Find my printerBest custom t-shirt printersCheapest custom shirtsFast & rush printingSee all: PrintersBella+Canvas 3001Gildan 5000Comfort Colors 1717See all: Blank teesCost estimatorSize calculatorPOD profit calculatorSee all: ToolsGuides

Screen printing vs DTG (direct-to-garment)

By T-Shirts Plus editors · Updated · How we compare

Screen printing pushes thick ink through a mesh stencil, one screen per color. DTG (direct-to-garment) is like an inkjet printer for fabric. Rule of thumb: screen print for 24+ shirts with a few colors; DTG for small runs or full-color designs.

Side by side

Screen printing DTG
Best quantity 24+ (minimums often 12) 1-50
Colors Each color adds cost Unlimited, photos OK
Set-up Screens per color None
Feel Ink sits on top; bold Soft, absorbed into fabric
Durability Excellent Very good on cotton
Best fabrics Almost anything 100% cotton

Cost

Screen printing has set-up costs per color, so price per shirt falls fast as quantity rises. DTG has no set-up, so the price stays flatter. Try both in our cost estimator.

What about DTF?

DTF (direct-to-film) prints your design on film, then heat-presses it. It works on cotton, polyester and blends, with vivid color, but it feels like a thin layer on top. Good for mixed fabrics and small runs.

And embroidery?

Stitched designs look premium on polos, hats and jackets. Best for simple logos, not large, detailed artwork.

Frequently asked questions

Is DTG or screen printing more durable?

Both last for years with proper care; screen printing is slightly more durable, especially on darks.

Is screen printing cheaper?

Yes for 24+ shirts with a few colors. For a handful of shirts or full-color designs, DTG is cheaper.

Questions from readers

Question about Screen printing vs DTG (direct-to-garment)? Ask it here. We answer the useful ones on this page, in general terms.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Keep reading

Etsy print on demandHow to sell print-on-demand t-shirts on Etsy: which POD companies integrate with Etsy, Etsy fees, p…How to start a print on demand businessStart selling print-on-demand shirts with no inventory: pick a niche, choose a POD company, set pri…T-shirt printing machines and equipment, explainedHeat press, sublimation, DTF, DTG or screen printing? What each t-shirt printing machine costs, wha…DTF vs DTG printingDTF (direct-to-film) vs DTG (direct-to-garment): how each works, feel, durability, fabrics and cost…How much do custom t-shirts cost?Typical 2026 prices for custom t-shirts by quantity and print method (1 shirt, 12, 50 and 100+) and…How to order custom shirts for a groupA step-by-step plan for group shirt orders: budget, sizes, artwork, choosing a printer, collecting …