News

SanMar Completes BELLA+CANVAS Acquisition; Canadian Decorators Watch Supply Chain
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 15, 2026 Toronto, July 15, 2026 — SanMar has completed its acquisition of BELLA+CANVAS, one of the largest premium blank-apparel suppliers in North America, the companies announced on June 29, 2026. The deal, first disclosed in May, makes SanMar the exclusive national wholesale distributor for BELLA+CANVAS while keeping the brand independent under Executive Vice President Megan Spire. For Canadian decorators, screen printers, and merchandise buyers, the acquisition is the biggest supplier consolidation in recent years. BELLA+CANVAS built its reputation on soft ring-spun cotton,... Read more...
The Secret to a Better Print? It Starts With the Tee
Allmade Blanks Drive Sharper Screen Prints, Decorators Report
A great design can only go so far if it is printed on the wrong blank. Smooth, premium tees produce sharper prints, less fibrillation, softer hand feel, and longer-lasting results. Read more...
DTF Overtakes Screen Printing for Small Custom Orders in 2026
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026 Toronto, July 5, 2026 — Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers have overtaken screen printing as the default method for small custom apparel orders at Canadian print shops this year, according to production data from Jons Spot and industry observations from regional decorators. The shift is most visible on orders under 24 pieces, where DTF's lack of setup costs and ability to print full-color, detailed artwork gives it a clear edge. Screen printing, however, remains the more cost-effective and durable choice at higher volumes. Screen... Read more...
One-Off Custom Apparel Orders Surge as Sampling Trend Grows
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026 Toronto, July 5, 2026 — One custom shirt is now a viable order at many Canadian print shops, as brands, creators, and teams use single-unit samples to test designs before committing to larger production runs. Jons Spot processed a double-digit increase in one-piece orders during the first half of 2026, driven by samples, prototypes, personalized gifts, replacement uniforms, and influencer mailers. Modern DTF and direct-to-garment workflows make single-unit production economical where screen printing setup costs once made it impractical. What changes at... Read more...
Canadian Teams Rush to Order Custom Uniforms Ahead of Fall Season
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026 Toronto, July 5, 2026 — Canadian sports teams are placing custom uniform orders earlier than usual this summer as suppliers report tighter availability ahead of the fall season, according to Jons Spot order data and feedback from team managers. The rush is most visible among hockey, soccer, and basketball programs ordering between June and August. Teams that submit complete rosters and artwork by early August are more likely to avoid back-order delays and last-minute decoration bottlenecks. Step 1: Pick your base garments... Read more...
Embroidery Outperforms Screen Printing on Premium Corporate Orders
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026 Toronto, July 5, 2026 — Embroidery has pulled ahead of screen printing as the preferred decoration method for premium corporate apparel in Canada, according to order data and decorator feedback from Jons Spot. Polo shirts, outerwear, and branded hats are increasingly ordered with embroidered logos because the finish looks more polished and survives years of washing. Screen printing remains the dominant method for large designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and event merchandise where cost-per-piece matters more than longevity. When to choose embroidery Best... Read more...
Decorators Shift to Premium Blanks for Better Screen Prints in 2026
By Jons Spot Editorial | Toronto, July 2026 Toronto, July 5, 2026 — Canadian screen printers are increasingly choosing premium blanks over budget options as brands and teams demand retail-quality decorated apparel, according to production trends tracked by Jons Spot. Ringspun cotton tees like the Gildan Softstyle and BELLA + CANVAS 3001 have become the default for designs that need a soft hand and clean print surface. Heavier blends and fashion-forward fits are also gaining share as end customers move away from boxy, promotional-grade shirts. Match the fabric to the... Read more...