Best Types of Shirt Printing

Discover the top t-shirt printing methods. Click the link below to learn more.


The world of custom t-shirts is vast, with a printing method for every design and budget. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow t-shirt enthusiast! This guide dives into the most popular shirt printing methods, exploring their pros, cons, and ideal uses. Discover the top t-shirt printing methods & their pros and cons. Click the link below to learn more.

  1. Screen Printing:

  • The Classic Choice: Screen printing is a well-established method, perfect for bold, opaque designs with vibrant colors. A stencil is used to push ink onto the fabric, creating a raised, durable print.
  • Pros: Affordable for bulk orders, vibrant colors, long-lasting designs, suitable for various fabrics (cotton, polyester blends).
  • Cons: Less ideal for complex designs with many colors, setup costs can be high for small orders.
  • Popular for: Company logos, team shirts, promotional t-shirts.

  1. Direct-to- Garment (DTG) Printing:

  • The Digital Revolution: DTG printing uses an inkjet printer to apply ink directly onto the fabric. It excels at intricate designs with detailed photos and gradients.
  • Pros: Ideal for complex designs and photo prints, no minimum order quantity, good for personalized t-shirts.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than screen printing for large orders, may not be suitable for all fabric types (best for cotton).
  • Popular for: Personalized t-shirts, band merchandise, artistic designs with photos.

  1. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV):

  • The Iron-On Advantage: HTV involves cutting designs from vinyl sheets and heat pressing them onto the garment. It offers a vibrant, raised effect.
  • Pros: Easy to use at home with a heat press, affordable for small orders, wide variety of vinyl colors and finishes available (glitter, metallic).
  • Cons: Not ideal for large or very detailed designs, can crack or peel over time if not applied correctly.
  • Popular for: Personalized t-shirts, small business logos, crafting projects.

  1. Dye Sublimation:

  • The All-Over Specialist: This method dyes the fabric itself, creating vibrant, full-coverage prints ideal for polyester shirts.
  • Pros: Excellent for all-over prints and photographic designs, achieves a soft, breathable feel on the fabric.
  • Cons: Limited to light-colored, synthetic fabrics (polyester), not suitable for cotton t-shirts.
  • Popular for: Sportswear, jerseys, athletic apparel, photorealistic designs.

Choosing the Right Method:

Consider these factors when making your choice:

  • Design complexity: Simple designs are suited for most methods, while complex ones might require DTG printing.
  • Fabric type: Cotton works well with most methods, while polyester requires dye sublimation for best results.
  • Order quantity: Screen printing is more cost-effective for bulk orders, while DTG is better for smaller batches.
  • Budget: Screen printing is generally affordable for bulk orders, while DTG and HTV might be more expensive depending on the design.

Popular Shirt Printing Companies:

  • Printful offers a user-friendly platform for DTG printing and a variety of apparel options.
  • Redbubble allows you to create and upload your designs for printing on t-shirts and other merchandise.
  • CustomInk caters to businesses and organizations, offering screen printing and embroidery services.

Remember: Experiment and find the printing method that best suits your needs. With the right choice, you can create unique and eye-catching custom t-shirts that make a statement!