The Apparel Zone Was on Fire: PRINTING United 2025 Sets a New Standard for Decorators
Written by Cassie Green and Allee Bruce
From cutting-edge DTF equipment and AI-driven solutions to nostalgic blanks and sustainability trends, PRINTING United Expo 2025 ignited the apparel decorating world. Thousands of decorators packed the Apparel Zone to connect, learn, and power up for what’s next.
The 2025 PRINTING United Expo was one for the record books, literally. This year’s show welcomed over 30,000 registered attendees from 104 countries, featuring 838 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in printing technology, materials, and workflow solutions. The numbers reflect an industry that engages with what’s next, that addresses every challenge tariffs have to offer, and that’s prepared to do whatever it takes to be successful.
For apparel decorators, 2025 may have been a rough year, but the Expo proves they won’t give up. From asking questions about new technology on the show floor, to peppering educational speakers with questions, the apparel community came prepared. Here’s just a glimpse at what the show had to offer.
DTF Dominates, AI Inspires, and Decorators Dig In
Topping the list of things to see at a trade show is equipment. Some, like American Print and Supply, showcased new direct-to-film (DTF) technology. Others like DuPont highlighted inks and accessories. Still more such as FDM4 showcased software platforms.
DTF printing was everywhere on the show floor. American Print and Supply debuted its newest piece of equipment, the Sentinel, in the Apparel Zone. The machine is a completely vision-based laser cutting system designed specifically for DTF transfers. The overhead camera scans printed rolls in real time, no DXF or CAD overlay files needed, the company shares.
We also saw companies like M&R, Hirsch Solutions, Lawson Screen & Digital Products, and many others highlighting the technology. Alongside its DTF printer was M&R’s new QUATRO Cutter X, featuring a cut width of 12-24".
To complement these printers, plenty of DTF transfers and other accessories could be found from companies such as STAHLS’ and Ninja Transfers. DuPont featured its complete DTF printing solution, which includes Artistri P1600 DTF pigment inks and DTF-120 transfer film, plus a new component: Jettable Adhesive. DuPont notes that this new technology can eliminate the need for TPU powder and provides inline adhesive application.
Slideshow (all images credit PRINTING United Expo):
Hirsch Solutions showcased a variety of technologies at PRINTING United Expo, including DTF and embroidery.
DCC Group brought its CopperheadMatrix Di 4.0 auto screen press.
STAHLS' was awarded the most interactive booth experience at the Expo.
American Print and Supply unveiled the Sentinel DTF printing machine in the Apparel Zone.
Alongside its DTF printer was M&R’s new QUATRO Cutter X, featuring a cut width of 12-24".
Attendees could interact with the ROQ IMPRESS at the company's booth.
Though DTF printing may be the new kid on the block, apparel decorators found so much more on the show floor. Of note was the emphasis on complementary technologies from many exhibitors.
Kornit Digital spotlighted digital printing, specifically direct-to-garment (DTG), and automation with an emphasis on on-demand solutions. With apparel decorating businesses facing labor, economic, and demand challenges, digital printing continues to be a welcomed technology helping decorators navigate customer needs.
“It’s not that our aspiration is to replace all of screen,” Ilan Elad, president of Kornit Digital Americas, said during Media Day. Instead, it hopes to tackle those mid-size runs and fill in the gaps where screen printing might not make sense.
DTG printed T-shirts on display in the Kornit booth.
On display at the ROQ booth, attendees could interact with the ROQ IMPRESS with configuration options of two to four heat presses on a 6- or 8-platen system.
And whoever said screen printing and embroidery are dead should have taken a quick walk around the apparel area of the Expo floor. Melco, Hirsch, and Ricoma were all-hands-on-deck running embroidery machines from start to finish, with attendees constantly evaluating where this equipment fits into their business model.
One company representing screen printing equipment was DCC group, who brought its massive automatic CopperheadMatrix Di 4.0 screen press alongside its NeoFlex DTF system, NeoChroma sublimation system, Copperhead ProMini, and Copperhead Charge dryer.
If we’re going to talk technology, then we can’t ignore AI. It was everywhere on the show floor this year, with a special section dedicated to the topic right at the heart of the action. The AI Pavilion was packed, with each presentation drawing overflowing crowds eager to learn more about what the experts in the field had to say.
From Heavyweights to ‘90s Nostalgia
The blanks companies cemented their presence at this year’s Expo by showcasing the latest and greatest trends and styles.
Everywhere attendees looked, they saw heavyweight. This trend continues to hold strong, with many companies offering a variety of styles, cuts, and colors with that warm, comfortable feel.
Apparel blanks suppliers all showcased some interesting twists on these comfort classics. On display in the Apparel Zone courtesy of sponsor SanMar were some fun tie-dye garments featuring a softer play on the color trend.
Slideshow (all images credit PRINTING United Expo):
SanMar showcased several blank styles onsite, including heavyweight T-shirts, safety apparel, and more.
Companies such as US Standard Apparel put the spotlight on USA-made and near-shoring apparel options.
For those decorators looking for sustainable options, Stanley/Stella provided several choices.
