Guides
Brand colours on team clothing – how to get them right
In short
Applying corporate design colours to textiles requires understanding that screen colours (RGB) and print colours (CMYK, or on fabric) differ from each other. An exact colour match is technically difficult on textiles. Pantone colour codes are the best reference for clean colour matching.
RGB, CMYK and why colours look different on fabric
Screens show colours in the RGB model by mixing light. Printers and textile printers work with CMYK or other inks, which create colours through absorption. The same colour looks different on screen than printed – and different again on fabric than on paper, because fabric reflects light differently than smooth print surfaces. Dark fabrics shift all colours towards dark, while light fabrics make colours look brighter.
Pantone as a common language
Pantone is a globally recognised colour system that assigns fixed values to colour numbers. If you give your graphic designer, agency or print shop a Pantone colour code, all sides have the same reference. This reduces misunderstandings and makes deviations easier to trace. If your corporate design includes a Pantone code, state it when you enquire.
What is realistically possible on textiles
On light fabrics, strong CMYK print colours can be reproduced well. On dark fabrics, a base layer is needed to shield the colours – this slightly affects the shade. Very specific brand colours such as signal red, certain blues or neon colours can deviate slightly on textiles. A colour approval from a sample is possible if an exact match is important.
Tips for choosing colours well
For team clothing, choose textile colours that come close to your brand colours – many textile manufacturers offer a wide colour palette to choose from. A dark brand colour can often be approximated well by a dark navy or anthracite garment. The print area itself can reproduce your logo colours faithfully on light or white areas. In your enquiry you can state colour wishes and Pantone codes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an exact Pantone colour printed on textiles?
Exact Pantone colours require spot colours in screen printing or embroidery thread colours that match the Pantone shade. With digital printing and DTF, the colour is mixed from CMYK inks, which can deviate slightly. Tell us your Pantone code, and we will clarify what is possible in your case.
What do I do if my logo is only defined as an RGB colour?
You can state the RGB value when you enquire. We convert it into the matching CMYK value and match the print colour to it as best we can. An exact match is not guaranteed, but we come as close to your brand colours as possible.
Can I get samples before production?
For larger orders or very specific colour requirements, a sample print is possible. Mention this in your enquiry. For standard orders, the proof is presented digitally for approval.
