Jacquard socks are made using pre-dyed yarns, meaning the color becomes an integral part of the sock during the knitting process. This technique ensures that the socks have stable color and pattern performance, are durable and washable, and are resistant to fading, with consistent colors inside and out. Jacquard socks typically have a strong texture and are suitable for mass production of classic and durable designs, although they are limited in color and pattern complexity.
Digitally printed socks are created using digital printing technology, directly printing patterns and designs onto the sock surface. This process uses high-precision inkjet printing equipment to transfer digital images directly onto the socks, making digitally printed socks highly competitive in the fashion and personalized product markets.
Production Capacity
- Jacquard Socks: The production of Jacquard socks relies on traditional knitting techniques, offering relatively stable output suitable for large-scale production. However, due to the complexity of the technique, color and design diversity is somewhat limited. Standard sock knitting machines can produce 150-200 pairs per 24 hours, depending on the sock’s style, pattern, and length.
- Digitally Printed Socks: With the advancement of digital printing technology, the production capacity of digitally printed socks has increased, supporting small-batch and diverse production needs with greater flexibility. UniPrint’s three models offer different outputs, with the entry-level UP-1100 single-arm sock printer producing 700-840 pairs per 24 hours, and the UP650MAX reaching 1500-1700 pairs per 24 hours.
Color Performance
- Jacquard Socks: Made with colored yarns, providing stable color performance but limited by the number and color of yarns. Standard knitting machines can use up to 5-6 yarn colors.
- Digitally Printed Socks: Utilizing advanced digital printing technology, CMYK four-color ink can achieve vibrant and diverse patterns and color combinations.
Color Fastness
- The color of Jacquard socks, being part of the yarn itself, shows good durability during washing and abrasion, resisting fading.
- Digitally printed socks, with patterns printed on the surface, may experience slight fading during washing and wear. However, current color fastness levels can reach grade 4 or higher. It is also recommended to avoid hot water and to wash socks inside out to prevent fading.
Inside and Outside Comparison
- Jacquard Socks: Colors are woven directly with yarn, resulting in consistent colors inside and out, with stable texture. Complex patterns may cause loose threads inside.
- Digitally Printed Socks: Typically printed on the outside, leaving the inside clean and neat, with no loose threads, providing a more comfortable wearing experience without catching on toes.
Customization Capability
- Jacquard Socks: Due to the involvement of yarn colors and knitting techniques, customization is challenging, suitable for more fixed designs. Sample production takes longer, and production requires hundreds or thousands of pieces per design.
- Digitally Printed Socks: Supports high customization, quickly responding to market demands, suitable for small-batch production and personalized designs. Samples can be made in minutes with no quantity restrictions, making orders of one design per pair no longer a hassle.
Mass Production
- Jacquard Socks: Suitable for large-scale, standardized mass production with relatively fixed production costs.
- Digitally Printed Socks: Flexibly handles small-batch, multi-style production needs, quickly adjusting production lines to meet market changes.
Conclusion
The comparison shows that Jacquard socks and digitally printed socks each have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on specific market needs and design requirements, the appropriate production method can be chosen to achieve optimal economic efficiency and market response.
Post time: Feb-05-2025
