DTG vs DTF vs Screen Printing: Which is Best?
A complete comparison of the three most popular custom apparel printing methods. Understand the process, costs, pros, and cons of each to make the right choice for your project.
In This Guide
Overview: Three Printing Methods
When ordering custom apparel, you'll typically choose between three main printing methods: screen printing, DTG (direct-to-garment), and DTF (direct-to-film). Each has distinct advantages and ideal use cases. Understanding these differences helps you make the best choice for your specific project.
Not sure which to choose? Read the detailed breakdowns below, or contact us and we'll recommend the best method based on your specific needs, quantity, and budget.
Screen Printing Deep Dive
Screen Printing
The traditional workhorse of custom corporate apparel
Screen printing (also called silk screening) pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the garment. Each colour requires a separate screen, which is why pricing is typically "per colour." It's been the industry standard for decades and remains the most cost-effective method for bulk orders.
For a complete breakdown of the screen printing process, see our Screen Printing Process Explained guide.
✓ Advantages
- Most durable prints (100+ washes)
- Lowest cost per unit at high volumes
- Vibrant, opaque colours on any colour garment
- Wide range of specialty inks (metallic, puff, glow)
- Consistent results across thousands of prints
✗ Limitations
- Setup costs make small orders expensive
- Each colour adds cost
- Not ideal for photographic/gradient designs
- Longer turnaround (screen prep required)
- Minimum order quantities typically apply
Best For:
- Bulk orders of 24+ pieces
- Designs with 1-4 solid colours
- Team uniforms, custom hoodies, event merchandise
- Maximum durability requirements
- Repeat orders (screens can be stored)
Learn more about the different inks used in screen printing in our Screen Printing Ink Types Guide.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Deep Dive
DTG Printing
Digital printing directly onto fabric
DTG printing works like an inkjet printer for shirts. Water-based inks are sprayed directly onto the garment, absorbing into the fabric fibres. This allows for unlimited colours and photorealistic detail without the setup costs of screen printing.
✓ Advantages
- No setup costs—great for single pieces
- Unlimited colours at no extra cost
- Photorealistic prints and gradients
- Softest hand feel (ink absorbs into fabric)
- Fast turnaround for small orders
- Eco-friendly water-based inks
✗ Limitations
- Works best on 100% cotton (struggles with polyester)
- Less vibrant on dark garments
- Pretreatment required for dark shirts (+cost)
- Less durable than screen printing
- Higher per-unit cost at large quantities
- Slower print speed per garment
Best For:
- Small orders (1-23 pieces)
- Photographic or full-colour artwork
- Print-on-demand and one-off designs
- 100% cotton garments
- Designs with many colours or gradients
DTG Tip: For best results with DTG, choose 100% ring-spun cotton garments in light colours. The smoother fabric surface and lighter base allow inks to appear most vibrant. Dark garments require pretreatment which adds cost but enables full-colour printing.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Deep Dive
DTF Printing
The versatile newcomer revolutionizing custom apparel
DTF printing first prints the design onto a special film, then applies an adhesive powder and cures it. The transfer is then heat-pressed onto the garment. This creates a durable, flexible print that works on virtually any fabric type—making it the most versatile option available.
