A Smart Move: A Guide for Apparel Businesses Diversifying with Wide Format Printing
The apparel industry is evolving… fast. With growing demand for customisation, branding, and quick turnaround times, many UK-based garment decorators are exploring new ways to grow their business. One of the most powerful (and profitable) routes? Diversifying into wide format printing.
Whether you’re running DTG, DTF, or embroidery setups, introducing a wide format printer into your business can unlock new revenue streams, attract B2B clients, and reduce reliance on third-party print providers.
Here’s what you need to know before you get started.
Why Apparel Businesses Are Turning to Wide Format Printing
When you already have a reliable production process for garments, expanding into signage, promotional displays, vehicle graphics, and heat transfers may seem like a leap, but it’s a natural one.
With the right equipment, you can offer:
Branded signage for your corporate apparel clients
Event banners and POS displays for retail customers
Wall graphics, floor decals, window vinyls, and more
Custom packaging, stickers, and wraparound labels
These products not only complement your core offering, they also increase client spend and stickiness.
Choosing the Right Wide Format Printer
There’s no shortage of options in the wide format printer UK market, but if you’re coming from the apparel space, it’s important to prioritise flexibility, ease of use, and long-term support.
One of the most versatile and cost-effective options? The eco solvent printer.
What is an Eco Solvent Printer?
Eco solvent printers use low-odour, environmentally friendly inks that bond beautifully with coated media such as vinyl, PVC, and PET. They’re ideal for producing outdoor-ready signage, detailed graphics, and vibrant prints, perfect for the apparel market’s high-design standards.
Unlike UV printers (which cure ink instantly), eco solvent printers typically require drying time or lamination—but they deliver outstanding colour saturation and are particularly well suited to:
Vinyl cut-and-press transfers
Stickers and decals
Posters and banners
Window graphics
Packaging labels
Meet the ThunderJet AQ1602S: Built for Growing Businesses
At YES Group, one of our most recommended models for apparel clients is the ThunderJet AQ1602S. This dual-head eco solvent printer is fast, affordable, and reliable, making it a great fit for businesses adding wide format to their production lineup.
Key benefits include:
1.6m print width (great for roll-fed jobs)
Dual Epson printheads for speed and clarity
Integrated IR drying system
Variable droplet tech for sharp gradients
Cost-effective ink usage and low maintenance
If you’re ready to expand but don’t want to overinvest, it’s a smart first step into large-format printing.
How to Make It Work in Your Business
- Start by offering complementary services to your existing clients—like shop signage, window graphics, or display boards.
- Promote new services through existing email lists and social media.
Bundle signage and custom garment deals for corporate clients. - Take full advantage of your in-house setup—no more outsourcing banners and decals.
Get Expert Help from YES Group
We’ve helped hundreds of apparel businesses across the UK integrate wide format printing into their operations. Whether you’re considering an eco solvent printer or want to explore UV and hybrid options, we’ll help you choose the right model, install it, and get up and running—fast.
👉 Explore our wide format printers
👉 Book a one-to-one demo
Ready to future-proof your apparel business? Wide format is your next smart step.