When you order custom shirts, the print method matters as much as the design. The two you will hear about most are screen printing and DTF, which stands for direct to film. Both produce great shirts. They just shine in different situations. This guide explains each one in plain terms so you can pick with confidence, or just call us and we will pick for you.
What is screen printing
Screen printing is the classic method. We create a stencil, or screen, for each color in your design, then push ink through the screen onto the shirt. Because there is a setup step for each color, screen printing rewards volume. Once the screens are made, printing hundreds of shirts is fast and cheap per piece. The ink sits into the fabric for a durable, professional finish that holds up for years.
Screen printing is the go-to for large runs with a limited number of colors. Think fundraiser shirts, big spirit wear orders, and any job where you are printing a lot of the same design.
What is DTF
DTF prints your design onto a special film, then heat presses it onto the shirt. There are no per-color screens to make, so it handles full color art and fine detail without adding cost for each color. That makes DTF ideal for small orders, photo-realistic or many-color designs, and jobs where every shirt might be a little different, like names and numbers.
DTF is the smart choice for small party sets, detailed logos, and team jerseys where each shirt carries a different name and number.
The quick comparison
| Factor | Screen printing | DTF |
|---|---|---|
| Best for quantity | Large runs | Small to medium runs |
| Best for colors | Few colors | Full color and detail |
| Cost per shirt at volume | Lowest | Higher than screen at high volume |
| Setup cost | Per color | Minimal |
| Per-shirt variation | Same design | Easy to vary each shirt |
Cost: which is cheaper
It depends entirely on your order. For a big run of a simple design, screen printing wins on price because the setup is spread across many shirts. For a small order or a complex full color design, DTF is usually the better value because there is no per-color setup to pay for. Our pricing guide covers how quantity and colors move the total.
Durability: do they last
Both methods produce shirts that last when they are done right. Screen printed ink is known for its long life and soft hand when printed well. Quality DTF prints are also durable and hold detail through plenty of washes. The key with either method is proper curing and good technique, which is where an in-house shop that does this every day makes the difference.
How to choose in one minute
- Printing a lot of the same simple design? Screen printing, for the best per-shirt price.
- Small order or a detailed full color design? DTF, for flexibility without setup costs.
- Need names and numbers, all different? DTF handles per-shirt variation easily.
- Not sure? Tell us your design and count and we will recommend the right method for your budget.
We print both, in-house
Because we run both methods in our own shop, we are not pushing you toward whatever we happen to offer. We pick the method that gives you the best result for your design, your count, and your budget. We do this for groups across LA and Ventura County, from Sherman Oaks to Ventura.
Get a recommendation
Not sure which method fits? Call the shop, describe your shirt, and we will tell you the smart choice and give you a free quote on the spot.