✓ Advantages
- Works on any fabric (cotton, polyester, blends, nylon)
- No pretreatment required for dark garments
- Vibrant colours on both light and dark fabrics
- Unlimited colours at no extra cost
- No minimum order requirements
- Good durability (50-60+ washes)
- Transfers can be pre-printed and stored
✗ Limitations
- Slight texture/film feel on fabric
- Not as soft as DTG
- Less durable than screen printing
- Higher cost than screen printing at bulk quantities
- Transfer edges may be visible on some designs
Best For:
- Polyester and synthetic fabrics
- Mixed fabric orders (cotton + poly in same run)
- Dark garments without pretreatment hassle
- Small to medium orders ideal for custom jackets (1-50 pieces)
- Detailed, full-colour designs
- Performance wear and athletic apparel
Why DTF is gaining popularity: DTF combines the no-setup convenience of DTG with the fabric versatility that neither screen printing nor DTG can match. It's especially valuable for orders mixing cotton and polyester garments, or for printing on performance fabrics.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
This comprehensive comparison covers all the key factors to consider when choosing a printing method:
| Factor | Screen Printing | DTG | DTF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Order Size | 24+ pieces | 1-23 pieces | 1-50 pieces |
| Setup Cost | $25-50 per colour | None | None |
| Colour Pricing | Per colour charge | Unlimited included | Unlimited included |
| Fabric Compatibility | Cotton, some blends | 100% cotton best | Any fabric |
| Durability | 100+ washes | 50+ washes | 50-60+ washes |
| Print Feel | Thicker ink layer | Softest (absorbed) | Slight texture |
| Detail Level | Good (halftones possible) | Photorealistic | Photorealistic |
| Dark Garments | Underbase needed (+cost) | Pretreat needed (+cost) | No pretreat needed |
| Turnaround | 5-10 business days | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Specialty Options | Metallic, puff, glow, etc. | Limited | Limited |
| Eco-Friendliness | Moderate (plastisol inks) | Good (water-based) | Good |
| Cost at 100+ pcs | Lowest per unit | Highest per unit | Mid-range |
Cost Comparison by Quantity
Understanding how pricing scales with quantity is crucial for budgeting your project. Here's how the three methods typically compare:
Relative Cost by Order Size (3-Colour Design Example)
Important: These are general guidelines. Actual pricing depends on design complexity, garment choices, print locations, and other factors. Request a quote for accurate pricing on your specific project. See our Pricing and Minimum Orders Guide for more details.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Use this decision guide to find the best printing method for your project:
Quick Decision Flowchart
Pro Tip: You can mix methods in a single order. For example, screen print the main design on a bulk run, then use DTG, DTF, or custom embroidery to add individual names or numbers. This gives you the best value for each component. Learn about adding names and numbers.
Need Help Deciding?
Send us your design and project details, and we'll recommend the best printing method—and provide quotes for all applicable options.
Get a Free Quote Screen Printing DTF Printing DTG PrintingFrequently Asked Questions
Which printing method is cheapest?
+It depends on quantity. For 1-11 pieces, DTG or DTF is typically most economical since there's no setup cost. For 25+ pieces, screen printing becomes more cost-effective as the per-unit price drops significantly. At 50+ pieces, screen printing is almost always the cheapest option per shirt. See our Pricing Guide for more details.
Which printing method lasts the longest?
+Screen printing offers the best durability, with properly cured prints lasting 100+ washes. DTF prints typically last 50-60+ washes with good adhesion. DTG prints on 100% cotton can last 50+ washes but may fade faster on blended fabrics. All methods last longer with proper care (wash inside-out, cold water, hang dry). See our Print Care Guide for tips.
Can I mix printing methods in one order?
+Yes! This is common when you have a large quantity of one design (screen printed) plus individual names or numbers (DTG or DTF). Contact us to discuss your needs and we'll find the most cost-effective combination.
Which method is best for dark shirts?
+All three methods work on dark shirts, but with different considerations. Screen printing with a white underbase provides the most opaque, vibrant results. DTF works excellently on darks with no pretreatment needed. DTG requires pretreatment on dark garments which adds cost and can slightly affect the fabric feel.
Which printing method has the softest feel?
+DTG typically produces the softest prints because the water-based ink absorbs into the fabric rather than sitting on top. Screen printing with water-based or discharge inks can achieve a similar soft hand. DTF has a slight texture due to the transfer film but is still comfortable. Standard plastisol screen printing has the thickest feel. Learn more in our Ink Types Guide.
What's the fastest turnaround time?
+DTG and DTF offer the fastest turnaround since there's no screen setup required—prints can often be done same-day or next-day for small orders. Screen printing requires screen preparation time, so typical turnaround is 5-10 business days, though rush options may be available. Check our Production Timelines Guide for details.
Which method is best for polyester?
+DTF is the best choice for polyester and synthetic fabrics—it adheres well without dye migration issues. Screen printing with low-bleed inks works but requires special formulations. DTG struggles with polyester due to poor ink absorption and potential dye migration (colours bleeding through). For 100% polyester, sublimation is also an excellent alternative.
Do you recommend one method over the others?
+There's no single best method—each excels in different situations. Screen printing is best for bulk orders (24+) with limited colours. DTG is ideal for small quantities with photographic or complex full-colour designs on cotton. DTF offers the most versatility across fabric types and quantities. We recommend the method based on your specific project needs—contact us for personalized advice.
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