Print Method Comparison: Which is right for your project?

Apparel Decoration Methods: DTG, DTF, Screen Printing & Embroidery

Choosing the right print method can make a big difference in how your finished apparel looks, feels, and wears over time. Here’s a simple breakdown of the four most popular decoration methods we offer and what each one is best suited for.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

What It Is:
DTG uses a specialized printer to apply water-based ink directly into the fabric, creating soft, full-colour prints.

Best For:

  • Highly detailed or photo-style artwork
  • Small orders or one-off prints
  • A soft, breathable feel
  • 100% cotton or high-cotton materials that are white or very light colours

Limitations:

  • May not be as vibrant as other methods
  • Custom colour matching, such as Pantone is not available 
  • Can only be used for white, natural or very light colour fabric

Why Choose DTG:
If your design has gradients, lots of colours, or fine detail and you don’t need high volume DTG gives you crisp results with no minimum order.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

What It Is:
DTF prints your design onto a special film that’s transferred to the garment using heat and adhesive. This creates a bold, durable print that works on almost any fabric.

Best For:

  • Polyester, blends, nylon, and other tricky fabrics
  • Bright, vibrant colours
  • Small or medium runs
  • Prints on dark fabric or materials 

Limitations:

  • Is not as soft as DTG or screen printing in some cases
  • May not be as durable 
  • Custom colour matching, such as Pantone is not available 

Why Choose DTF:
DTF offers excellent detail and colour on a wide range of materials.

Screen Printing

What It Is:
Screen printing uses mesh stencils to apply ink to the garment one colour at a time. It’s the industry standard for high-volume apparel.

Best For:

  • Bulk orders
  • Simple designs with solid colours
  • Merchandise, uniforms, and promotional wear
  • Long-lasting prints that hold up in the wash
  • Inks are hand mixed so custom Pantone matching is available 

Limitations:

  • Can not be used for photorealistic images or artwork with gradations or continuous tones.
  • The number of colours is limited to a maximum of 6
  • Custom colour matching, such as Pantone is not available 

Why Choose Screen Printing:
If your artwork uses only a few colours and you’re ordering in quantity, screen printing is the most cost-effective, durable option with bright, bold results.

Embroidery

What It Is:
Embroidery uses thread to stitch your logo or design directly into the fabric, creating a textured, professional finish.

Best For:

  • Logos on hats, polos, jackets, and bags
  • A premium, elevated look
  • Small, simple designs
  • Thicker fabrics

Limitations:

  • May not be ideal for logos or images that have very fine or thin lines
  • There are limitations to the number of thread colours available which may mean Pantone making is not an option.

Why Choose Embroidery:
Embroidery delivers a high-end, long-lasting finish that’s perfect for corporate apparel, branding, and items that need a polished look.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Each decoration style has unique advantages; whether you need soft, detailed prints, durable full-colour transfers, bulk merchandise, or a premium stitched finish. If you’re unsure which option fits your project, we’re happy to guide you based on your artwork, budget, and garment type.

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