Factor 3
What is
the level of
fibrillation?
F
ibrillation, which is when the fibers of a shirt stick through the
applied ink, can be one of the biggest challenges with any type
of garment printing. This is because thinner inks that result in
a softer print make it easier for the fibers to stick through.
Combed yarn, either ring-spun
or vortex, has the least amount
of fibrillation.
"While fibrillation can occur in an
unprinted fabric, ideally when inks
are applied, they effectively flatten
down individual fibers and hold them
to the surface of the shirt," according
to Garry Bell, Vice President of
Corporate Marketing, for Gildan.
"Unfortunately, upon physical
manipulation of the garments
(shirts rubbing against each other
in the washing machine), the inks
that were holding down these fibers
are removed, and the fibers stick
up through the print."
These fibers can cause the
appearance of a newly printed shirt to
look worn and to diminish the vibrancy
of the color. The quality and type of
shirt chosen will determine to what
degree, if at all, this problem appears.
One way manufacturers reduce
fibrillation is with an enzyme wash.
However, this process can cause
the garment to wear out faster
than normal.
