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DTG vs SCREEN PRINTING COMPARISON

DTG vs Screen Printing: Which Method Is Better?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and screen printing are two of the most popular methods for custom apparel printing. Both produce high-quality results, but they suit different order sizes, artwork types, and budgets.

This guide compares DTG vs screen printing so you can choose the best method for your project.

What Is DTG Printing?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing applies artwork directly onto fabric using specialised garment printers. It works best on cotton garments and produces full-colour, high-detail designs without the need for screen setup.

✅ Best for:

  • Small to medium order quantities
  • Full-colour artwork
  • Photo prints and gradients
  • Detailed designs
  • Premium cotton garments

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing applies ink using screens in layers. Each colour requires a separate screen setup, which makes it more involved upfront — but extremely efficient at scale.

✅ Best for:

  • Bulk orders
  • Simple logos and repeated designs
  • The lowest cost per shirt at large quantities
  • Consistent branding across many garments

✅ DTG vs Screen Printing Comparison Table

Feature DTG Printing Screen Printing
Best for quantities 1-50 shirts 60-200+ shirts
Setup cost Low Higher (screens required)
Cost behaviour gradual discounts steep discounts at scale
Artwork type full colour, photo, gradients         best for simple logos
Print feel soft and breathable can feel thicker depending on ink
Best garment type cotton garments cotton and blends
Speed for small jobs very fast slower due to setup
Best for bulk value moderate excellent
Best for urgent full colour          good limited

Cost Comparison (How Pricing Works)

DTG Cost Behaviour

DTG pricing is usually more cost-effective for:

  • Small to medium quantities
  • Complex and full-colour artwork
  • Orders where setup needs to be minimal

DTG pricing becomes more competitive at:

  • 10 shirts
  • 30 shirts
  • 50 shirts

Screen printing cost behaviour

Screen printing has a higher setup cost because it requires screens, but it becomes cheaper per shirt when:

  • The design is repeated
  • Quantities are high
  • The artwork is simple (1–3 colours)

Screen printing usually becomes more economical than DTG when:

✅ Quantities reach 60–100+ shirts
✅ Designs are simple and repeated

Artwork Comparison: Full Colour vs Simple Logos

Choose DTG when:

  • Your design includes photos or gradients
  • Your artwork has multiple colours
  • You need high detail
  • You want a premium soft finish

Choose Screen Printing when:

  • Your design is simple (logo, text)
  • You want a clean, bold print
  • You need consistent branding across many shirts
  • You’re ordering in bulk

Which Method Should You Choose?

A quick rule of thumb:

✅ Choose DTG if:

  • You want full-colour printing
  • You need under 50 shirts
  • You want fast production without setup
  • You need very detailed artwork

✅ Choose Screen Printing if:

  • You are ordering 60–200+ shirts
  • You want the cheapest price per shirt in bulk
  • Your design is a simple repeated logo
  • You want a classic print finish

What About Urgent Orders?

  • DTG is often better suited to urgent small-run full-colour printing.
  • Screen printing can still be done urgently, but it depends on screen setup time and colour count.

If your order is urgent and full-colour, DTG or DTF is typically preferred.

Next Steps

  • 👉 View DTG pricing tables
  • 👉 View screen printing pricing
  • 👉 Compare screen printing vs DTF
  • 👉 Request a quote for the best method

Useful links

  • DTG Printing (pillar)
  • DTG Pricing Page
  • DTG Pricing Ladder
  • DTG Pricing Calculator
  • Screen Printing (pillar)
  • Screen Printing Pricing
  • Printing Methods Overview
  • DTG vs DTF
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