FIVE TOP POLYESTER FABRICS FOR FASHION AND PRINT TIPS
DESIGNER: Davinder Madaher has over 25 years experience designing patterns for many of the worlds leading Fashion brands. Find Davinder in our Design Directory
Designer: Davinder Madaher for Sainsbury’s
Dye-Sublimation is a favourite print method for the growing Digital Fashion Print Market.
Dye-Sub is quick to produce, the colours are vibrant, and the print quality exceptional, plus dye sublimation printing also offers unparalleled technical performance.
Our technical team present five of the most popular substrates and share a few Digital Printing Tips:
Scuba : 300 gsm
Scuba is, in fact, a double knit fabric. Scuba Jersey is well known for having both good stretch and recovery. Generally used to make dance-wear, leggings and dresses (think of evening or party dresses) and is quite easy to cut and sew. Designers love scuba because of the body that it gives to garments as well as the way that it contours the figure. Scuba is made with a very fine knit gauge and smooth thread, it prints perfectly with Dye-Sub which gives it an extremely smooth finish and a matte quality.
Printing Tip:
This fabric can shrink during transfer, avoid this by running the fabric through the heat press before final transferring on the heat press.
Power Mesh: 80 gsm
The world of fashion has seen the popularity of mesh garments soar within the last few years. Power Mesh is a light, very breathable, yet sturdy fabric. This mesh fabric is a finely knitted and light in weight with two-way stretch. This strong material is soft to the touch and stretchy, providing comfort, stability, and breathability. Power mesh works great in uniforms, undergarments, layered dresses, sportswear, intimate apparels, and many more…
Printing Tip:
This fabric can move during transfer, so use tacky paper to keep the fabric and printed transfer paper aligned to get perfect register.
Polyester Chiffon : 90 gsm
A fine-net or mesh like fabric which gives it semi opaque properties often used used for ladies apparel, formal wear, lingerie, scarves, linings etc with a delicate matt surface structure. This flat weave fabric is ideal for apparel, and has a lightweight drape that allows it to flow effortlessly. It’s see through surface makes it ideal for Dye-Sub Printing, where it has the unique appeal of giving an almost double sided print.
Printing Tip:
This fabric can crease during transfer, avoid this by ensuring the fabric roll is perfectly straight before feeding into the Heat Press :
Polyester Duchesse Satin : 220 gsm
This is a perfect choice of fabric for apparel, evening dress, lingerie and couture. Duchesse satin is a high thread count satin material woven on rapier looms, the matt sheen, offers luxurious quality, and the elegant touch of the fabric makes it an ideal choice for structured design garments.
Printing Tip:
This flat impervious fabric displays colour perfectly, however test the ink settings and ink limits on your printer to ensure that the fabric is not overloaded with colour.
Polyester Crepe De Chine : 120 gsm
A lightweight material with a very delicate matt-sheen surface, this flat woven fabric is ideally suited to creating scarves, sarongs and other apparel. Crepe de Chine has an excellent handle allowing it to drape very easily.
It’s flat, semi-transparent surface lends itself exceptionally well to dye-sub printing techniques, and its high quality fabric base means that vivid and bright colours are easily achievable.
Printing Tip:
This fabric can become slightly unstable during transfer, avoid this by maintaining an even fabric tension on the heat press during final print transfer.
Friedman’s is a UK-based wholesale specialist. Offering stretch textiles, digital print & foil effects, supplying designers and brands worldwide.
Print On Demand fulfilment platform enables anyone to create a drop shipping business, with integration into the most popular e-commerce platforms.
Prinfab® is an award winning textile print on demand service. Using industrial Epson™ print tech to deliver a high quality and consistent service to 30,000+ customers worldwide.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
October 1st 2026– Soyang Europe has announced the appointment of Colin Werrett as Senior Business Development Manager within its Hardware Team.
The appointment reflects Soyang's continued commitment to strengthening its expertise as the business scales to meet the evolving demands of the print and graphics industry.
Werrett brings 32 years of experience in print and graphics to the role, joining at a pivotal moment as Soyang continues to expand its Hardware division.
He will report directly to Andy Webb, Commercial Director, and will work closely with the wider Hardware Team to drive business development and support the company's growth strategy.
Mönchengladbach - Germany – October 2026 – Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC) has expanded its regional service network across Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, giving customers in the Andean region direct access to faster support, shorter lead times and local technical expertise.
The move underscores Trützschler's long-term commitment to the textile and nonwovens industries of South America, strengthening its presence in markets where quality and productivity remain top priorities
Birmingham, UK – October 1st 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has announced the sale of a 3.2m Veloblade Nexus to GES – Global Experience Specialists, sealed on the final day of The Print Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
The machine will be delivered to GES's site, located less than a mile from the show, tomorrow.
