DTG vs Screen Printing: Which Method is Right for Your Apparel Brand

You have a design ready for printing on a t-shirt. But should you go with DTG (direct-to-garment) printing or screen printing? Choosing between DTG and screen printing is a big decision for any apparel brand. It can make or break your custom t-shirt line.

Get it wrong and you are left with faded prints, blown budgets, unhappy customers, and wasted inventory. This isn't just about fabric prints. It's about your brand's reputation.

DTG printing is good for:

• Small batches
• Photorealistic designs
• On-demand production

Screen printing excels with:

• Bulk orders
• Bold logos
• Long-lasting durability

This ultimate 2025 guide gives you unbiased facts: DTG printing vs screen printing. The facts are based on:

• Quality
• Cost
• Durability
• Fabric compatibility
• Speed

With this information, you can confidently choose the right printing method that will make your apparel display stand out.

What is DTG Printing?

DTG printing is a technique of applying digital designs using a direct-to-garment printer, like an inkjet printer for clothes to spray water-based inks directly onto fabrics. This method enables high-quality and full-color prints with fine details and a soft feel on cotton fabrics.

How does DTG Printing Work?

The design is sent digitally to a direct-to-garment printer. The printer pre-treats the garment (for better ink absorption). The printhead carefully sprays ink onto the fabric to capture every detail. The garment is heat-pressed to cure the ink.

Ideal for:

• Richly colored and detailed designs
• Photorealistic images and gradients
• Small batches or single-run prints
• Personalized apparel on demand
• DTG shirts with artistic designs
• Startups testing new ideas

Pros of DTG Printing

• No setup fees or screens
• Excellent for complex designs
• Low min screen printing alternative (can print 1 shirt)
• Soft hand feel
• Perfect for fabric photo prints

Cons of DTG Printing

• Best on 100% cotton (not ideal for polyester)
• Pre-treatment is needed for dark or opaque fabrics
• Slower for large runs
• Higher per-unit cost at scale

Pro Tip: Always pre-treat dark garments for vibrant fabric prints

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing (also known as silk screening) is a centuries-old technique that uses woven mesh stencils (screens) to layer ink onto a garment. Each color in a design requires a separate screen. Silk-screened t-shirts are just examples for understanding.

How does Screen Printing Work?

A separate screen is created for each color in your design. Ink is pressed through each screen onto the garment, one color at a time. The garment is cured with heat to set the ink.

Perfect For:

• Simple and bold designs
• Solid colors and typography
• Ordering low-cost screen printing in bulk (50+ units)
• Screen-printed logo tees
• Screen printing apparel like uniform and team gear

Pros of Screen Printing

• Vibrant and opaque colors (great on dark apparel)
• Extremely durable (can last the garment’s lifetime)
• Cost-effective for large runs
• Works on cotton, polyester, and blends

Cons of Screen Printing

• High setup cost (per color)
• Minimum order requirements
• Not best for gradients or fine details
• Can feel thick or plasticky

Pro Tip: Use plastisol ink for bold, long-lasting apparel screen printing.
Ideal Use Case: Ordering 100 silkscreened t-shirts for your company's 5k run with a simple, one-color screen-printed logo.

Read Also: 12 Most Popular T-Shirt Types for Women to Try in 2025

DTG Printing vs Screen Printing: Head-to-Head Comparison

Here is a glance at how these methods stack up.

Beyond the Basics: DTF vs Screen Printing and DTG

You would have also heard about DTF (Direct-to-Film). This is a hybrid method where a design is printed onto a film and then heat-pressed onto a garment. An excellent choice for vibrant prints on dark fabrics and has low minimums, making it a strong rival to both DTG and low-minimum screen printing.

How to Choose the Right Printing Technique for Your Apparel Business

Stop thinking about which is "best" and start thinking about which is right for your needs.

Choose Screen Printing If:

• Your order is over 50 pieces.
• Your design has 6 or fewer colors.
• You need maximum opacity and vibrancy on dark shirts.
• You are producing screen-printed apparel for teams or events.
• Your goal is the lowest cost per unit for a large batch.

Choose DTG Printing If:

• Your order is under 50 pieces.
• Your design is complex or photorealistic.
• You need to print your own fabric designs with no minimums.
• You want a soft and breathable print feel.
• You are testing a new design
• You are offering made-to-order DTG shirts.

Choose a Hybrid Approach If:

• Your design has a simple, bold logo and a complex, full-color graphic.
• Use screen printing for the logo.
• Prefer DTG for the graphic to maximize both quality and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Printing Choice Awaits

There is no winner in the debate between DTG and screen printing. The champion is the method that aligns with your needs, from budget to order size.

• Screen printing is your perfect choice for volume, vibrancy, and value on large orders.
• DTG printing is your secret weapon for detail, complexity, and flexibility on small batches.

Now that you are armed with the facts, you can approach any t-shirt screen press or print-to-garment printer service with confidence. Choose the right tool, and transform your designs into incredible clothes with prints that your customers will love.

Ready to print? Not sure which method to use? We at VEL Clothing will help you choose or combine both for the best results. Email us at sales@velclothing.com for a free hybrid printing consultation!