Flex (vinyl) printing: names, numbers and logos on textile
Flex is a coloured film cut to the shape of your letters or logo, then heat-pressed onto the garment. Clean, opaque and very durable, it's the standard for names and numbers on kits and for text in one or two colours.
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Ideal for
- Names and numbers on club kits and jackets
- Text, slogans and logos in 1 or 2 colours
- Individual personalisation (one name per piece)
- Special effects: neon, reflective, glitter, metallic
Less suitable for
- Very detailed logos or those with gradients (prefer DTF)
- Large solid areas on very fine textiles ("plastic" effect)
Not sure about the technique? We advise you for free in the quote.
How it works in the workshop
The cut path
Your text or logo is vectorised for cutting.
The cut
A plotter cuts the flex film to the exact shape.
Weeding
The unnecessary parts of the film are removed by hand.
Pressing
The design is heat-pressed at the right temperature for the textile.
The principle in a diagram
- Cutting A plotter cuts the logo from a sheet of flex (textile vinyl) in the chosen colour.
- Weeding The flex around the design is removed by hand: only the logo remains on its transparent carrier.
- Heat pressing The logo is placed and then heat-pressed onto the garment, at the correct temperature for the textile.
- Removing the backing The transparent carrier is removed: the flex is bonded, clean and opaque.
In pictures: flex
Examples of branding with this technique, on items available in our catalogue.
Made in the workshopRed T-shirt, logo in white and black flex 
Made in the workshopWhite T-shirt, logo in black flex 
Made in the workshopGreen polo, logo in black flex
“Example of marking”: demonstration photo supplied by the product manufacturer, with a fictitious logo.
The top technique for sport
Because each design is cut individually, flex allows you to customise each item differently without extra setup cost: a name and number per player, a first name per employee, a role per volunteer. There are specific flex films for polyester sports shirts that move with the fabric and withstand washing.
To choose the right fonts for your kits, read our article which typography for names and numbers on kits.
Available finishes
- Matte or glossy: the classic look, in many colours.
- Fluorescent: to be seen, on event or sports wear.
- Reflective: safety for cyclists, runners and outdoor teams.
- Glitter and metallic: gold, silver, festive effects.
Flex or another technique?
| Your need | Recommended technique |
|---|---|
| Different names and numbers | Flex |
| Multicolour logo or photo | DTF |
| Premium logo on a polo | Embroidery |
| Large run of the same design | Screen printing |
The full comparison: flex (vinyl) printing or screen-print transfer?
Outfit the whole team
Send us the players list with sizes, names and numbers: we prepare each kit and return them sorted. See our page personalised sports kits.
Models ready to personalise
A selection from our catalogue, ready for your logo.
Anfield bib for adult & kid
from 3,46 € excl. VAT
Soccer socks
from 6,26 € excl. VAT
Ladies' short-sleeved sports T-shirt
from 4,51 € excl. VAT
Men's short-sleeved sports T-shirt
from 4,96 € excl. VATCompare textile techniques
The right technique depends on your design, the quantity and the material.
| Technique | Quantity | Colours | Finish | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | From 1 piece | Multiple thread colours | Raised, premium | Polo shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps |
| DTF printing | From 1 piece | Unlimited, gradients and photos | Soft, vivid colours | T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, jackets |
| Flex | From 1 piece | 1 to 2 colours | Smooth, opaque, effects | Jerseys, t-shirts, jackets |
| Screen printing | Medium to large runs | 1 to 4 solid colours | Soft, very durable | T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags |
| Transfer 1 colour | Small to medium runs | 1 colour | Fine, mat, flexible | Jackets, softshells, bags |
| Multicolour transfer | Medium to large runs | 2 to 4 colours | Sharp, faithful | Polos, jackets, sweatshirts |
| Patches | Small to large runs | Multiple thread colours | Raised, patch effect | Uniforms, jackets, bags |
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? See the full FAQ
Our other techniques
A logo, a quantity, a deadline?
Receive your detailed quote in 24 h, with the technique best suited to your project.
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