A silicone print guide helps activewear brands understand why this flexible decoration method suits stretch fabric branding. Specifically, silicone print uses a flexible, rubbery material that stretches alongside the fabric. Furthermore, this makes it a common choice for leggings, sports bras, and fitted activewear.
Last updated: July 2026. Ready One has been manufacturing custom apparel in Sialkot, Pakistan since 2012 — over 14 years of production experience serving 1,000+ brands across 40+ countries. Furthermore, the factory holds ISO 9001, BSCI, SEDEX, GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and WRAP certification, operates a 25,000 sq ft facility with 150 skilled workers, and produces 100,000–150,000 units per month. MOQ starts at 50 units with DDP shipping worldwide.
What Is Silicone Print?
Silicone print uses a flexible silicone-based material applied to fabric, either printed or transferred. Specifically, this material remains soft and pliable once cured. Furthermore, this flexibility allows the printed design to stretch with the underlying fabric. Consequently, silicone print avoids the cracking that rigid ink can develop on stretch fabric.
How Is Silicone Print Applied?
Silicone print can be applied through screen printing or as a pre-cut heat transfer. Specifically, the screen printing method pushes silicone-based ink through a stencil like standard screen print. Furthermore, the transfer method applies a pre-formed silicone shape using heat and pressure. Consequently, method choice depends on design complexity and production volume.
Curing silicone print requires precise temperature control. Specifically, under-curing can leave the material soft and prone to peeling. Moreover, over-curing can affect the material’s flexibility and feel. In addition, this is why curing conditions are tightly controlled during production.
Why Is Silicone Print Used on Activewear?
Activewear fabric stretches significantly during normal use, unlike casual apparel. Specifically, rigid ink can crack or peel under this repeated stretching. Furthermore, silicone print flexes with the fabric without losing adhesion. Consequently, this makes it a preferred choice within Ready One’s activewear manufacturing.
What Garments Commonly Use Silicone Print?
Leggings, sports bras, and fitted performance tops commonly use silicone print branding. Specifically, this is typically applied as a small logo rather than a large design area. Furthermore, this also overlaps with Ready One’s compression wear manufacturing. Consequently, silicone print suits any garment prioritising high stretch and close fit.
How Does Silicone Print Compare to Standard Screen Printing?
Standard screen printing ink can crack on high-stretch fabric over time. Specifically, this differs from the flexible, crack-resistant finish covered in Ready One’s screen printing guide. Furthermore, silicone print costs more per unit than standard flat ink. Consequently, brands typically reserve silicone print for stretch-critical garment areas.
Can Silicone Print Be Used on Non-Stretch Fabric?
Yes, silicone print can be used on non-stretch fabric, though its flexibility benefit is less relevant there. Specifically, some brands still choose it for the distinct raised, rubbery texture alone. Furthermore, standard screen printing is usually more cost-effective for non-stretch applications. Consequently, silicone print is most commonly reserved for stretch fabric use cases.
What Design Elements Suit Silicone Print Best?
Silicone print works best for small logos, brand marks, and simple text elements. Specifically, this is due to both cost and the technique’s typical application method. Furthermore, larger design areas are less commonly executed in silicone due to cost and flexibility limits. Consequently, brands typically combine a silicone logo with sublimation printing for larger design areas.
Does Silicone Print Colour Match Brand Guidelines Accurately?
Yes, silicone print colour is matched against Pantone references before bulk production. Specifically, this follows the same colour-matching standard used across Ready One’s product development process. Furthermore, a sample is approved before the full order proceeds. Consequently, brands confirm exact colour accuracy before committing to bulk volume.
Does Silicone Print Work on Both Light and Dark Fabric?
Yes, silicone print can be formulated in a range of colours for both light and dark fabric. Specifically, opacity is confirmed during sampling to ensure consistent colour on any base fabric. Furthermore, this differs slightly from some ink-based techniques requiring an extra underbase step. Consequently, silicone print offers reliable coverage across most fabric colour choices.
Is Silicone Print More Expensive Than Embroidery?
Cost varies depending on design size and complexity for both techniques. Specifically, small logo-sized silicone prints are often comparable in cost to embroidery. Furthermore, this comparison is confirmed at quote stage alongside Ready One’s embroidery services. Consequently, brands can compare both options directly before choosing a decoration method.
How Does Ready One Test Silicone Print Durability?
Silicone print adhesion and flexibility are tested during Ready One’s garment testing process. Specifically, this includes stretch-recovery testing alongside standard wash testing. Furthermore, this matters more for silicone print than for flat prints on non-stretch fabric. Consequently, brands receive silicone-printed activewear tested for its specific use conditions.
Can Silicone Print Be Layered for Multi-Colour Logos?
Yes, multi-colour silicone print logos are achieved by layering separate silicone applications. Specifically, each colour layer is cured before the next is applied. Furthermore, this adds production time compared to a single-colour silicone application. Consequently, brands should confirm colour count early when planning a silicone print design.
Does Silicone Print Require Special Care Instructions?
Silicone print generally withstands standard machine washing without special care. Specifically, high heat drying should be avoided to preserve the material’s flexibility long-term. Furthermore, care label instructions are confirmed and printed as part of the standard order. Consequently, brands provide accurate care guidance alongside the finished garment.
How Long Does Silicone Print Add to Production Timelines?
Silicone print typically adds 3–5 days to standard production timelines. Specifically, this covers screen or transfer preparation and controlled curing. Furthermore, this is included within Ready One’s standard 30–45 day production window. Consequently, brands receive one combined timeline covering both garment and print production.
Performance apparel trend research from McKinsey notes growing consumer demand for durable, flexible branding on activewear products. Furthermore, this supports silicone print’s continued relevance in the activewear category.
Brands can request layered logo samples before confirming a multi-colour silicone design. Consequently, colour separation and registration are verified ahead of bulk production.
Ready to Order Silicone Printed Activewear?
Silicone print for stretch fabric branding is available for activewear and compression wear from 50 units per style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is silicone print?
Silicone print applies a flexible silicone-based ink or transfer to fabric. Furthermore, this material stretches with the fabric without cracking. Consequently, silicone print is a common choice for activewear and stretch fabric branding.
Why is silicone print used on activewear?
Silicone print retains its shape and adhesion under repeated stretching. Furthermore, this makes it more durable than standard ink on stretch fabrics like leggings. Consequently, activewear brands use silicone print for logos on fitted, stretch-heavy garments.
Does silicone print feel different from screen print?
Yes, silicone print typically has a slightly raised, rubbery texture. Furthermore, this differs from the flatter finish of standard screen print ink. Specifically, this texture is part of what gives silicone print its flexibility. Consequently, brands should expect a distinct tactile finish compared to flat printing.
Does Ready One offer silicone print?
Yes, Ready One offers silicone print for activewear and stretch fabric branding. Furthermore, this is available from 50 units per style. Specifically, brands can view related product options on the custom activewear manufacturer page. Consequently, brands can order silicone-printed activewear alongside other fabric options.