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Custom Rash Guard Shirts: What to Know Before Production
In the case of custom rash guard shirts, design is just one piece of the puzzle. The fabric, stretch, fit, seams, printing process, and purpose of the shirt all contribute to the usefulness of the resulting product. For companies, perfecting these features before production can be the deciding factor in a product that people are willing to wear vs one that sits on a shelf.
Rash guards are used for surfing, swimming, playing water sports, beach activities, outdoor training and whatever else. Each may require slightly different features and therefore the first step is what the garment needs to do.
Start With How the Rash Guard Will Be Used
A surf-specific rash guard will involve a different set of constraints than a casual-wear rash guard.
Consider how your customers will interact with your product.
Active water sports might also require the garment to have good stretch, secure fit, quick drying and comfortable fit during repeated movements.
When used outdoors brands might focus more on coverage and UV protection.
Prioritising Intended Use before Fabric type during formulation goes a long way in helping define Fabric, Fit, Construction and Finishing details at later stages of Development.
Choose the Fabric Carefully
When designing a rash guard one of the main decisions that must be made is what type of fabric to use.
Popular material combinations are polyester/elastane or nylon/elastane. The latter will feel slightly softer in use, the former less shiny to touch, but both perform equally.
Important characteristics can include:
- Stiffness and resilience
- Lightweight construction
- Quick-drying performance
- Soft hand feel The characteristics of the surface, which if viewed through a series of magnifying glasses under a degree of light and of light rays, will make those rays filter through the indentations in the surface to the eye. Will involve the surface roughness.
- Breathability
- Color stability
- Wear-thwarting resistance to recurrence
- UV protection
The material should also be taken into account with the desired fit. If the rash guard is excessively fitted, it must have a large amount of stretch so that it will still be comfortable to wear while the body is moving in it.
If you have a particular fabric in mind, send its composition and any specifications to the manufacturer. If you are in the process of choosing a fabric, request samples which can then be compared.
Fit Is More Important Than It Looks
A rash guard should move2 with you.
When a garment is too tight (restricts movement) or too loose (flaps around when swimming/surfing).
Should your product be more of a close compression fit, a regular athletic fit, or a looser silhouette?
Pay attention to:
- Circumferences (chest and waist)
- Sleeve length
- Armhole shape
- Body length
- Neck opening
- Seam placement
- Stretch allowance
A good pattern provides generous coverage of the body, while allowing freedom of movement.
The sample stage is most appropriate time for brands to recognize fit issues when creating a new rash guard samples.
Think About Seam Construction
The placement of seams can significantly influence comfort in activewear.
If the garment is worn when the figure is in motion, poorly lying or heavy seams will cause chafing.
Manufacturers may use construction techniques that create flatter seams with greater comfort depending on the product.
Talk to the manufacturer regarding the purpose it is to be used for and ask what construction techniques are suitable for the fabric and design.
The right solution will be very specific to each individual garment and not generic following a standard pattern.
Plan Your Graphics Before Choosing a Printing Method
Custom rash guards tend to work well with graphics and color.
To decide how your work will appear on garment, what size, how many colors, and will it be embroidered or printed? After you make your choice you then print out the artwork onto a piece of paper to check the design.
Depending on the design and fabric, options may include:
- Sublimation printing
- Heat transfer
- Screen printing
- Other specialized printing methods
Sublimation is ideal for all-over graphics because the image goes into the fabric.
On the other hand, the best way of printing can be only decided based on the paper/ board, the design, the production process and the final application.
If you ask the manufacturer, he would most likely suggest the best method according to the actual fabric which you are going to use.
Make the First Sample a Real Product Test
A sample should not be judged just by looking at tableit.
Walk around, wearing it if you can.
Check whether the garment:
- Is located in position.
- Very comfortable to move in.
- Is comfortable on sensitive skin
- Has the intended stretch.
- Oldest/.Best achieved shape.
- Corresponds to the approved dimensions
- Accurately reproduces the work of art
A garment for water products can be tested in real-world conditions to mimic conditions that would be hard to see in a visual check.
If changes are required, note them briefly and send detailed comments to the manufacturer.
Find a Manufacturer With Relevant Experience
A clothing company in general could make a basic rash guard, but the technical requirements of the product highlights the importance of relevant experience.
When evaluating potential manufacturers, ask about their experience with:
- Activewear
- Swimwear
- Stretch fabrics
- Performance garments
- Sublimation printing
- Developing Custom Patterns
- Sportswear construction
Also inquire about the sampling procedures and quality control.
We want to find a manufacturing partner that have the knowledge of Fabric, Pattern, Construction and Performance relationship.
Confirm Branding Details
Additional graphics might also be placed on the custom rash guard.
Your brand could also require:
- Woven labels
- Printed labels
- Neck branding
- Sleeve graphics
- Hangtags
- Custom packaging
Choose the placement of each item and submit the final artwork files to the printer.
It can be the minute details that if precision is achieved can be very apparent in the end result of a branded product.
Check Quality Before Bulk Production
Before proceeding to the bulk production, firstly confirm the sample specification that has been approved.
These may include:
- Fabric composition
- Fabric weight
- Color
- Measurements
- Stretch
- Artwork
- Printing method
- Seam construction
- Labels
- Packaging
The approved sample is used as the standard for production.
This is particularly important if this next design is done in multi-colors or different sizes in the future.
Avoid Choosing a Supplier Based Only on a Product Photo
Even if a supplier has good sportwear on their website, that does not mean that they are suitable.
Prepar Asking specific questions about the materials and manufacturing production, how they are made and printed, sampling and production process.
A good indicator of a manufacturers understanding of the product is their response to technical questions.
A supplier who inquires about your application and design parameters is often more helpful than one that provides merely a standard list.
Build the Product With Future Orders in Mind
If the first rash guard is working out for you, you may find yourself wanting other colors, new graphics, different sizes, and maybe even other items to sell as well.
Having a manufacturer available that can provide support on repeat production can simplify subsequent development.
After the manufacturer has acquired knowledge of the approved fabric, pattern, measurements and quality, then the original item may be used as a template for any future developments.
This can assist in keeping a steady pace as the range continues to grow.
Bringing a Custom Rash Guard From Design to Production
Designing custom rash guard shirts isn‘t just about designing a cool graphic. It involves the fabric, fit, stretch, seams, printing method and what they will be used for.
Begin by determined the application of Garment, choose the appropriate fabric, make a sample, test the fit and performance, and ensure all production specifications prior to bulk production.
For those brands that make custom sportswear and performance based garments. JiuvelWear is the apparel manufacturing business of Dongguan Jiuzuo Clothing Co., Ltd., from Dongguan, Guangdong, China. The team can work with brands to develop, sample, brand and produce apparel to develop around the brands own design and manufacturing needs.