WhatTheyThink

Premium Commentary & Analysis

Key Components of the Digital Textile Printing Industry

Consumer demand and technological innovations continue to drive growth within the apparel and home décor industries. This article outlines the key components of the digital textile printing industry and highlights how mass customization is fueling the adoption of various technologies.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Mass customization is more popular now than ever before, and it is fueling the adoption of a range of technologies within the textile printing industry. Innovations in this field span every part of the industry, including optimizing the design and prepress workflow, improvements to digital print quality and productivity, and streamlining the cutting and sewing process. Some of these innovations are explored in greater detail below.

Design and planning tools are undergoing a great transformation. Creating a new collection or product line is a multi-step process. Borrowing inspiration from fashion forecasts, designers research and analyze styles in the industry by attending trade shows and observing global trends. They conceptualize their designs using mood boards where color samples are assembled to depict the inspiration for the collection. From there, the designers determine the products and details that will make up the collection. This is followed by creating paper patterns, producing muslin samples for models or mannequins, and ordering samples in a range of colors.

Sample mood board from Sunil Talekar


Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.
WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?
Sign In

About Keypoint Intelligence

Since 1961, the digital imaging industry has relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and market research to drive product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industry’s most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards. Clients have harnessed this knowledge for strategic decision-making, daily sales enablement, and operational efficiency improvements. Keypoint Intelligence continues to evolve with the industry by expanding its offerings and intimately understanding the transformations occurring in the digital printing and imaging sector.

Recent Articles from Keypoint Intelligence

Production Inkjet Printing: Ever Expanding, Ever Evolving

Production Inkjet Printing: Ever Expanding, Ever Evolving

Production inkjet technology has emerged as the cornerstone of today’s printing revolution. Inkjet has become a versatile and efficient solution for print service providers of all sizes. As we move into the future, critical factors like automation, artificial intelligence, and greater media flexibility promise to further enhance inkjet's capabilities while uncovering new opportunities for growth and innovation. Read More

Rising Print Cost Pressures: What They Mean for You

Rising Print Cost Pressures: What They Mean for You

Higher print costs are nothing new, and there’s no sign of them letting up. Factors like energy costs, labor pressures, inflation, logistics disruptions, and postal costs are converging on the printing industry and causing higher prices. Rather than moving in isolation, these factors are combining and intensifying. This article explores some of the key pressures that the printing industry is facing. Read More

10 Things PSPs Should Consider Before Adopting Robotics: What You Need to Know to Begin the Journey

10 Things PSPs Should Consider Before Adopting Robotics: What You Need to Know to Begin the Journey

Labor shortages, production bottlenecks, and growing workflow complexity are forcing print service providers to take a closer look at robotics and automation. In this article, Keypoint Intelligence examines where robotics can deliver the greatest operational impact, the challenges PSPs should prepare for, and the practical steps companies can take to build a more efficient and stable production environment. Read More

The Role of Label Printing in Today’s Landscape

The Role of Label Printing in Today’s Landscape

Label printing doesn’t feature prominently in discussions about the digital transformation or the future of the printed page. Even so, it is one of the most consistently active segments in the broader printing landscape. This article explores the evolving factors that make label printing worth a closer look. Read More

Fostering Connections with Improved Personalization

Fostering Connections with Improved Personalization

Personalized print is a tangible form of communication that can bridge the gap between a customer’s desire to be recognized and the often impersonal nature of digital-only content. This article explores the psychology of personalized print and why it’s such a powerful way for brands to connect with their audience. Read More