We offer four print methods, and each one is the best choice for a different job. Answer four questions and the choice is usually clear: how many pieces, how many colours, what colour is the garment, and what is the budget.
The four methods
- DTG (direct to garment): a printer sprays water-based ink into the fibres. Full colour, photos and gradients, any quantity from 1. Best on cotton. No set-up fee.
- DTF transfer: the design is printed on film and pressed on. Bright colours on dark garments, works on many fabrics, any quantity.
- Screen print: ink is pushed through a screen, one screen per colour. From 24 pieces, up to 4 colours, $15 set-up per colour. Cheapest per piece at volume and very durable.
- Embroidery: thread stitched on the left chest of polos, caps and hoodies. $6 extra per piece. Best for simple logos.
By quantity
For 1 to 11 pieces use DTG or DTF, since there is no set-up. From 24 pieces screen printing starts to win if the design has four colours or fewer, because the set-up cost is shared across the order. Quantity breaks at 12, 24, 48 and 100 pieces give 10, 18, 25 and 32 percent off for every method.
By number of colours
A one or two colour logo is ideal for screen print. A photo or a design with gradients is only practical with DTG or DTF. Embroidery works best below about six thread colours and avoids very fine lines, which blur in thread.
By garment colour
On white or pale tees every method works. On black or navy, DTF and screen print give the brightest result; DTG also works but we add a white underbase, so check the preview carefully.
A worked example
A running club needs 30 tees with a two-colour logo on the front. Screen print costs the set-up of $30 for two colours, plus a low unit price at the 24-piece break. The same club wants three photo shirts for award winners: those go to DTG, with no set-up and no minimum. Polos with the logo on the chest go to embroidery.
Budget
If the budget is tight, reduce colours, not quality: a one-colour print on a good shirt looks better than five colours on a poor one. When in doubt, send us the artwork through the contact page and we suggest the method with a price.
