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.