The sale marks the fourth Veloblade Nexus purchased by GES, underscoring the company's continued confidence in Vivid's laminating and finishing technology as it scales its large-format print operations.
HP has launched the HP Latex R530 AI Printer, the first compact, all-in-one rigid and flexible large-format printer powered by cloud and edge AI.
Designed to transform production environments, the new printer aims to help businesses simplify operations and grow profits through intelligent automation.
The HP Latex R530 AI Printer brings together intelligence at both the printer level and across the broader workflow.
By embedding AI capabilities directly into the device and connecting it to cloud-based tools, HP says the printer is built to reduce manual decision-making and support more predictable, consistent results for print operators.
Manchester, UK – September 2026 – Source Fashion, Fashion-Enter and the Apparel and Textile Manufacturers' Forum (ATMF) have announced the launch of Made in Manchester & Regions, a new roadshow event bringing together brands, retailers and UK manufacturers to build the commercial case for localised production.
The event will take place at Manchester Hall on 4 November 2026, and is free to attend.
The first in a new programme of regional roadshows, Made in Manchester & Regions will give buyers, brands and retailers the opportunity to meet UK manufacturers, explore local production capabilities, and consider how sourcing closer to home could benefit their businesses.
Industry stakeholders will also come together to address the future of UK manufacturing and identify practical steps to strengthen the sector
Birmingham – September 2026 – Epson UK on Day Two of The Print Show, where the company is showcasing a range of print technologies, including its new SureColor V4000 UV Flatbed printer. T
he event provides a platform for Epson to demonstrate the growing capabilities of UV print alongside its established textile solutions.
Epson UK's presence at The Print Show highlights the company's continued investment in expanding its product range beyond textile printing, into high-quality UV flatbed technology.
The SureColor V4000 has been designed to deliver sharp, vibrant results across a variety of substrates, reinforcing Epson's commitment to versatility and innovation across the print industry.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany – 30 September 2026 – Heimtextil has announced that architect and designer Patricia Urquiola will once again bring her distinctive vision to the Trend Space at Heimtextil 2027, marking the third consecutive year of her collaboration with the fair.
Building on her acclaimed "Bambi" sculpture, Urquiola will unveil two new pieces created specifically for the 2027 edition, expanding her hybrid silver creature into a family of three.
The presentation forms part of the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, "Home-Maxxing – The Performance of Everyday Living", curated by Alcova, and will be on display in the Trend Space from 12 to 15 January 2027
Birmingham, UK – 29 September 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today opened three days of exhibiting at The Print Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham, where the company is demonstrating a complete wide-format production environment designed to boost productivity, efficiency, and application versatility for print businesses.
Visitors to Stand P510 in Hall 1 can see the Anapurna Cierva H3200 in action, seamlessly switching between rigid and roll media
Birmingham – UK – September 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the official Mimaki distributor for the UK and Ireland, has today announced the launch of the new Mimaki UJF200-6042, a UV flatbed printer designed to elevate personalisation and custom printing to new levels of quality and efficiency.
The announcement was made at The Print Show 2026, where the printer is now on display at Stand P400.
Hanover, Germany – September 2026 – ColorGATE, a global provider of colour management and RIP software for digital printing, is reminding print producers of the importance of safeguarding their production environments against unexpected technical issues, device challenges, and downtime.
The company is highlighting its Value Pack programme, an annual software maintenance and support agreement designed to keep printing workflows running smoothly.
Milan, Italy – September 2026 – B-FLEX ITALIA, a global hub for garment decoration, has announced it will present its integrated DTF and thermoadhesive technology ecosystem at VISCOM Italy 2026.
The event will take place on 28 and 29 October at Allianz MiCo, with B-FLEX ITALIA exhibiting at Booth L22.
September 28th 2026 – Time is running out to secure a place at tomorrow's live presentation of the Brother GTX300, where industry experts will showcase the printer's capabilities in real time.
Registration closes shortly, offering one final opportunity for professionals to gain firsthand insight into this innovative print technology.
The session will give attendees an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the GTX300, exploring what sets it apart in an increasingly competitive market
Birmingham – UK – September 2026 – Douglas Stewart EDU will showcase CorelDRAW Graphics Suite at The Print Show this year, bringing print professionals face-to-face with design technology aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waste across production workflows.
The move comes as new research from CorelDRAW, conducted in partnership with NAPCO Research, reveals the growing role graphic design software plays in the print industry.
