iron-on transfer

Beginner 📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

Definition

A decorative design printed on special transfer paper that is applied to fabric (usually cotton T-shirts) using heat from an iron or heat press. Popular for personalizing clothing and making custom band tees, sports jerseys, and novelty shirts.

Example Usage

She used an iron-on transfer to add a glittery unicorn design to her plain white t-shirt.

Origin

Technology developed in the 1960s for commercial printing; DIY versions became popular in the 1980s–90s for home crafting.

Fun Fact

Iron-on transfers were a staple of 1980s and '90s fashion, used to create puffy paint designs and metallic graphics on casual wear.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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