Table of Contents
So you’ve got some killer t-shirt designs and you’re ready to bring them to life. But there’s one big decision standing in your way: DTG vs Screen Printing—which printing method should you go for?
Don’t worry. If the terms feel a little techy or overwhelming, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between DTG (Direct to Garment) and Screen Printing in plain English, walk you through how each method works, and help you figure out which is best for your project or business. Let’s get into it!
What is DTG Printing?
DTG stands for Direct to Garment, and it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Think of it like using an inkjet printer—but instead of printing on paper, you’re printing directly onto a t-shirt (or hoodie, or tote bag… you get the idea).
How DTG Works
- You upload your digital design into a DTG printer.
- The printer sprays ink directly onto the fabric—just like your home printer.
- The shirt is heat-pressed to cure the ink and make it permanent.
Best For: Full-color, detailed designs, and small batch orders.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen Printing is the classic, old-school way of printing on fabric. It’s been around for decades, and it’s still a fan favorite—especially for bulk orders.
How Screen Printing Works
- A stencil (called a screen) is created for each color in your design.
- Ink is pushed through the screen onto the fabric.
- Each color is printed one at a time, layer by layer.
- The final product is heat-cured to lock in the design.
Best for: Simple designs, few colors, and large orders.
Comparison
Let’s make this decision even easier. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between DTG and Screen Printing:
| Feature | DTG Printing | Screen Printing |
| Setup Cost | Low | Higher (needs screens for each color) |
| Best For | Small runs, complex designs | Large runs, simple designs |
| Turnaround Time | Fast for small orders | Slower setup but faster for bulk |
| Color Range | Unlimited (great for full-color artwork) | Limited (each color adds cost/time) |
| Detail | Excellent for fine lines and gradients | Not ideal for photorealistic prints |
| Fabric Types | Best on 100% cotton | Works on a variety of materials |
| Durability | Good, but may fade faster over time | Extremely durable and long-lasting |
| Eco-Friendliness | Water-based inks, less waste | Can be eco-friendly, but uses more resources |
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer really depends on your needs. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Go with DTG if you have a complex, colorful design and need just a few shirts—like for a small event, a custom gift, or testing a new product line.
- Choose Screen Printing if you’re printing hundreds (or thousands) of shirts with the same design, especially if it’s only 1-3 colors. It’ll save you money in the long run.
Real-World Scenarios
Starting a Clothing Brand
DTG is ideal when you’re just starting out and want to test different designs without committing to large stock. You can print-on-demand and avoid inventory costs.
Printing Uniforms for a Sports Team
Screen Printing is the winner here. You’ll likely need bulk quantities and only a couple of colors—perfect for screen printing.
Creating Custom Gifts
DTG shines for one-offs. Want a custom t-shirt with your dog’s face on it? Full-color print? DTG’s your best friend.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
If You Go with DTG
- Use high-quality cotton shirts (ideally 100%).
- Make sure your design is at least 300 DPI.
- Pre-wash shirts before printing if possible.
If You Choose Screen Printing
- Limit your color palette to keep costs down.
- Use vector designs when possible.
- Group your orders to save on setup fees.
FAQs
Q: Is DTG printing better than screen printing?
Not necessarily—DTG is better for small orders and detailed designs, while screen printing is better for large quantities and simpler artwork. It depends on your use case.
Q: Which lasts longer—DTG or screen printing?
Screen printing typically lasts longer, especially after multiple washes. DTG holds up well too, but it may fade over time depending on the shirt and washing method.
Q: Is DTG more expensive than screen printing?
Yes and no. DTG is more cost-effective for small orders, but per-shirt cost is higher for large runs. Screen printing has higher setup costs but becomes cheaper per shirt as quantity increases.
Q: Can you screen print a photo?
Technically yes, but it’s complicated and requires color separation and halftones. DTG is much better suited for photo printing.
Q: Which is faster—DTG or screen printing?
For one-off shirts or small runs, DTG is faster. But for high-volume orders, screen printing is much more efficient once the screens are set up.