Choosing the right garment is one of the most important decisions when ordering custom printed or embroidered apparel. Your garment choice affects:
This guide explains the difference between budget garments and premium garments, and helps you select the right option based on your purpose, budget, and printing method.
✅ Want best value? → Budget garments (e.g. Gildan, JB’s Wear)
✅ Want premium look & feel? → Premium garments (e.g. AS Colour)
✅ Want the best print feel and finish? → Premium cotton garments + DTG
✅ Want bulk value for events? → Budget garments + screen printing
✅ Want high-end uniforms? → Premium garments + embroidery
Budget garments are designed to be cost-effective while still delivering solid results, especially for bulk orders. They’re popular for:
✅ Examples (commonly used):
Premium garments are designed for a better fit, feel, and finish. They’re ideal when your brand image matters or when customers will wear the shirt regularly.
Premium garments are popular for:
✅ Examples (commonly used):
| Feature | Budget Garments | Premium Garments |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per garment | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | bulk value and events | premium branding and merch |
| Fabric feel | varies (often heavier) | softer and more modern |
| Fit | classic / relaxed | modern, tailored options |
| Durability | strong value | strong long-term wear |
| Print appearance | excellent with correct method | excellent + higher perceived value |
| Best match printing method | screen printing / DTF | DTG / embroidery / screen printing |
DTG printing works best on premium cotton garments because the ink absorbs cleanly into the fabric, producing a soft and high-quality finish.
✅ Best garment type:
✅ Recommended for:
DTF works across many garment types and fabric blends, making it a great option for budget garments, mixed orders, and urgent printing.
✅ Best garment types:
✅ Recommended for:
Screen printing is best when:
Budget garments are commonly used for screen printing because they provide the best value per unit, especially for large orders.
✅ Recommended for:
Embroidery looks best on garments that hold stitch structure well, such as:
Premium garments are often chosen for embroidery to match the professional look.
✅ Best for:
Sublimation looks best on garments made from high polyester content, because the ink bonds directly with the fabric fibres. For the sharpest and most vibrant results, choose:
Natural fabrics like cotton are not ideal for sublimation because the ink will not bond properly and may appear faded.
✅ Best for:
Ask yourself:
If you want the biggest cost savings:
✅ Increase quantity slightly
✅ Use a value garment (budget range)
✅ Print front only
✅ Choose standard turnaround
This combination often produces the lowest cost per shirt.
