How to Heat Print Branded Gilets for Winter Workwear
How to Heat Print Branded Gilets for Winter Workwear
Unlike a jacket, a gilet provides an extra layer of insulation while leaving the arms unrestricted, making it a practical choice for teams working in changing temperatures.
From construction sites to warehouses and delivery teams, branded gilets offer businesses a way to keep staff comfortable while maintaining a professional, consistent appearance. For heat printers, they're also an opportunity to expand winter workwear orders beyond traditional uniforms. But with heat-sensitive fabrics, bulky seams and padded construction, how do you achieve a professional, long-lasting print without damaging the garment?
Here's what you need to know before putting a branded gilet under the heat press.
Who Might Order Branded Gilets?
Think about teams that move between indoor and outdoor work or need their arms free for physical tasks. Trades and construction companies may want an extra layer for changing conditions on site. Delivery and logistics teams move between vehicles, loading areas and buildings, while gardeners and grounds teams work outdoors throughout the day. Event crews and hospitality teams may also welcome a branded layer for cooler venues and outdoor shifts.
There's also potential for ongoing business. New starters, replacement uniforms and expanding teams can all generate repeat orders, particularly when you've established a reliable garment and decoration process.
For decorators already supplying branded workwear, introducing gilets doesn't necessarily mean finding new customers. It could simply mean offering existing clients another garment to add to their uniform range.
So, how can you make the most of these opportunities while ensuring every gilet is printed to a professional standard?
Choose the Right Heat Transfer
First, use a transfer suited to the fabric. For heat-sensitive gilets, UltraColour Pro applies at just 125°C, helping reduce the risk of scorching. This full-colour transfer combines digitally printed graphics with a screen-printed backing for fine detail, a clean edge and a semi-gloss finish. It also offers stretch and rebound, ideal for active workwear, with a hot peel that helps keep production moving.
For garments that need extra care, your heat press setup can make a difference too. A Power Platen heats the garment from below, allowing you to reduce the upper platen temperature. This minimises direct heat exposure to the outer fabric, helping reduce the risk of visible scorching while still delivering the heat needed for application.
Get Your Heat Press Setup Right
Next, give the design a flat surface for consistent application. For left-chest logos, a Hotronix Interchangeable Lower Platen is particularly useful, allowing you to isolate the print area while keeping zips, pockets and seams off the platen. Alternatively, place a Non-Stick Heat Press Pillow inside the gilet. Raised details can sink into the pillow, helping the transfer receive even pressure.
For added protection, use a Grip Flex Pad instead of standard release paper. This creates a protective layer between the upper platen and the garment during application. As the pad is thicker than standard release paper, reduce your pressure and increase the temperature slightly by 5–7°C. Always test your application settings before starting production.
Watch for Dye Migration
Another challenge to watch out for is dye migration, particularly when printing dark or heavily dyed polyester gilets. During heat application, dyes from the fabric can migrate into the transfer, causing discolouration that may not become visible until hours or even days after printing.
To avoid this, consider our UltraColour Pro Subli Blocker Transfers. Featuring a specialist barrier layer, these transfers are designed to help prevent dye migration from sublimated fabrics, keeping your designs vibrant and colours accurate.
As always, check garment compatibility and test your application before committing to a larger production run.
Make Gilets Part of Your Winter Offering
Adding branded gilets to your winter workwear range creates opportunities beyond a one-off order. Once you've established the right garment, transfer and application process, you can confidently fulfil repeat orders while maintaining a consistent, professional finish.
It's also an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, showing customers that even challenging outerwear can be decorated to a high standard with the right approach.
At Stahls', we can help you choose the right heat transfers, equipment and application accessories for your workwear projects. Get in touch with our team to find the right solution for your next branded gilet order.
