All-Over-Print Clothing: What You Need to Know
Before You Buy an All-Over-Print Item, Be Sure You Check for One Very Important Thing
All-over-print (AOP) apparel isn’t new, but the AOP design style has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. So, what makes a good all-over-print design and what are the best clothing items for all-over-print patterns?
All AOP items are not created equal, so here's what to watch for before you buy.
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Why are All-Over-Print Clothes Popular?
All-over-print shirts and apparel give you the ability to really stand out and to make a subtle (or not so subtle) fashion statement. When it comes to subtle Disney clothing in particular, all-over-print designs are a really fun design process to explore.
AOP designs always tend to have a big impact — whether it’s bold or subtle — because the design covers every inch of the fabric. We create all-over-print designs on everything from t-shirts and rash guards, to swimwear, skirts, dresses and yoga leggings. You don’t often see AOP sweatshirts and hoodies, although it is possible to make them.
No matter the garment, all-over-print clothing can add flair to an overall look. One benefit that many people like is that AOP garments don’t draw the eye to any one specific spot. Since the print pattern is everywhere, there is no focus on a specific graphic or area of the shirt.
All-over-print clothes play an important role in the subtle Disney and understated Disney inspired clothing that we create. The AOP design creation process is a fun and inspired way to elevate the overall appeal of an item with a truly unique and fun design creation.
Still, all AOP patterns are not created equal and there is an elegance and skillset required to create a good AOP design pattern. It takes a savvy design eye and a lot of thought to create a great looking AOP item.
It starts with a little technical know-how.
The Technical Considerations that Separate Good All-Over-Print Patterns from the Bad
The first thing to watch for is that the designer or manufacturer has taken the appropriate care in putting together a quality all-over-print design.
AI pattern makers have taken the industry by storm, but the majority of these platforms still do not excel at creating truly seamless print tiles. This is critical if you care about the details (we care and you should too).
AOP patterns are usually made by repeating a single tile of the design so that when they are placed together (like tiles on a wall), they will align seamlessly on all sides and the pattern will continue endlessly, with no visible seams or glitches. (Note: seamlessly refers to the design pattern and not the clothing…all clothing will have seams of some kind.)
So, pay close attention to this technical consideration when buying an all-over-print garment. Did the designer or company pay close attention to these details? It’s something we are meticulous about here at 1923 Main Street. If you see faint white lines on the garment, that is a signal that a poor tile creation platform was used.
In addition to the technical aspects of seamless tiles, the pattern itself should also be attractive to the eye. Regardless of whether the design aims for symmetry or asymmetry, a pattern shouldn’t be jarring. There should be a natural pleasing flow to the design. Usually, it’s obvious to the eye when you look at something whether or not the seller has taken care in thinking through the desired look. If your initial reaction is jarring, that says it all.
The Best Design Style for All-Over-Prints
All-over-print patterns can be bold with large pattern elements, or subtle with smaller pattern elements. They can be bright and colorful, or duotone/monotone and far more subtle. Each of these styles serves a purpose and depending on what you’re looking for, they can all be appropriate choices.
Big Prints, Small Prints, Light Prints, Dark Prints…AOP design covers it all.
A Hawaiian shirt with big bright florals works well for the big and bold style, whereas a subtle and pale toile style (often monotone) pattern can work well for something like a skater dress or skirt.
The Clothing Items Best Suited for All-Over-Print Patterns
All-over-prints works very well on button-up shirts, dresses, skirts, swimsuits, leggings and occasionally t-shirts. You want to consider the pattern itself in all cases, as all-over-prints can become dated very quickly if they are not created with a more timeless design perspective in mind. This is fine if you’re looking for a Christmas or Halloween design, for example, so just be aware of what you’re buying and your intended use.
All in all, all-over-print clothing can add a splash of style to your wardrobe and offer a different look than solid colors or geometrics — and an alternative to the classic printed graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt.
If you pay attention to the technical and design considerations noted here, you’ll become a more savvy and informed all-over-print shopper.
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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic