DTG vs. Screen Printing: How to Choose the Best Custom Apparel Printing Method for Your Business

Bringing Your Shirt Design to Life

You’ve got a killer shirt design, but now comes the big question: which custom apparel printing method should you choose? The debate between screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is like comparing a classic flip phone to the latest smartphone—both get the job done, but in very different ways. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about custom apparel printing so you can make the best choice for your business1.

What Is Custom Apparel Printing?

Custom apparel printing is the process of transferring unique designs onto clothing, typically T-shirts, hoodies, and more. The two most popular methods are:

Screen Printing: The traditional, reliable method ideal for bulk orders and bold designs.
DTG Printing: The modern, digital technique perfect for small runs and intricate, colorful artwork.

Choosing the right custom apparel printing method depends on your design, order size, budget, and durability needs1.

DTG Printing: The Digital Revolution in Custom Apparel

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a digital process where your design is printed directly onto the fabric. Here’s why DTG is a game-changer in custom apparel printing:

No Setup Hassle: Forget about screens or messy setups. Just upload your design and print—ideal for short runs or one-off shirts.
Incredible Detail: DTG excels at photorealistic images, gradients, and tiny details, making it perfect for complex, colorful designs.
Soft Finish: The ink soaks into the fabric, resulting in a soft, comfortable print that feels like part of the shirt.
Speed: Fast turnaround for small orders—perfect for events, pop-ups, or personalized gifts.

Drawbacks:

Durability: DTG prints may start to fade after about 20–50 washes, especially on blends that aren’t mostly cotton.
Fabric Limitations: Works best on 100% cotton; prints on polyester blends may crack or fade faster.
Cost: More economical for small batches; not ideal for large-scale runs1.

Screen Printing: The Tried-and-True Workhorse

Screen printing is the classic method in custom apparel printing, known for its reliability and durability:

Bulk Efficiency: Best for large orders. Once the screens are set up, printing hundreds of shirts is fast and cost-effective.
Vibrant, Durable Prints: Thick, opaque inks mean bold colors that last for years, even after repeated washes.
Specialty Inks: Want metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or neon prints? Screen printing handles specialty inks with ease.

Drawbacks:

Setup Time & Cost: Each color in your design needs a separate screen, making small or highly detailed jobs expensive and time-consuming.
Design Limitations: Not ideal for photorealistic images or intricate gradients; best for bold, simple artwork.
Print Area Constraints: Oversized designs may require custom screens, adding to the complexity1.

DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which custom apparel printing method fits your needs:

  
      Feature
      DTG Printing
      Screen Printing
    
      Best For
      Small runs, detailed designs
      Large orders, simple designs
    
      Setup Cost
      Low
      High (per color)
    
      Turnaround Time
      Fast
      Slower (for setup)
    
      Durability
      Moderate (20–50 washes)
      High (years of wear)
    
      Fabric Compatibility
      Best on cotton
      Works on most fabrics
    
      Color Range
      Unlimited (full color, gradients)
      Limited by number of screens
    
      Print Feel
      Soft, part of fabric
      Thicker, sits on top

How to Decide on a Custom Apparel Printing Method

Ask yourself:

How many shirts do I need?
Small batch or one-off? DTG is your friend. Bulk order? Screen printing wins.
How complex is my design?
Photorealistic or detailed? DTG. Bold, simple logos? Screen printing.
What’s my budget?
Screen printing is more cost-effective for large orders, while DTG is better for small runs.
What fabric am I printing on?
Cotton for DTG, most fabrics for screen printing.
How important is durability?
For heavy use and frequent washing, screen printing outlasts DTG1.

The Bottom Line: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Custom apparel printing isn’t about picking sides—it’s about choosing the right tool for your project. DTG offers flexibility and detail for small, custom orders, while screen printing delivers unbeatable value and durability for bulk jobs. At Contract DTG, we offer both methods to ensure your vision comes to life, no matter your needs.

Ryan HaylettApril 22, 2025