In the creative world of fashion personalized products today more in demand than ever before. The focus is particularly on printing socks with individual designs. Two printing techniques are particularly popular: sublimation for polyester and 360 degree printing for cotton. Luna Socks, an innovative startup from Berlin, has played a large part in bringing 360 degree printing on cotton socks to market maturity. Today we would like to give you a deeper insight into these techniques.
Sublimation printing on polyester
Sublimation printing is a widely used printing process primarily used on synthetic materials such as polyester. The technique is particularly popular because of its ability to produce bright and long-lasting colors. It allows you to print complex designs and patterns, including photos and graphics.
Sublimation refers to the process by which solid dye particles transition to a gaseous stage without passing through a liquid stage. When applied to printing, this means that when the ink pigment is heated, it goes directly from the solid to the gaseous state and penetrates the fabric. When the heat is removed, the ink solidifies back into the tissue and remains there permanently.
Although sublimation printing produces excellent results, it has one major disadvantage: it can only be used on light-colored polyester fabrics. The technique does not work well on cotton or dark fabrics because the colors are not bright on cotton and are barely visible on dark fabrics.
360 degree print on cotton
This is where 360 degree printing comes into play, which was developed specifically for cotton. This printing process, which Luna Socks played a key role in bringing to market, makes it possible to print vibrant and durable designs on cotton socks. The method is great for printing photos, making it the perfect technique for personalized socks like "Photo Socks" or "Dog in Socks".
The production of personalized socks using 360 degree printing is an extensive process that includes several steps:
-
Knit: First the socks are knitted. Knitting creates the shape and basic structure of the socks.
-
Toe seam: After knitting, the toe seam is sewn to form the toe of the sock.
-
Clamping (boarding): The socks are then stretched to give them their final shape and smooth out any wrinkles.
-
Soaking in absorbent gel: The socks are then dipped in an absorbent gel. This gel allows the cotton to absorb the printing inks better.
-
Drying in the dryer: The socks are then dried for an hour and a half to ensure they are completely dry before being printed.
-
Press: Now comes the exciting part: printing. The selected design, for example a dog's face, is printed directly onto the socks.
-
Turn socks inside out: After printing, the socks are turned inside out. This is an important step to protect the colors during washing.
-
Cold wash: The socks are then washed in cold water for 10 minutes. The cold water helps remove excess ink and sets the colors.
-
Wringing out: After washing, the socks are wrung out to remove as much water as possible.
-
Hot wash: The socks are then washed for one hour in 90°C water using special products to remove excess ink.
-
Cold wash again: The socks are washed again in cold water. This helps set the colors and remove excess chemicals.
-
Dry: Finally, the socks are dried and ready to wear!
Unlike sublimation, 360-degree printing allows for vibrant and durable designs on cotton socks that accept dark and light fabrics equally well. Cotton, compared to polyester, also offers greater breathability and comfort, making it an ideal choice for socks.
Luna Socks: Supplier of personalized cotton socks (360 degree printing)
Luna Socks has positioned itself as an outstanding young startup from Berlin that co-developed this advanced 360-degree printing technology and is now using it to create unique personalized cotton socks to produce. Thanks to their commitment to quality and sustainability, they only use Italian cotton and have their socks made by small family businesses in the EU. With their sustainable production process, they not only guarantee high quality socks, but also contribute to an ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry.
Why are personalized socks the perfect gift for pet lovers?
Personalized socks are unique and creative gifts that will make any pet lover's heart beat faster. They offer an opportunity to express love for pets in a new and fun way. With Luna Socks you can upload your favorite picture of your pet and have "face socks" or "dog socks" created. With this personalized gift, your pet will always be with you no matter where you go!
In addition, personalized socks are an expression of individuality and personality. They say something about the wearer and are a real eye-catcher. And thanks to the high quality of cotton and printing that Luna Socks offers, you can be sure that these socks will not only look great, but feel great too.
In conclusion, personalized socks are a charming and thoughtful gift for any pet lover. Whether you're having your own four-legged friend printed on the socks or looking for a gift for a dear friend, you can't go wrong with Luna Socks. They offer high quality personalized cotton socks made in the EU using advanced printing technology that allows for vibrant and long-lasting designs. Luna Socks brings together the joy of our four-legged friends and the love of fashion to create products that are both practical and personal. With Luna Socks you can literally carry your pet on your feet!
And don't forget: By supporting Luna Socks, you are also supporting a young and innovative startup that is committed to sustainability, quality and ethics in the fashion industry. Try it and let yourself be amazed by the quality and comfort of it personalized socks convince!
