Digital Prints in Ethnic Wear: The OG of 'Go Digital'!

By Maliha Tabassum

Digital print is a recent phenomenon that started in the late 1990s. Before digital print in textiles became a trend, inkjet printers made their way to paper printing. The technology later grew, from paper to canvas to fabric. Digital printing is basically a process of printing images, designs, artwork, patterns — basically anything that one can imagine — from a computer directly onto the surface of paper, canvas, or fabric without a printing plate. With graphic-designing software, one can design any pattern or scan photographs or any piece of artwork digitally.

Now that we know the basics of digital print, let’s focus on digital print in textiles and understand how it has made the lives of millions so much more comfortable.

The journey of digital print in textiles

Textile printing has been in practice way before digital textile printing took over. Earlier, screen printing was in practice, which was done manually. It consists of a stencil through which ink gets transferred onto the printing surface. If one has to incorporate a different pattern or colour, different stencils are needed, one at a time. Though screen printing still exists, it would not be an understatement to say that digital textile print has overshadowed it.

The digital textile print has eliminated the use of stencils, and instead, ink goes directly onto the fabric through the printer, using inks and rollers. With the help of heating methods, they preserve the ink used. The time difference between the two is an essential factor that gives digital printing an upper hand over screen printing. It takes about 2–3 months for traditional screen printing to get ready, and additional months to reach markets. Digital textile print, on the contrary, takes much less time — some weeks — and no time to reach markets.

A digital-print lawn suit

The sky is the limit

Digital textile print can make use of numerous colours, patterns, and designs when it comes to creating a piece of clothing. Small designs or a seamless pattern across the fabric — you have got it all. One extraordinary advantage of digital print is that you can create the required design virtually, check if it’s working, and then start with it.

It opens up the window of experimentation, where you can play with colour combinations or patterns. If you have a design or pattern in mind, you can create an outline that would make everything extremely accessible. Keeping up with fashion trends quickly without wasting a second is how digital print has taken its place and established itself as the surprising hit it is today.

No compromise

Digital printing is best known for its detailing. The quality of products — print quality, colour combination and clarity — is preferable when compared to the traditional way of textile printing. You can use any fabric of your choice, with options for customised designing. Digital printers can be used on materials like cotton, silk, rayon, linen and polyester. Digital print, especially on light-coloured clothes, allows the design to reflect through beautifully.

Access to all

One of the reasons why digital print has secured a prominent place in people’s hearts is its price, which makes it accessible and affordable to people across all classes. The cost of production, when compared to traditional screen printing, is much lower. Even small-scale production is widely prevalent, which allows more people to work in this sector. New designers get an opportunity to showcase their talent that would not have been possible in traditional screen printing.

Fit for all occasions

Digital-printed suits, kurtas and sarees have got your back. Be it work, college or a party, digital prints never disappoint with their versatility. The vivid prints and colours give a statement to your outfit that makes you look edgy and chic. From a casual brunch with your girlfriends to a lunch event with your colleagues, digital prints will keep your style quotient high. The fact that less time is taken in the production of digital-print fabric makes sure that we remain aligned with the new trends that pop up every day in the fashion world.

Zero waste

Since digital textile printing is not dependent on quantity, no stockpiling of textiles happens and therefore, no waste. In traditional screen printing, the possibility of getting stocks of fabric or dresses rejected after coming into the market is high, but that is an unlikely case with digital textile printing. Production in smaller quantities makes products available in markets quicker when compared to traditional printing. In addition to this, it is environmentally friendly as well. The digital way of printing consumes less water and electricity compared to the conventional way of doing it. It does not get better than this.

So what are you waiting for? With digital prints hogging the markets, winning hearts and topping the game when it comes to blending traditional attire with a modern touch, these styles are like a breath of fresh air for your wardrobe. Find even more prints and fashionable wear on YourLibaas and shop till you drop.

Related read: 5 Spectacular Reasons and Tips for Buying Ethnic Wear Online