Leaning into trends like '90s nostalgia, attendees could find crop tops and heavyweights in the BELLA+CANVAS booth.
Lane Seven embraced the trend of comfort with its selection of cozy and eco-friendly styles.
Another trend that continues to hold strong is ‘90s nostalgia. Boxy, oversized T-shirts were front and center in the US Standard Apparel booth, but we also caught a glimpse of a few crop tops there as well. And speaking of crop tops, attendees visiting the BELLA+CANVAS booth had a healthy dose of the popular ‘90s silhouette.
Not to be outdone, headwear and other accessories also had their place on the floor. Spotted in several booths were bold, beautiful headwear colors as well as muted neutrals, giving people options. But it’s also the decorating methods that caught our eye. Dimensional textures such as leather and embroidered appliqués continue to be a go-to with these accessories, as evidenced by the OTTO International booth.
One theme we saw over and over again in the blanks space was sustainability and near and on-shore options. Companies like Lane Seven along with several others showcased sustainable styles. On display in the Stanley/Stella booth were just a few new styles, including the Creator 2.0 and Cruiser 2.0.
Decorators Level Up in the Apparel Zone
Back by popular demand, the Apparel Zone was packed with fully-engaged attendees. Kicking things off on day one was a presentation from Hirsch Solutions on achieving high-quality DTF prints, which brought an overflowing attendance right out of the gate. From there, the crowds just kept coming.
Building on business model and equipment trends discussions, STAHLS’ presented each day in the Theatre, discussing everything from on-demand printing to trends to look out for going into 2026.
Speaking of on-demand, Melco took on the topic of embroidery on-demand. Not typically associated with this business model, the session revealed how to optimize embroidery workflow and leverage automation to turn chaos into consistency.
When it came to apparel education, SanMar and BELLA+CANVAS took the spotlight. On day one, SanMar brought together apparel industry leaders to explore how decorators can succeed in this current climate, how to build a strong company culture, and more. BELLA+CANVAS brought technology and blanks together, educating attendees on how fabric composition and design impact the technologies decorators choose to embellish them with.
On the software side, Inktavo and Chipply dove into all-things e-commerce. Taking the stage on day one, Inktavo explored the “Amazon effect” of speed, convenience, and shopping transparency that today’s consumers expect. Chipply also focused on the better shopping experience, educating those in the audience on how to build better web stores.
Missed the Expo?
Don’t worry — you can still catch the Apparel Zone action.
Make sure you’re subscribed to Apparelist because we will release a video recording of each session in the months following the 2025 Expo.
In between sessions, attendees found themselves engaging with Apparel Zone sponsors. Designed to be a hands-on learning environment, the sponsors taught attendees how to operate different equipment, what blanks were best for the various printing technologies, and how decorators can elevate their offerings. Special thanks to the Zone sponsors:
Winner of Decoration Disasters Contest
Record Attendance and a New Alliance Board Shape What’s Next
There was plenty of news that dropped over the course of the three-day show (four if you count the award-winning Media Day). As to be expected, several big companies unveiled new equipment and technologies, some during the Media Day presentations, others throughout the day on the floor.
There were two other big announcements made. First, the PRINTING United Alliance 2025-2026 Board of Directors was announced. Under the leadership of Alliance Chair Lane Hickey-Wiggins, president and CEO, Douglass Screen Printers Inc. dba DPRINT; and First Vice Chair Brian Hite, co-founder, Image Options, the Alliance’s Board represents every segment of the printing industry. Together, they will guide the organization’s mission to support, advocate for, and advance the printing community under one unified roof.
2025-2026 Officers:
- Lane Hickey-Wiggins, Douglass Screen Printers Inc. dba DPRINT – Chair
- Brian Hite, Image Options – First Vice Chair
- Roger Chamberlain, The Cincinnati Insurance Company – Second Vice Chair
- Brian Adam, Olympus Group – Treasurer
- Elaine Scrima, GSP – Secretary
- Scott Schinlever, EFI – Associate Vice Chair
- Brooke Hamilton, NPI Nameplates Inc. – Immediate Past Chair
- Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance
Newly-Elected Directors Joining the 2025 Board:
- Deb Hutcheson, Agfa
- Ken VanHorn, Mimaki
- Mike Herold, EMT International
- Pramit Sen, CCL Healthcare
- Dan Crownover, Texas Nameplate Co.
- Eric Blohm, Freedom Graphic Systems
- Jed Seifert, Stakes Manufacturing
- Betsy Davis, Sandy Alexander
Continuing 2025-2026 Directors:
- Jaime Herand, Orbus Exhibit and Display Group
- Eric Kahle, Visual Marking Systems
- Michael Magerl, Trabon Group
- Mark Bailey, SanMar Corporation
- Timothy Saur, Durst Image Technology US LLC (Durst US)
The second major announcement made at the Expo is the record-breaking attendance. This year’s show welcomed over 30,000 registered attendees from 104 countries, featuring 838 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in printing technology, materials, and workflow solutions. The event spanned a million square feet of exhibit space sold — buzzing with innovation and excitement from start to finish.