Which print method is right for me? When you’re customizing shirts, hoodies, hats, or other apparel, one of the biggest questions is: “Which printing method should I choose?” Each option has its own strengths, best uses, and price points. Picking the right one can mean the difference between a shirt that looks amazing for years and one that fades after a couple of washes.
The Main Print Methods for Custom Apparel
The most common decoration methods are screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Here’s a breakdown of each method, what it’s best for, and when you might want to choose it.
Method No. 1: Screen Printing
Screen printing is the gold standard for custom shirts. It’s done by pushing ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric.
- Best for: Bulk orders (25+ shirts) and simple designs with solid colors.
- Pros: Super durable, vibrant colors, cost-effective at scale.
- Cons: Not ideal for very small runs or super detailed multi-color images.
Pro Tip: If you’re outfitting a team, hosting an event, or selling merch, screen printing is often the way to go.
Method No. 2: Embroidery
Sometimes you want something that looks upscale and textured—like a stitched logo. That’s embroidery.
- Best for: Polos, jackets, hats, and corporate apparel.
- Pros: Professional, long-lasting, premium look.
- Cons: Not great for detailed or photo-style designs, higher cost per piece.
Pro Tip: Embroidery elevates your brand. Think uniforms, golf shirts, or high-end company swag.
Method No. 3: Heat Transfer & Vinyl Printing
This method uses heat and pressure to apply a design (printed on transfer paper or cut from vinyl) directly to the fabric. It’s also referred to as Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfer.
- Best for: Names and numbers on jerseys, small custom runs, or designs with bold graphics.
- Pros: Flexible for personalization, can achieve metallics or special finishes.
- Cons: Not as breathable as ink printing, may not last as long with heavy washing.
Pro Tip: If you need one shirt with one name or want eye-catching specialty looks, heat transfer is a strong choice.
Method No. 4: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG works a lot like an inkjet printer, but for fabric. It sprays water-based inks directly into the fibers of the garment.
- Best for: Small runs, one-off designs, or artwork with lots of detail and color.
- Pros: No minimums, full-color printing, soft feel.
- Cons: Not as cost-efficient for large orders, and prints may not pop as much on dark shirts without pretreatment.
Pro Tip: DTG is perfect for testing designs, personalized gifts, or online shops that want to print on demand without holding inventory.
How to Choose the Right Print Method
Still not sure? Here are some key things to consider when choosing a print method:
- Order Size – Large runs (50+) usually favor screen printing. Smaller runs or single orders lean toward DTG or heat transfer.
- Garment Type – Embroidery looks amazing on polos and jackets but not as much on lightweight tees.
- Budget – Screen printing gets cheaper the more you order. DTG and embroidery hold steady on price per item.
- Design Complexity – Photographic detail or gradients work best with DTG. Simple, bold logos shine with screen printing.
- Durability Needs – Screen printing and embroidery hold up longest under heavy use and frequent washing.
Why Trust Shirt.Co With Your Print Method Choice?
The truth is, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our team has printed thousands of shirts for schools, teams, businesses, and individuals. We’ll look at your artwork, your goals, and your budget, then recommend the method that fits best.
We can also:
- Provide samples so you can feel and see the difference.
- Walk you through pros and cons without upselling what you don’t need.
- Make sure your design looks great on the garment you choose—whether that’s a soft cotton tee or a performance hoodie.
Reach Out to Shirt.Co Today to Pick the Best Print Method for You
Each print method has its place. Screen printing is king for bulk orders. Embroidery adds class and durability. DTG shines for detail and one-offs. Heat transfer is versatile for personalization.
At Shirt.co, we’re here to help you pick the right option so your custom shirts not only look good but also last. Call us today at 636-926-2777, shoot us an email at info@shirt.co, or request a free quote to get started.
