At a glance
Exact results depend on the garment, ink, equipment and the operator, so ask for a sample.
| Method | Best for | Fabrics | Small runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTG (direct to garment) | Full-color artwork, photos, fine detail | Cotton and high-cotton blends | Yes, from one piece |
| DTF (direct to film) | Full color on many fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends | Yes, from one piece |
| Screen printing | Bold designs with few colors, larger runs | Most fabrics | Setup per color makes small runs costly |
| Embroidery | Logos and text on caps, polos, jackets | Most fabrics; not very thin knits | Yes, after a one-off digitizing fee |
| Sublimation and all-over print | Edge-to-edge color | Light-colored polyester | Yes, often made to order |
How cost changes with quantity
DTG and DTF cost roughly the same per piece whether you order one or fifty. Screen printing has a setup cost for each color and print location, so the price per piece falls as quantity rises. Embroidery has a one-off digitizing fee, then a price that depends on stitch count.
That is why small, full-color orders usually suit DTG or DTF, while larger runs of simpler designs usually suit screen printing.
Look, feel and durability
Screen printing lays down thick, opaque ink that lasts well. DTG ink soaks into the fabric and feels soft, but can look less vivid on dark garments. DTF sits on top of the fabric as a thin film. Sublimation dyes the fibres, so there is no feel at all, but it needs polyester and light colors.
Keep reading
- Print shops by method
- Costs and minimums
- How apparel production works
- Which supplier do you need?
- From print on demand to bulk
Suppliers are listed from public information. Vaybel doesn't endorse or guarantee any supplier — check details with them directly. How the directory works