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PRINTING METHODS OVERVIEW PAGE

T-Shirt Printing Methods Explained

Which T-Shirt Printing Method Maximizes Quality and Savings for Your Bulk Order?

Custom T-Shirt Printing Online's overview page details four primary printing methods—screen printing, DTG, DTF, and embroidery—each tailored to specific order sizes, artwork types, budgets, and durability needs. Screen printing excels for bulk orders (20–200+) with logos and flat colors, offering excellent durability via mesh screens for each color. DTG suits small runs (1–20) like photos and gradients using direct inkjet application, while DTF handles flexible full-color orders (1–30) by heat-pressing printed film. Embroidery provides superior longevity for logos and uniforms on 10+ items using stitched thread. A comparison table highlights best quantities, artwork suitability, and uses, with advice to consult for optimal choices balancing quality, cost, and turnaround.

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Key Takeaways

  • Screen printing is best for 20–200+ bulk orders with logos and flat colours, delivering excellent durability.
  • DTG printing is ideal for 1–20 small runs featuring photos or gradients, with very good ink adhesion.
  • DTF printing suits 1–30 flexible orders with full-colour artwork, applied using heat-pressed film.
  • Embroidery excels for 10+ uniforms and text, offering superior stitched durability compared to ink.
  • Choose the method based on quantity, artwork complexity, and budget to achieve the best quality-to-cost balance.
  • For overlapping order sizes, consult printing experts to review your artwork and recommend the most suitable method.

Choosing the Right Printing Method

There are several ways to print designs onto t-shirts and garments. Each printing method has its own strengths and is suited to different order sizes, artwork styles, and budgets.

This page provides a clear overview of the most common t-shirt printing methods, helping you choose the right option before placing an order.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is applied to fabric using mesh screens. Each colour in the design requires its own screen.

Best suited for:

  • Bulk orders
  • Repeated designs
  • Logos and flat artwork
  • Clubs, teams, and uniforms

 

Key benefits:

  • Very durable prints
  • Consistent results across large batches
  • Lower cost per shirt as quantity increases

 

Limitations:

  • Setup costs make it less suitable for small runs
  • Not ideal for photographic designs

👉 Learn more: Screen Printing Overview 

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

DTG printing uses digital printers to apply ink directly onto the garment. It works similarly to an inkjet printer.

Best suited for:

  • Small orders
  • One-off shirts
  • Detailed artwork and photos
  • Mixed designs

 

Key benefits:

  • No screen setup required
  • Excellent detail and colour blending
  • Ideal for short runs

 

Limitations:

  • Higher cost per shirt for large quantities
  • Less efficient for bulk orders

 

👉 Compare options: Screen Printing vs DTG 

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

DTF printing involves printing artwork onto a film, then heat-pressing it onto the garment.

Best suited for:

  • Small to medium runs
  • Full-colour designs
  • Multiple garment types
  • Flexible order sizes

 

Key benefits:

  • Works well with complex artwork
  • No screens required
  • Suitable for many fabric types

 

Limitations:

  • Slightly raised print feel
  • Less cost-effective than screen printing at large volumes

 

👉 Compare options: Screen Printing vs DTF

Embroidery

Embroidery stitches designs directly into fabric using thread rather than ink.

Best suited for:

  • Logos on polos, hoodies, and workwear
  • Corporate uniforms
  • Long-lasting branding

 

Key benefits:

  • Premium, professional appearance
  • Extremely durable
  • Ideal for logos and text

 

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for large designs
  • More expensive for complex artwork

 

👉 Learn more: Embroidery Guidelines 

Quick Comparison Table

Method Best Quantity   Artwork Type Durability Best Use
Screen Printing     20–200+ Logos, flat colours Excellent Bulk orders
DTG Printing 1–20 Photos, gradients Very good Small runs
DTF Printing 1–30 Full colour artwork     Very good Flexible orders
Embroidery 10+ Logos, text Excellent Uniforms

How to Choose the Best Printing Method

A simple way to decide:

  • 1–20 shirts → DTG or DTF
  • 20+ shirts (same design) → Screen printing
  • Logos on polos or hoodies → Embroidery
  • Photos or complex artwork → DTG or DTF

If your order falls between categories, we can recommend the best option once we review your artwork and quantity.

Next Steps

To explore further:

Choosing the right printing method ensures the best balance of quality, cost, and turnaround time for your order.

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