Phone: 508-858-5269
Fax: 508-999-5493
Customer Service
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Industry Information and Resources
SIZE CHARTS
1.  Size Chart for Misc. Clothing
2. Charles River Equivalence Chart
3. Size Chart for Port Authority
4.  Size Chart for Red House
5. Sizing for Every Body
6.  Finding Your Perfect Garment Size
APPAREL GLOSSARY
1. Apparel Glossary
2. Glossary Of Terms
3. Icons
ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Why buy eco-friendly products?
People are becoming increasingly committed to sustainable living and its importance to our planet's future.
Companies and consumers alike are monitoring their carbon footprint.
Consumers appreciate brands that are eco-conscious
                 
(Info from Norwood Promotional Products Inc.)
Organic vs. Recycled Fabrics
ORGANIC:   Conventional cotton is the most pesticide-intensive crop in the world.  In contrast, organic cotton uses no pesticides-and employs good land stewardship practices that reduce erosion, revitalize soil and conserve water.  Plus, using non-toxic dyes prevents pollution, too.
RECYCLED: Recycling helps the planet in a couple of ways.  First, it conserves the resources that would have been used to create new products.  Second, it puts to good use materials that would otherwise have gone to waste, like plastic water bottles and fabric scraps.
                   
(Info from NES Clothing Inc.)
IMPRINT METHODS
SCREEN PRINTING is an imprinting method in which ink is forced through a screen to transfer an image onto a garment, like t T-shirt (although other items, like plastic and glassware, can be screen printed as well).  This method produces very vivid colors, and special inks can be used to add texture and depth to the design.  Be forewarned, however:  Multiple colors require multiple screens, which incur additional charges.  In addition, some textiles, including nylon, cannot handle multi-color layering.

EMBROIDERY is the use of thread or yarn, applied with a sewing needle, to create an image or lettering.  It s a very durable option, and won't wear off like screen or digital printing might.  And it creates a classy, upscale look.  One thing to keep in mind is that logo production won' t be 100% accurate with embroidery - it cannot reproduce sharp edges, for example.  Another downside is that embroidery is a more expensive option per piece, partly because of greater set-up and digitizing costs up front.

DIGITAL PRINTING is a four-color decoration process that uses an ink cartridge and prints like a desktop printer.  This method produces photo realistic images and doesn't use screens, so there are no extra charges for additional colors; however, the process is slower than screen printing, and the colors aren't as vibrant.

APPLIQUE
is a piece of fabric or material with glue or pressure-sensitive backing that s attached to a garment with either a zigzag or satin stitch.  This is a great option if you re looking to create logos with depth and multiple colors.  Not so great if you re working with stretchy materials.

HEAT TRANSFER is a term for various decorative looks that are attached to transfer paper and adhered to an item by a heat press.  This is a much quicker process than embroidery, but it can't work on certain fabrics, such as polar fleece.  It's most commonly used on T-shirts, polos, and bags.

SUBLIMATION is a printing process by which an image is transferrred from paper to a polyester or acrylic surface using special heat-sensitive ink.  When placed under pressure and high temperature, the ink turns from a solid to a gas, bonding with substrate.  Think of cyclists  colorful competition jerseys and you've got a good picture of the vibrant results that can be achieved.  One benefit of this process is it doesn't wash off of apparel.  So if you' re looking for a very intricate, large permanent design on a T-shirt, go for sublimation.
LASER ETCHING is the use of a laser to burn the surface level of a garment for a tonal imprint.  ("Tonal" means that the tone of the imprint is the same as the tone of the rest of the garment.)  Ever see a T-shirt that looks like it s been embossed?  It s likely been laser etched.  While the method produces intricate detailing and fonts less than half an inch high, it is not suitable for all fabrics; for instance, the imprint is not as noticeable on dark fabrics.

ENGRAVING is to cut an image into metal, wood or glass by one of three methods:  computerized engraving, hand tracing or hand engraving.  Have an award or trophy in you office? It's likely been engraved.  While this process creates a 3-D, breathtaking look, no colors can be used, and set-up fees can be pricey.

EMBOSSING AND DEBOSSING are the processes of raising (or depressing, in the case of debossing) of an image on a product, accomplished by pressing the material between concave and convex dies.  A handy reminder to remember the difference between the two is to think Debossing equals Depression.  The E in Embossing equals Elevate.  These processes can provide beautiful results on items like leather, vinyl and paper.  One drawback:  Fine detail is difficult to achieve.

PAD PRINTING is a method of imprinting in which your image is rendered onto a rubber pad template, similar to a rubber stamp.  This process can be accomplished on virtually an surface, including ceramic, glass and leather, and color matching is possible. Ever seen a gold ball customized with a logo?  This was likely accomplished via pad printing.  The drawbacks:  Pad printing is typically used for smaller imprint areas (usually less than 100 square inches is recommended), and multiple color printing isn't always possible. One more con:  Pad printing can't be used on greasy or non-stick surfaces, such as silicone.
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I'll definitely be calling you again for Amnesty this year and also possibly for my AP classes.  Thank you for the great service and quick delivery.
Ben Kahrl  Dartmouth High School