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DTG vs DTF vs SCREEN PRINTING (DECISION GUIDE)

DTG vs DTF vs Screen Printing: Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

Choosing the right printing method can make a major difference in your:

  • ✅ Final cost
  • ✅ Turnaround time
  • ✅ Print quality
  • ✅ Garment compatibility

The three most common modern methods are:

  • DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
  • DTF (Direct-to-Film)
  • Screen Printing

This guide will help you choose the best method based on your project.

Quick Overview of Each Method

DTG (Direct-to-Garment)

DTG prints ink directly into the fabric, producing a soft finish and strong detail on cotton garments.

✅ Best for:

  • Cotton t-shirts
  • Photos, gradients, high detail
  • Small to medium quantities
  • Premium “soft print” look

DTF (Direct-to-Film)

DTF prints a design onto film and heat presses it onto garments. This allows flexibility across many garment types.

✅ Best for:

  • Cotton blends, synthetics, mixed fabric orders
  • Urgent printing
  • Bold full-colour prints
  • Mixed garment types in one order
  • Business brand colors to be exact when printed

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses ink pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each colour requires setup, but the cost per shirt becomes much cheaper at higher quantities.

✅ Best for:

  • Bulk orders
  • Simple logos and text designs
  • Repeat branding
  • Brand colors come out stunning. As long as there are no variants in the colors.
  • Lowest cost per shirt at high quantities

✅ DTG vs DTF vs Screen Printing Comparison Table

Feature DTG Printing DTF Printing Screen Printing
Best for quantity 1–50 1–120 60–200+
Best fabric type Cotton Cotton + blends + synthetics           Cotton + blends
Artwork type Photos, gradients, detail            Full colour, bold designs Best for simple logos
Setup time Low Low Higher
Best for urgent Good Excellent Limited
Print feel Soft Slight transfer feel Depends on ink type        
Bulk pricing advantage Moderate Moderate Strongest
Best for huge bulk savings No No Yes

🧭 Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

✅ Choose DTG if…

  • You’re printing on cotton t-shirts.
  • Your artwork is photographic, detailed, or gradient-based.
  • You want a soft, premium finish.
  • You’re ordering 1–50 shirts.
  • You want full colour without screen setup.

✅ Choose DTF if…

  • Your garments include blends or synthetics
  • You need urgent turnaround
  • Your order includes multiple garment types
  • You want bold, vibrant prints
  • You need flexibility across colours and apparel types

✅ Choose Screen Printing if…

  • You are ordering 60-200+ shirts.
  • Your design is simple and repeated.
  • You want the lowest cost per shirt.
  • Your order is for bulk uniforms, club shirts, or event merch at scale.
  • You have time for setup and production.

💰 Cost Behaviour (Simple Explanation)

DTG cost behaviour

  • Great value for smaller runs
  • Bulk price breaks at 5, 10, 30, and 50 shirts
  • Premium garment options available

DTF cost behaviour

  • Pricing stabilises earlier than DTG
  • Print size and positions affect cost more than quantity alone
  • Excellent for urgent and flexible orders

Screen printing cost behaviour

  • Setup cost is higher initially.
  • Becomes cheaper per shirt as quantity increases.
  • Lowest cost per shirt at large quantities with simple designs.

⚡ Best Choice by Order Type

If you need 1–10 shirts

  • ✅ DTG or DTF
  • ❌ Screen printing not ideal

If you need 20–50 shirts

  • ✅ DTG, DTF (depends on garment and artwork)
  • ✅ Screen printing possible depending on design simplicity

If you need 60–100 shirts

  • ✅ Screen printing becomes strong value
  • ✅ DTG/DTF still possible for full colour and complexity

If you need 100–200+ shirts

  • ✅ Screen printing typically best value
  • ✅ DTF/DTG used when full-colour detail is essential

🧠 Best Value Tip

If budget matters most:
✅ Increase quantity slightly
✅ Choose a value garment (Gildan / JBS Wear budget ranges)
✅ Use simple print placements (front only)

 

These factors often produce the biggest savings.

Next Steps

  • 👉 View DTG pricing examples
  • 👉 View DTF pricing ladder and examples
  • 👉 View screen printing pricing ladder
  • 👉 Request a personalised quote

Useful Links

  • DTG pillar + pricing pages
  • DTF pillar + pricing pages
  • Screen printing pillar + pricing pages
  • Printing methods overview
  • All comparison pages
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