Historically, rotary and screen printing have been the go-to methods for producing high-quality, cost-effective patterned textiles. But with rapid advances in technology, the textile printing industry is entering a new era.
Digital textile printing (DTP) is bringing greater flexibility, speed, and creative possibilities, making it an increasingly appealing choice for brands in fashion, interiors, and sportswear. It’s poised to play a major role in the future of printed fabric production, but how does it measure up to traditional printing methods?
Below we’ll explore how digital printing is reshaping the textile industry, where it still falls short compared to traditional techniques, and why the right method ultimately depends on your goals as a designer or brand.
Why Digital Textile Printing Is Changing The Industry
New technological advances are changing the textile printing game for many reasons, popularising digital textile printing within the fashion and home decor industries. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why brands are turning to digital textile printing for their patterns:
● New technologies are producing higher quality patterns and brighter colours on a wider variety of fabrics, allowing for greater versatility and more customisation options in textile print designs.
● DTP is now able to produce patterns on both sides of the fabric, eliminating the need for linings.
● Digital printers are smaller than conventional rotary and screen machinery, making the printing process more accessible for brands who don’t have the capacity for massive equipment.
● As the technology becomes more widespread, the overall cost of digital textile printing has lowered.
● The DTP process is faster than conventional methods, as it doesn’t require as many different screens or colour plates.
● DTP can often be more sustainable than other methods thanks to eco-friendly inks and reduced levels of water usage.
Recent market reports from Fortune Business Insights project that the DTP market is expected to grow from $159.1 million in 2021 to $311.7 million by 2028 —a massive shift within the industry.
As of now, China and the Asia-Pacific region are the leaders of the digital textile printing industry, contributing to almost 40% of the global DTP market with over 3200 digital printers installed across China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
Europe follows closely behind, making up around 35% of the market. Between Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, there are over 800 digital textile printing countries, who contributed to the almost 1.2 billion square meters of digitally printed textiles produced in 2023.
North America, the Middle East, and Africa are also catching on to digital textile printing, with over 1500 digital printing machines installed in the USA in 2023. In the Middle East and Africa, digital textile print production is now up 40% from 2021, cementing the technique’s global popularity.
What Digital Textile Printing Can’t Replace
It’s undeniable that digital textile printing is a major innovation. It offers cost-effectiveness, versatility, and accessibility, but it might not always be the best choice for brands looking for one-of-a-kind patterns and textures.
While digital textile patterns are increasing in quality, the process still comes with a few major limitations:
● A lack of texture and depth. As of now, digital prints can only be created on flat textiles.
● Inability to create specialist techniques. Certain techniques—such as devoré, raised effects, overprinting, and other mixed patterns—cannot be achieved digitally, limiting brands to a singular form of pattern.
Digital textile printing is an excellent choice for brands seeking efficiency, but it’s not necessarily the way to go if you’re looking for a textile pattern that’s truly unique.
The Coexistence Of Technology & Craft
The digital textile printing industry will undoubtedly grow as technologies continue to advance. But we’re certain there will always be a place for traditional methods in the textile printing industry as a whole—just like there’s still a place for hand-sewn couture garments and artisanal pottery in the fashion and home decor industries.
The unique craftsmanship opportunities that traditional printing methods offer are essential for innovation in design and artistry. As much as quality may improve in digital textile prints, it will never compete with a hand-painted or layered pattern. The depth and attention-to-detail will always provide one-of-a-kind results that stand out in a marketplace filled with mass-produced pieces.
Why Tradition Still Matters — CocoBloom’s Role
At CocoBloom, we constantly strive to find the balance between tradition and innovation. We stay on top of industry trends and technological advancements, but we’re also committed to upholding traditional processes that stand the test of time.
From hand-painting bespoke textile patterns to creating devorés that can only be created by screen, we’re dedicated to the artistry of traditional printing methods. We don’t just create mass lengths of printed textiles; we produce original artwork and samples that can’t be found anywhere else.
By staying true to these tactile, hands-on processes, we’re able to offer textile prints that are truly unique and irreplaceable in an increasingly digital-first world.
If you’re a fashion or interior design brand that values quality and originality, don’t hesitate to reach out to our studio. We’d love to help your next collection stand out with our bespoke textile prints.