Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

Silkscreen vs DTF vs DTG vs Embroidery vs Full Sublimation

TL;DR quick selector

  • Under 30pcs with full‑colour art or gradients: go DTF or DTG
  • 50pcs+ with solid spot colours and Pantone match: go Silkscreen
  • Premium polos, caps, jackets, uniforms: go Embroidery
  • All‑over, edge‑to‑edge sportswear on polyester: go Full Sublimation
  • Names and numbers or many small logo placements: go DTF transfers

 

Quick comparison table

When to choose each method

Silkscreen printing (screen printing)


Choose it when:

  • You have 50+ pieces and want the best price per unit on solid colours.
  • You need Pantone colour matching and bold, durable prints for uniforms or merch.
  • You want specialty effects like metallic, puff, high density or glow.

Avoid or rethink if:

  • Your artwork has many colours or photo gradients and the quantity is low.
  • The garment is tricky polyester prone to dye‑migration without special inks.

Typical applications: event tees, corporate campaigns, school houses, band merch, retail basics.

Artwork prep tips: vector files preferred (AI, EPS, PDF). Convert fonts to outlines. Provide Pantone codes.


DTF transfers (Direct‑to‑Film)


Choose it when:

  • You need short runs or many logo placements without setup charges.
  • Your design has fine detail, gradients or tiny text.
  • You want on‑demand personalisation like names, numbers or roles.

Avoid or rethink if:

  • You require an ultra‑soft vintage feel across a very large print area.
  • The surface is heavily waterproof‑coated and resists adhesion.

Typical applications: small team kits, startup drops, fast turn event merch, multi‑location logos, custom names.

Artwork prep tips: 300 dpi PNG with transparent background for raster, or vector PDF/SVG. Keep minimum line weight ≥0.5 mm.


DTG printing (Direct‑to‑Garment)


Choose it when:

  • You want photo‑quality prints and a soft hand feel on cotton.
  • You need one‑offs or small batches without color limits.

Avoid or rethink if:

  • The garment is dark polyester or heavy fleece.
  • You expect exact Pantone matches or very high wash abuse.

Typical applications: artist tees, photo prints, small e‑commerce drops, sample runs.

Artwork prep tips: 300 dpi at print size, sRGB. For dark garments, allow for white underbase; avoid huge solid blocks to keep comfort.


Embroidery


Choose it when:

  • You want a premium, professional look that lasts for years.
  • The item is a polo, cap, jacket, towel or bag.
  • The logo shape suits stitching and you prefer a tactile finish.

Avoid or rethink if:

  • The design has very fine lines or tiny text under 4–5 mm tall.
  • You want a large chest‑wide artwork; stitch counts and weight get high.

Typical applications: corporate uniforms, hospitality, sports caps, workwear, gifts.

Artwork prep tips: Vector logo is ideal. Simplify tiny details. Thread colours are matched to a thread chart, not Pantone exactly.


Full Sublimation


Choose it when:

  • You need edge‑to‑edge, all‑over prints with vibrant colour.
  • The garment is performance polyester like jerseys or activewear.
  • You want lightweight prints that will not crack or peel.

Avoid or rethink if:

  • The garment is cotton or a dark colour. Sublimation needs light polyester.
  • You only need a small left‑chest logo. Other methods are simpler and cheaper.

Typical applications: team kits, esports jerseys, cycling and running tops, flags, neck gaiters.

Artwork prep tips: Provide vector art or 300 dpi at full garment size. Include bleed for panels. Colours appear brightest on white fabric.


Decision checklist

  • Quantity: small runs lean DTG or DTF; larger runs lean Silkscreen; all‑over designs need Sublimation.
  • Fabric: cotton loves DTG and Silkscreen; polyester prefers DTF or Sublimation; thick items suit Embroidery.
  • Art style: spot colours and Pantone → Silkscreen; photographic → DTG or DTF; texture and premium → Embroidery; all‑over → Sublimation.
  • Feel: soft in‑fabric → DTG or water‑based Silkscreen; bold and opaque → Silkscreen; zero hand → Sublimation; raised texture → Embroidery.
  • Personalisation: names and numbers → DTF or embroidery name patches.
  • Budget: consider setup vs unit cost. Silkscreen wins at scale, DTF/DTG win for low MOQ.
  • Deadline: DTF and DTG are fastest for small orders. Silkscreen flies once screens are set.


Care advice by method

  • Silkscreen: wash inside out, cold or cool setting. Avoid high‑heat tumble to extend life.
  • DTF: similar to Silkscreen. Avoid ironing directly on the print.
  • DTG: gentle cycle, inside out. Low heat dry.
  • Embroidery: robust. Watch for snagging, especially on knits.
  • Sublimation: very durable. Avoid bleach on coloured polyester.


Common scenarios and our recommendation

  • Corporate polos for front‑of‑house teams: Embroidery left chest. Optional embroidered name.
  • Festival or event tee, 500 pcs, 2 colours: Silkscreen water‑based for softer hand.
  • Limited drop, 20 pcs, full‑colour artwork: DTG on premium cotton or DTF if fabric mix varies.
  • Sports jerseys with numbers and sponsor logos: Sublimation for all‑over design, or Silkscreen/DTF for sponsor patches.
  • Caps and beanies: Embroidery, with optional 3D puff on caps.
  • Hi‑vis workwear on polyester: DTF with blocker adhesive or Silkscreen with low‑bleed inks.


Artwork checklist for smooth production

  • Supply vector files for Silkscreen and Embroidery where possible.
  • For DTG/DTF, export PNG at 300 dpi with transparent background at print size.
  • Include Pantone codes for spot colours.
  • For Sublimation, provide panel templates with 3–5 mm bleed.
  • Convert fonts to outlines. Remove stray objects and hidden layers.