GUIDE – NEW ZEALAND
Pantone colour matching for custom apparel.
How we get your brand colours right in ink and thread.
Quick answer
Give us Pantone C (coated) references for your brand colours. For screen printing we mix ink to match, and for embroidery we choose the closest thread colours. Garment colour, fabric and print method all affect the final result, so your free mockup confirms colours before production.
Why Pantone references matter
Screens show colours in RGB and every monitor displays them differently. A Pantone reference gives everyone the same fixed colour to work from, so your brand colours stay consistent from order to order.
Screen printing
Screen printing inks are mixed to your Pantone references. On coloured or dark garments, a white underbase is often printed first so the colour stays true rather than taking on the garment colour.
Embroidery
Embroidery thread comes in set colour ranges, so we choose the closest match to each Pantone reference.
DTG and DTF
Digital printing builds colours from a set of process inks, so Pantone colours are reproduced closely but not mixed exactly. For a critical brand colour on a large run, screen printing gives the most control.
Questions
Can you match my brand colour exactly?
Screen printing inks are mixed to match your Pantone reference closely. The final result can vary slightly with fabric and garment colour, which is why we confirm colours on your mockup.
What is the difference between Pantone C and U?
C stands for coated and U for uncoated paper. We work from Pantone C references, the most common standard for brand colours.
What if I do not know my Pantone colours?
Send your artwork and we can suggest Pantone references for you to confirm on your mockup.
Related guides
OCC APPAREL – NEW ZEALAND
Work with us – get a free quote.
Please complete the form and give as much detail as you can. Attach one artwork file to give us an idea of your design; once we’re in touch we’ll send instructions for the rest.
We print and ship nationwide, quotes are free and no-obligation, and every order gets a professional mockup before production.