At W.S. Emerson, we don’t just decorate apparel—we bring your brand to life. With an in-house team of dedicated experts, we ensure your custom apparel reflects your identity with precision, quality, and care. From creative consultation to the final stitch or press, our goal is to make your brand stand out—beautifully and consistently.
Consult & Design
Every successful project starts with a conversation. Our in-house design team partners with you to understand your brand, artwork, and intended use. We’ll walk you through fabric compatibility, ink and thread options, color matching, placement, and more. Whether you come to us with a polished logo or a sketch on a napkin, we’ll help turn your vision into production-ready artwork.
Choosing the Right Decoration Method for Your Apparel
W.S. Emerson offers a range of high-quality decoration techniques—each with its own strengths. Our team can help you determine which method best matches your garment type, artwork, quantity, and intended use. Here’s a closer look at the core decoration methods we offer:
Screenprinting
Best for: Large runs, bold graphics, high durability
Screen printing is one of the most popular methods for a reason—it’s reliable, vibrant, and built to last. Ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen onto the fabric, making it ideal for bold logos or multi-color designs. At W.S. Emerson, we use advanced screen reclaiming technology to deliver sharp prints with a reduced environmental footprint.
Embroidery
Best for: A polished, professional look; great for polos, hats, and jackets
Embroidery creates a textured, high-end finish by stitching your design directly into the fabric. It’s perfect for corporate apparel, uniforms, or items where longevity and a premium appearance matter. We offer a wide array of thread colors and customization options, all sewn with precision on our in-house equipment.
Laser Appliqué
Best for: High-end finishes, layered looks, and standout textures
Laser appliqué combines innovation and craftsmanship. We laser-cut materials like twill or felt and then stitch it to the garment for a rich, dimensional effect. This method is ideal for sweatshirts, athletic wear, or collegiate-style branding—where a tactile, eye-catching design can make all the difference.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Best for: Small runs, detailed artwork, full-color designs
DTG printing is perfect for intricate artwork, gradients, or full-color images. Like an inkjet printer for clothing, this method prints directly onto the fabric and offers fast turnaround for smaller quantities. It’s a great solution for on-demand apparel, limited editions, or complex graphics that would be difficult to achieve with traditional printing.
Patches
Best for: Elevated branding, versatile placement
Patches are a bold and stylish way to add branding to apparel and accessories. Whether you’re going for a classic embroidered patch, a modern silicone look, leatherette finishes, or even textured chenille, patches offer dimension and character that stand out. They’re ideal for hats, jackets, bags, and more, giving your brand a premium, retail-ready feel.
Woven Labels
Best for: Retail-ready pieces, elevated branding, subtle customization
Woven labels offer a premium way to brand your apparel beyond traditional decoration methods. These custom labels can be sewn into the neckline, hem, pocket or sleeve to showcase your logo or messaging with subtle sophistication.
Why In-House Matters
Because everything—from design to production—happens under our roof in Brewer, Maine, we can guarantee quality, consistency, and efficiency every step of the way. No hand-offs. No delays. Just seamless collaboration and reliable results.
- Speed: Faster turnarounds with fewer variables
- Control: Full visibility into every phase of production
- Flexibility: Mix-and-match methods, try something new, or pivot quickly
- Sustainability: Eco-conscious practices like water-based inks, screen reclaiming, and reduced waste
Let’s Create Something Great
Whether you’re outfitting a team, building brand awareness, or creating merchandise to sell, W.S. Emerson is ready to help you choose the perfect decoration method to match your goals. With our expert team, high-end equipment, and commitment to quality, your apparel will look as good as your brand deserves.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about your next project—your brand deserves nothing less than the best.
A professional and personalized touch that makes any design stand out.