So, you’ve got your T-shirt brand idea locked in and your designs ready to go. But wait — how are you going to print them? Choosing the right T-shirt printing method can make or break your final product, especially in terms of look, feel, durability, and cost.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular T-shirt printing techniques, explaining how they work, their pros and cons, and which fabrics they’re best suited for.
Let’s dive in!
1. Screen Printing (Silk Screen Printing)
Screen printing involves pushing ink through a mesh screen (stencil) onto the fabric. Each color in your design requires a separate screen. It’s ideal for bold and vibrant designs with limited colors.
Best Fabric:
Works best on 100% cotton, cotton-blend and poly-cotton.
2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG uses an inkjet printer to spray water-based ink directly onto the fabric. It’s like printing on paper but for T-shirts. No screens needed!
Best Fabric:
Works best on 100% combed cotton, especially ringspun, all natural fibers absorb DTG ink better than sythetic ones.
3. Heat Transfer Printing (Including DTF)
Designs are printed on a special transfer paper using heat-sensitive ink and then applied to the garment with a heat press. DTF (Direct to Film) is a modern variant where designs are printed on PET film, sprinkled with adhesive powder, and heat-pressed.
Best Fabric:
Suitable for a variety of fabrics including cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends.
4. Sublimation Printing
Sublimation uses heat to turn dye into gas, which then bonds with the fabric fibers. The ink becomes part of the fabric itself—so no raised feel or texture.
Best Fabric:
Works best on 100% polyester or poly-rich blends (at least 65% poly); White or light-colored garments give the best results.
5. Vinyl Heat Transfer (HTV)
Designs are cut out of vinyl sheets using a cutter and then heat-pressed onto the fabric. Often used for numbers, letters, and simple graphics.
Best Fabric:
Works best on cotton, poly-cotton, or polyester.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Printing Method | Best For | Works Best On | MOQ Friendly | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Bulk orders, bold designs | Cotton, cotton blends | ❌ | ✅ |
| DTG Printing | Small batches, detailed artwork | 100% Cotton | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Heat Transfer / DTF | Custom jobs, full-color graphics | Cotton, poly, blends | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sublimation | All-over prints, poly fabrics | Polyester, poly-blends | ❌ | ✅ |
| Vinyl Transfer | Numbers, names, simple logos | Cotton, poly-cotton | ✅ | ✅ |
When choosing your printing method, consider your:
- Design complexity
- Order quantity
- Budget
- Fabric type
- Feel and finish you want for your customers
No single method is perfect for every situation, but knowing your options helps you make smarter decisions.
