Creation Guide

Clothing design can be very different from other forms of media. We encourage you to take the time to review the following tips and tricks.

LOGOS, GRAPHICS AND IMAGES

All logos and illustrations must be in vector format (Illustrator .ai or .eps). A vector graphic retains its clarity when scaled to different sizes.

Non-vector graphics, known as raster images, do not retain clarity when scaled and become pixelated or blurry.

It is important to note that images placed in Adobe Illustrator and then saved as an .ai or .eps file are still raster images. To be vector, images and logos must have been traced in Adobe Illustrator.

USING RASTER IMAGES (PIXELS)

If you need to use pixel images in your design, they must have a minimum of 250 pixels per inch (ppi) at the actual size of the jersey (approximately 7,000 pixels wide across the chest).

They should also be saved on a transparent background in .psd, .png, .ai, or .eps format. Raster images saved as .tif, .gif, .jpeg, or .psd will still need to be printed on a white background.

USING LOGOS

Logos may be used on your clothing as long as you have written permission from their owners.

Apogee logos will appear on your clothing in the locations shown in the clothing design templates. For uniformity, it is not possible to move, shrink, or completely remove the Apogee logos present on our clothing.

FONTS

Make sure to convert all your text to outlines in Illustrator or include your font files. Otherwise, your fonts will not display correctly and your logos will look different.

COLORS

Colors are slightly different on fabric than on paper. Even Pantone® colors may not print identically depending on the medium on which they are printed. This is due to the thickness of the fabric, its original shade, as well as several other factors. This is why we use color charts printed on fabric to confirm your color choices.

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR CLOTHING

  1. Cycling bibs and shorts feature pieces of nylon fabric dyed in black, blue, red, or grey. These fabrics are more resistant and opaque. Sublimated (printed) colors cannot be as dark and opaque, which is why we advise against having a panel completely the same color as the inner thighs, as there will be a color difference.
  2. A design with a lot of white will obviously be less opaque. Keep sensitive areas in mind and avoid leaving them completely white.
  3. Gradients with red become pinker when pale and browner when dark.
  4. Very pronounced gradients can create visible color lines.
  5. All-black clothing can attract more heat in certain climates. Avoid areas such as the shoulders and upper back, which are more exposed to the sun.
  6. Small logos or text crossing seams (such as the front of jerseys, for example) require meticulous alignment when the garment is sewn. It is better to enlarge the graphic or avoid having it cross a seam to prevent potential misalignment.
  7. Dark logos on dark backgrounds (such as black, navy blue, grey, red) do not have good visibility. Make sure to choose the correct logo version based on the background on which it is placed.
  8. Avoid making logos too large. The larger they are, the more they will be in non-visible areas (for example, a large logo on sleeves will go under the arms).