The survey of 200 print professionals found that 83% had seen increased efficiency in prepress as a result of using design software, while 59% had specifically invested in upgraded solutions to improve production efficiency.
Birmingham – September 2026 – Nova Chrome UK Limited will showcase the brand new Epson SC-F300 A3 Dye Sublimation Printer at The Print Show next week, giving visitors a first-hand look at the future of dedicated sublimation printing.
The demonstration will take place on stand P240 throughout the event.
As the print industry continues to evolve, Nova Chrome remains committed to bringing forward the technologies that will define its next chapter.
Birmingham – September 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has announced the completion of its largest exhibition stand to date, marking a significant milestone in the company's presence at The Sign Show.
The build, which took place over two days, reflects the company's continued investment in showcasing its full range of products and capabilities to the sign and print industry.
The scale of the stand underscores China Print Supplies UK Ltd's ambition to strengthen its position as a leading force within the sector.
Dublin, Ireland – September 2026 – digitalprint.ie, Ireland's trusted supplier of digital printing equipment and media, has been recognised by Epson as its No. 1 ProSignage partner in Europe for sales of the manufacturer's Eco-Solvent printer range.
The accolade marks a significant achievement for the Irish company, which has outperformed larger European markets to claim the top spot.
The recognition was presented to John Noonan, Colm McCarthy and the wider digitalprint.ie team, alongside Rob Weisenberger, Epson's Sales Manager for Commercial & Industrial, in celebration of the milestone.
London, UK – September 2026 – Decorex, the UK's leading platform for luxury interior design, today announced that registration is now open for its 2026 edition, taking place at Olympia, London this October.
With less than a fortnight until doors open, the event will once again bring together the materials, makers and ideas shaping the future of high-end interiors.
Ludwigshafen, Germany – September 2026 – BASF has announced the launch of a new portfolio of paper coating dispersions with a reduced Product Carbon Footprint (rPCF), offering customers a practical and cost-effective route to lowering emissions.
Paper coating binders produced at BASF's Ludwigshafen Verbund site are now available with Product Carbon Footprints approximately 20% to 45% lower than their corresponding conventional products.
The new rPCF dispersions apply several levers, including the use of low-PCF raw materials, and are designed to help customers reduce emissions within the "Purchased Goods and Services" category as they work towards their Scope 3.1 carbon reduction targets
Clay Cross – September 2026 – Resolute DTF has confirmed it will unveil its latest range of digital cutting solutions at The Print Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham from 29 September to 1 October.
The announcement reflects the company's continued commitment to advancing production efficiency across the DTF, vinyl, UV DTF transfer and label sectors.
Visitors to Stand P610 will be given a first-hand look at three cutting systems designed to address the industry's growing demand for accuracy, flexibility and streamlined workflows.
Mortsel, Belgium and Londonderry, N.H. – 28 September 2026, 7.45 a.m. CET – Electronics for Imaging, Inc. ("EFI"), a leading industrial inkjet business and portfolio company of Siris, and Agfa-Gevaert ("Agfa") today announced a definitive agreement to combine Agfa's Digital Printing Solutions business ("Agfa DPS") with EFI.
An affiliate of Siris will hold a 60% interest and Agfa will hold a 40% interest in the newly formed company, with Siris and Agfa acting as equal partners under the combined governance structure.
The agreement builds on the global partnership EFI and Agfa established in 2024, which enabled both companies to expand their product offerings through access to complementary technologies.
Leicestershire – September 2026– Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd, a leading provider of laminating and print finishing systems, has announced its participation in The Print Show, where it will unveil its latest technologies to industry professionals.
The company will be located at Hall 1, Stand P460, welcoming both new and existing customers to experience its systems firsthand.
As exhibition preparations reach their final stages, Vivid is preparing to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and quality in the print finishing sector.
Las Vegas, NV – 25 September 2026 – PRINTING United Expo 2026, produced annually by PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, concluded today following three dynamic days at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Preliminary results point to another highly successful gathering of the global printing community, with 27,000 registered attendees from 100 countries and more than 850 exhibitors spanning approximately one million square feet of show floor space. PRINTING United Expo will return next year in Las Vegas from 14-16 September 2027.
London, UK – Septembder 2026 – The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has launched the latest edition of its Discover British Brands map, showcasing more than 100 British brands exhibiting across Paris Women's Fashion Week and the SS27 pre-collections from 28 September to 6 October 2026.
The initiative continues UKFT's commitment to strengthening the international standing of UK fashion businesses, giving global buyers and press a clear route into the depth and diversity of British design.