DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which is Better for Your Custom T-Shirts?

Choosing the Right Print Technology

When starting a clothing brand or ordering custom shirts for an event, the printing method determines the cost, feel, and look of the garment. Here is a breakdown of Direct-to-Garment (DTG) vs. Screen Printing.

Screen Printing: The Classic Choice

Screen printing involves creating a stencil (screen) for each color and pushing ink through it onto the fabric.

• Best For: Bulk orders (50+ shirts) and designs with 1-3 solid colors.
• Feel: The ink sits on top of the fabric, feeling slightly raised but incredibly durable.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment): The Modern Era

DTG works like an inkjet printer for clothing, spraying water-based ink directly into the fabric fibers.

• Best For: Small runs (1-10 shirts) and complex, full-color designs (like photographs).
• Feel: The ink binds with the fabric, resulting in a much softer, breathable print.

Conclusion

Need 100 shirts with a simple 2-color logo? **Screen Printing** is cheaper and more durable. Need 5 shirts with a highly detailed, colorful graphic? **DTG** is your only viable option.