Business Details
15 Years
experience
Custom DTF, Screen Printing & Embroidery Services in Mooresville, NC
Founded in 2011 by Rick Johnson, a retired Naval Officer with over a decade of experience in the activewear industry, 1st Choice Activewear has established itself as a trusted provider of custom apparel solutions. Our expertise stems from Rick's prior roles at leading sportswear companies, where he developed deep knowledge of screen printing, embroidery, and garment embellishment. We specialize in delivering high-quality DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery services to businesses, teams, and events across the Carolinas and nationwide.Our commitment to exceptional customer service, combined with our investment in cutting-edge technology and adherence to industry best practices, ensures every client receives personalized attention and reliable results. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, we prioritize integrity, precision, and timely turnaround while offering competitive pricing and a 10% discount for fellow veterans.
Services
DTF Printing
Screen Printing
Embroidery
Wholesale DTF Transfers
Contract Decorating
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of expertise in activewear customization from industry veterans
- Veteran-owned business provides 10% discounts on all products
- Fast turnaround times for urgent apparel needs
- High-quality DTF printing with vibrant, durable designs
- Personalized service for businesses, teams, and events of all sizes
Services
DTF Printing
Our DTF printing service produces vibrant, long-lasting designs using advanced CMYK pigment inks with white base layers for superior color accuracy. This technology allows unlimited color possibilities without additional charges per color, making it ideal for complex designs on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. Clients benefit from fast turnaround times and exceptional wash resistance compared to traditional heat transfer methods.
Screen Printing
We offer high-quality screen printing using industry-leading inks and specialty equipment for precise application on various garments. Our process includes simulated process printing and puff ink techniques for dimensional effects. This service is perfect for large quantity orders requiring consistent, durable results on t-shirts, performance wear, and safety apparel.
Embroidery
Our expert embroidery service creates professional, durable designs using premium Madeira thread for logos, slogans, and custom artwork. We work with clients to incorporate branding elements into polos, hats, jackets, and accessories using magnetic hoops and 3D puff techniques. Digitizing services ensure perfect reproduction of complex designs.
Wholesale DTF Transfers
We supply pre-cut, ready-to-press DTF transfers priced per square inch for crafters, print shops, and small brands. These high-quality transfers feature vibrant full-color detail with hot-peel durability for professional results. Our wholesale pricing and fast turnaround make this ideal for businesses needing volume production capabilities.
Contract Decorating
Our contract decorating service provides high-volume production solutions for decorators, sporting goods dealers, and promotional product brokers. We maintain strict quality control across embroidery, screen printing, and DTF applications while offering consistent turnaround times. This service supports businesses needing reliable decoration for retail, team, and corporate apparel.
People
Rick Johnson
Founder
A retired Naval Officer with over 10 years of experience in the activewear industry, Rick founded 1st Choice Activewear in 2011. He previously directed operations at Organized Sportswear and built Badger Sportswear's embellishing division from the ground up.
Questions
What customization options do you offer?
We provide DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery services for custom apparel including t-shirts, polos, hats, jackets, and more.
Do you serve businesses outside the Carolinas?
Yes, we serve customers nationwide while maintaining our local Mooresville, NC headquarters.
What is your turnaround time?
We offer fast turnaround times with standard production typically completed within 5-7 business days.
Do you offer veteran discounts?
Yes, we provide a 10% discount for all veterans on every order when mentioned at checkout.
What file formats do you accept for logos?
We accept JPEG, PDF, TIFF, EPS, BMP, and GIF formats for custom logo embroidery and printing.
Can you handle large volume orders?
Yes, our contract decorating services support high-volume production with consistent quality and timely delivery.
Reviews (3)
Josh Johnson
Dec 02, 2021
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We have placed several orders with 1st Choice Activewear and we have always been extremely happy. They have done an incredible job on everything from embroidered polos to t-shirt printing.
George Reynolds
Aug 12, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Great Company to work with, Had them make some shirts and sweaters for my business and they turned out Great!
Great Company to work with, Had them make some shirts and sweaters for my business and they turned out Great!
Gregg Simon
Nov 22, 2017
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1st Choice is my 1st Choice. Great service and superior quality printing and on time delivery! It doesn't get better than 1st Choice
