Screen Print vs. DTG vs. Embroidery: Choosing the Right Decoration for Custom Apparel
Created on 08.12
Why the decoration method matters
The way your logo or artwork is applied to a garment affects how it looks, how long it lasts, how much it costs and the minimum order you can run. For custom hoodies, tees and knitwear, four methods cover almost every project: screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), embroidery and heat transfer. Here is how to choose.
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen, one screen per colour. It gives bright, durable prints and the lowest per-piece cost at volume, which makes it the default for bulk orders with simple 1–4 colour designs.
- Best for: large runs, bold logos, 1–4 spot colours, puff and specialty inks
- Strengths: vivid colour, excellent wash durability, cheapest at scale
- Watch-outs: screen setup cost makes tiny runs expensive; not ideal for photo-realistic art
Direct-to-garment (DTG)
A specialised printer sprays water-based ink directly onto the fabric, like an inkjet for garments. It reproduces unlimited colours and fine detail with no per-colour setup.
- Best for: photographic or highly detailed art, small runs, many design variations
- Strengths: full colour, soft hand feel, low setup so small MOQs are viable
- Watch-outs: best on 100% cotton; per-piece cost stays flat, so it is less economical for very large runs
Embroidery
The design is stitched into the fabric with thread. It reads as premium and is extremely durable, which is why it is favoured for workwear, caps, polos and heavyweight hoodies.
- Best for: logos, monograms, a premium tactile finish, left-chest and cap branding
- Strengths: durable, upscale look, works on thick fabrics
- Watch-outs: not suited to fine gradients or large solid fills; a digitising fee applies per design
Heat transfer & vinyl
Designs are printed or cut onto a film and heat-pressed onto the garment. Useful for names and numbers, small quantities and personalisation.
- Best for: team names/numbers, one-offs, quick personalisation
- Strengths: low setup, sharp edges, easy personalisation
- Watch-outs: heavier hand feel; durability depends on film quality
Quick comparison
- Lowest cost at volume: screen printing
- Full-colour detail on small runs: DTG
- Premium & most durable: embroidery
- Names, numbers & one-offs: heat transfer
Not sure which to use?
Send us your artwork, garment and quantity and our team will recommend the best method — and often combine techniques (for example a screen-printed body with an embroidered logo) for the look you want. Get a quote on WhatsApp and we'll reply fast.
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