DTG vs. Screen Printing: Pros, Cons & Best Use Cases
- Print Indie
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Yes, There’s More Than One Way to Print a Shirt—Let’s Compare the Top Two
When it comes to custom t-shirt printing, two methods dominate the industry: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing and screen printing. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but choosing the right method can make all the difference in cost, quality, and durability.
Whether you're a business looking to outfit your employees with branded apparel or a designer creating custom tees, understanding the pros, cons, and best use cases of each method is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down how DTG and screen printing work, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which printing method is best for you.
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital method that allows high-quality, full-color designs to be printed directly onto fabric.
To simplify this, think of it like printing a photo from your home printer—except instead of paper, the design is printed onto a t-shirt!
Unlike traditional methods that rely on screens or heat transfers, DTG uses inkjet technology to apply water-based ink directly onto the garment being absorbed by the fabric, creating vibrant, detailed prints that feel soft to the touch
Since it doesn’t require bulky screens or extra setup, it’s perfect for detailed designs and small-batch orders.
Best Fabrics for DTG
For the best results, DTG printing works best on 100% cotton garments. Cotton fibers absorb water-based ink effectively, leading to vibrant colors, sharp details, and long-lasting prints. While it is possible to print on blends and synthetics, they tend to produce less vibrant colors and may not hold up as well over time.
If you're printing on blends, aim for at least 80% cotton content for the best ink absorption. 100% polyester is not ideal for DTG since the ink tends to sit on the surface rather than bond with the fabric fibers.
Our Recommendations for DTG Printing
Budget Choice: Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton T-Shirt) – A solid, affordable option with decent print quality, but slightly rougher fabric. Best for budget-friendly orders or promotional shirts.
Better Choice: Bella+Canvas 3001 (Soft Cotton Tee) – A high-quality, lightweight cotton shirt with a smooth surface that prints crisper details and more vibrant colors than basic tees. A great choice for brands, creators, and small businesses.
Pros AND CONS of DTG Printing
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Full-color, high-detail prints. | ❌ Slower production speed for large batches. |
✅ No setup costs for small orders. | ❌ Higher cost per unit for bulk orders. |
✅ Eco-friendly, water-based inks. | ❌ Works best on light-colored, 100% cotton fabrics, limiting your options. |
✅ Great for one-off or low-quantity prints. |
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a traditional printing method that uses screens to apply layers of ink onto fabric. It’s one of the most widely used techniques for printing custom apparel, known for its bold colors, durability, and cost-effectiveness for bulk orders.
The process involves placing a screen over the fabric, then using a squeegee to press ink through the mesh and onto the material. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, which is why screen printing works best simple graphics rather than highly detailed artwork with many colors.
While screen printing can use water-based ink, it more commonly relies on thicker plastisol inks. These inks sit on top of the fabric rather than absorbing into it, resulting in bold, vibrant prints that are highly durable.
Because the setup process involves creating individual screens for each color, screen printing is best suited for large orders where the cost per shirt decreases as production volume increases.
Best Fabrics for Screen printing
Screen printing is a versatile method that works well on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends, each offering unique benefits for different types of prints.
Different fabric options impact print quality, durability, and feel. Understanding how each one performs can help you select the best fit for your needs.
What Each Fabric Has to Offer
✔ 100% Cotton – The most common choice for screen printing. Cotton absorbs ink well, providing sharp, long-lasting prints with a soft feel. Works best for casual wear, band merch, and promotional t-shirts.
✔ Cotton-Polyester Blends (50/50 or Tri-Blends) – A great middle ground between durability and softness. These blends reduce shrinkage and wrinkles while still producing high-quality prints. Ideal for athletic wear and retail-quality apparel.
✔ 100% Polyester – Best for sportswear, activewear, and performance gear. Polyester holds up well over time but requires special inks and curing techniques to prevent dye migration.
Pros AnD CONS of Screen Printing
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Cost-effective for bulk printing. | ❌ High setup costs for small orders. |
✅ Works on various fabrics and materials. | ❌ Limited color options (each color requires a separate screen). |
✅ Produces bold, vibrant colors. | ❌ Not ideal for highly detailed designs. |
DTG vs. Screen Printing: Side-by-Side Comparison
DTG Printing | Screen Printing | |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Small orders, complex designs | Large orders, simple designs |
Cost | Higher per unit for bulk | Cheaper per unit in bulk |
Setup Time | Quick | Longer setup process |
Durability | Decent, but can fade over time | Very durable, long-lasting prints |
Print Quality | High detail, full color | Bold, vibrant colors but limited detail |
Fabric Types | Best on cotton | Works on various materials |
Which Printing Method Should You Choose?
Choosing between DTG and screen printing depends on your order size, design complexity, and budget. Here’s how to decide:
✔ Choose DTG if you need small-batch, detailed, full-color prints. It’s perfect for one-off orders, print-on-demand businesses, and highly intricate designs with many colors.
✔ Choose Screen Printing if you need high-volume, cost-effective printing with simple, bold designs. It’s the best choice for bulk orders, company merch, and long-lasting prints with vibrant colors.
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