We want to help you select the right printing method for your next t-shirt project!

Custom T-Shirt Printing Comparison Chart

Screen Printing - this is the most common method of t-shirt printing. Most t-shirts you see in retail stores are screen printed.

PROS: Best for large printing jobs of 12 or more pieces. Offers the brightest colors and a long lasting print. Can handle a wide variety of colors and design types. Offers many types of specialty effects like puff printing, high density, glow in the dark, glitter etc. Nice discounts for larger orders.

CONS: Due to the setup time involved in creating a high quality screen printed garment, the minimum order for screen printing is 12 pieces per design. The more colors in the design, the more expensive the printing will be.

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Embroidery - this method of decoration uses threads and industrial quality sewing (embroidery) machines. Your logo or design is recreated using stitches.

PROS: Great for polos, hats, tote bags, work shirts, employee uniforms, beanies, backpacks and almost any type of material. Can handle multiple colors. Discounts on larger orders.

CONS: Depending on complexity, some logos may require a one time digitizing fee to convert the logo to a stitched image file. Threads are thicker than ink, so small fine lines may need to be thickened to get the best results. Costs a bit more than screen printing.

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Direct to Garment: - this relatively new method of t-shirt printing is also known as digital printing. Your image is transferred from the computer to a large printer that puts the inks directly onto the t-shirts. Imagine a printer like the one on your desk that was so big that you could put t-shirts directly into it instead of paper!

PROS: Perfect for small quantity orders, personalized t-shirts, and last minute gifts. This digital garment printer can print full color photographic images without increasing the cost per print. Great when you need just 1 to 12 t-shirts with full color printing. Little to no feel of the ink on the fabric (the ink is in the fabric).

CONS: Colors are not as vibrant as screen printing. Discounts on larger orders not as large as screen printing.

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