Choosing the Right Printing Method
Your decoration method affects the look, durability, and cost of your custom apparel. Here's what you need to know about each option we offer.
Screen Printing
Minimum: 12 pieces
The most common method for custom t-shirts. A mesh screen is burned with your design (one screen per ink color), then ink is pressed through the screen directly onto the garment.
Best for:
- Simple logos with 1–4 solid colors
- Large orders with the same design (setup cost spreads across more shirts)
- High-volume uniform or event orders
What you get: Vibrant, durable designs that hold up through years of washing. The industry standard for a reason.
Cost factor: Setup fees apply per ink color, so complex multi-color designs are better suited for DTF.
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing
Minimum: 12 pieces
DTF prints your design onto a special film, then heat-presses the transfer onto the garment. No screens, no color limits.
Best for:
- Full-color designs with gradients, photos, or many colors
- Smaller runs where screen printing setup fees don't make sense
- Photographic or highly detailed artwork
What you get: Vibrant, full-color prints with a soft hand feel. Holds up well to regular washing.
Cost factor: Flat per-piece pricing regardless of color count — no setup fees.
Embroidery
Minimum: 12 pieces
Thread is stitched directly into the fabric using a digitized version of your logo. Creates a textured, three-dimensional appearance.
Best for:
- Polos, hats, jackets, and bags
- Corporate or professional uniforms
- Logos with clean lines and solid colors
What you get: Premium, durable decoration that outlasts the garment. Embroidery doesn't fade, crack, or peel.
Cost factor: Priced by stitch count. Complex logos with fine detail cost more to digitize.
Which Should You Choose?
| Screen Print | DTF | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Limited by setup cost | Unlimited | 15+ thread colors |
| Min order | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Best garments | T-shirts, hoodies | T-shirts, any flat surface | Polos, hats, jackets |
| Feel | Smooth | Soft | Textured, raised |
| Durability | Excellent | Very good | Outlasts the garment |
Not sure? Get a quote and we'll recommend the right method for your design and order size.