Screen print vs direct to garment

Print methods · 3 min read

Screen print

Bold, hard-wearing designs with only a few colours.

Best for bigger orders, about 24 or more. Each colour needs its own set-up, so small orders cost more per piece.

Detailed, colourful or photo prints on cotton.

Good for small orders, up to about 100. No set-up cost for each colour.

Under about 24 pieces, or a photographic design: DTG.
Above about 100 pieces with a simple design: screen print is often cheaper per piece.
In between, compare quotes: printers price both differently.

Related guides

Screen print, DTG, DTF, embroidery, heat transfer and sublimation compared by design, fabric and quantity.

Why the price per piece usually falls as the quantity rises, and which method suits which quantity.

Vector or raster, resolution and colours: how to prepare artwork so printers can quote and print it well.