. 50/50 blends combine cotton and polyester to give you the best of both worlds: comfort with added durability and less shrinkage.
    
    Pros:
    
    More durable than 100% cotton
    
    Less shrinkage
    
    Good value for quality
    
    Holds shape and color better over time
    
    Cons:
    
    Not as soft as tri-blends
    
    Slightly less breathable than 100% cotton
  - Best use: Company uniforms, repeat-wear shirts, budget-friendly upgrades from basic cotton.
  - Our Pick: Port & Co Core Blend Tee.
3. Tri-Blend Tees (Cotton/Poly/Rayon)
  - Best for: Retail, branded merch, premium feel. Tri-blends are incredibly soft and have that “favorite shirt” feel right out of the box.
    
    Pros:
    
    Ultra-soft
    
    Modern fit
    
    Higher perceived value
    
    Cons:
    
    Higher cost than standard tees
    
    Slightly more fitted/modern cut (may not suit all body types)
    
    Lightweight feel may not be preferred by those who like heavier shirts
  - Best use: Retail merch, elevated giveaways, company swag people actually want to wear.
  - Our Pick: District Perfect Tri Tee.
4. Performance Tees (also known as Dry Fit)
  - Best for: Activewear, outdoor events, teams. Made from moisture-wicking polyester, these are built for movement.
    
    Pros:
    
    Sweat-wicking
    
    Lightweight
    
    Durable
    
    Cons:
    
    Less of a traditional “t-shirt” feel
    
    Can feel slick or synthetic compared to cotton
    
    Fit can be more athletic or clingy, depending on style
  - Best use: Sports teams, outdoor crews, summer events.
  - Our Pick: Sport-Tek PosiCharge Competitor Tee.
5. Ringspun Cotton (Premium Cotton)
  - Best for: Everyday wear, company apparel, upgraded basics. Ringspun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning cotton fibers, which results in a softer, smoother, and more durable fabric compared to standard cotton.
    
    Pros:
    
    Softer Feel – feels more like a “retail-quality” shirt
    
    Smoother Surface for Better Printing
    
    More Durable
    
    Better Fit & Drape
    
    Cons:
    
    Slightly Higher Cost
    
    Still 100% Cotton Limitations
    
    Not as Soft as Tri-Blends
  - Best use: Company apparel, retail-quality merch, everyday branded wear people actually keep.
  - Our Pick: Stanley/Stella Unisex Creator 2.0 Tee.
Final Thought

The “best” shirt isn’t about price—it’s about purpose.

If you’re handing out 500 shirts at an event, go cotton.

If you want people to keep and wear your brand, upgrade your fabric.

Not sure what’s right for your project?

We’re happy to help you choose the right product for your budget and goals. Call or email us.
April 14, 2026
Design Tips for  T-Shirts

Electronically Supplied Art

If your image is too large, it may not fit on small or youth-sized t-shirts. It may require two press set-ups, two sets of screens, and a second set of films, all of which can cause your expenses to rise dramatically. Even if you are printing a range of sizes only from men’s small to XXL, you will probably need more than one size to make the image look good on each size.

Process color prints need special treatment

Designs for apparel are treated differently from designs for paper. The separation requirements are unique. Dot gain, ink limits, spot plates, and screen angles are not transferable between the two media. It is worth the extra cost to have a design properly separated, because litho film will not work!

Black T-Shirt

When printing on a black shirt, a block of white ink underneath a design can compromise image quality. It makes the shirt look bad and feel heavy. IMAGES THAT WORK BEST ON BLACK GARMENTS WERE DESIGNED FOR APPAREL FROM THE BEGINNING.

For the best results, make the garment color part of the design.

More than four colors are usually required to  print process a garment

New developments in separation technology now allow us to replace normal four-color process prints with brighter, more intense prints using spot colors. This technique can make an image much more impressive, and only uses one set of screens for any colored garment! This process requires anywhere from six to ten screens.

Expect the iamge to be printed at 55 or 65 lines per inch

Fabric has holes in it, and you cannot print on air! The coarser line count better matches the knit of the garment than a higher line count. This helps minimize dot gain and improve color development. It is rare to find an apparel printer using counts of 85 lpi or higher.

July 24, 2025