DTG vs Screen Printing

19/11/2025

When you're looking at options for printed t-shirts, chances are you've come across two popular methods: Direct to Garment (DTG) and screen printing. Each one works differently and comes with its own strengths, depending on what you need. Whether you're creating work uniforms, event gear, or something just for fun, the way you print your design can really shape the final look and feel.

DTG uses digital printers to shoot ink directly onto the fabric, much like a home printer. Screen printing, in comparison, applies stencils and layers of ink on top of the fabric for a distinct effect. Choosing the right print method often comes down to quantity, design style, and the finish you want. Let’s look at how these two techniques compare so you can decide what works best for your project.

Choosing the Right Method Based on Quantity

One major consideration is how many items you’re looking to print. DTG is ideal for smaller batches, such as if you need a few personalised t-shirts or even a single piece. With no setup time required, DTG is quicker and more flexible for small orders or urgent jobs. The ability to print just one or a handful of shirts makes DTG particularly attractive for limited edition runs, one-off gifts, or designs that might be tweaked between prints.

Screen printing shines when you’re producing large quantities with the same design. Whether it’s 50 or 500 t-shirts, setting up the screens is worthwhile as the actual printing process is fast and produces consistent results. At A4 Apparel, repeat orders of your branded workwear, uniforms, or team shirts are especially easy with previously prepared screens. This efficiency makes screen printing the go-to for organisations or clubs looking for a cohesive look across many garments.

If you need only a handful of custom shirts, DTG may be best. For bigger batches and frequent reorders, screen printing is usually more efficient. Another point is the cost, which decreases per item with screen printing as the volume increases, while DTG is more consistent in price regardless of batch size.

How Each Method Handles Colour and Detail

DTG excels with detailed designs and multiple colours. The digital process provides photo-quality imagery, so gradients, intricate art, and vibrant palettes are all achievable. This makes DTG a go-to for designs featuring subtle shading or lots of closely spaced colours. It can pick up fine lines, tiny lettering, and colour transitions with minimal effort, bringing complex artwork to life.

Screen printing is better suited for bold, simple graphics. Each colour requires its own screen, so simpler art with fewer colours is more efficient. This is especially effective for strong logos, slogans, or iconic designs with defined lines. Screen printing works best with spot colours, giving crisp edges and bold, consistent fills that stand up well on both light and dark fabrics.

On dark garments, both DTG and screen printing have solutions. DTG may add a white under base for brightness, slightly changing the feel, while screen printing uses opaque inks to ensure colours stay vivid. Whichever process you prefer, we offer garment preparation and expert advice to make sure your designs look their best on any fabric. With proper setup, both printing methods can accommodate your colour needs for a professional result, whether you’re printing individual artwork or mixing a company logo with background graphics.

If your design uses photographs, detailed illustrations, or unique colour gradients, DTG is usually your best choice. For classic one- or two-colour prints, or repeat logos with high visibility, screen printing is the usual standard.

Feel and Finish of the Final Product

How your t-shirt feels is as important as how it looks, especially for items intended for daily use. DTG prints are absorbed into the fabric, so the garment remains smooth and soft to the touch. This process produces a finish that feels natural and doesn’t disrupt the original texture of the shirt.

Screen printing, in contrast, lays ink on top of the garment, resulting in a slightly raised print. The more ink used, the more pronounced the texture. This finish works well for teamwear and workwear, where durability and visibility are important. Screen-printed garments may feel heavier, especially when designs use multiple ink layers or large solid areas.

For day-to-day fashion, many prefer the natural, lighter finish from DTG. For standout branding, promotional items, or sports apparel, the heavier feel from screen printing might be just right. The choice between these finishes often depends on comfort preference, design goals, and the impression you want to make with the garment.

If someone wants the softest possible print with less weight, DTG is hard to beat. If you like the classic, bold print look with a touch of texture, screen printing is your method.

Durability and How They Hold Up Over Time

A key point for any custom printed clothing is how the print lasts after multiple washes. With DTG, the softness comes at the cost of potential fading if not properly cared for. The print will last, but light fading is possible over time. Because DTG ink is absorbed by the fibres, it can gradually lose brightness after repeated washes or exposure to harsh detergents.

Screen printing offers long-lasting durability. With thicker, more resistant inks, the colours and design tend to stay intact through regular washing, making it the preferred choice for work uniforms and high-use apparel featured on www.a4apparel.co.uk. The ink sits on top of the fabric, creating a layer that resists washing and abrasion.

Whichever method you select, these steps can extend the life of your t-shirt:

• Wash inside out and on a gentle cycle
• Use cold water and mild detergent
• Avoid tumble drying or ironing directly on the print

Consistent care, such as skipping bleach and hanging shirts to dry, keeps prints looking new longer.

With proper care, both DTG and screen-printed garments can look great for years. Treating your personalised clothing gently when laundering will maximise durability for both styles.

Which Printing Method is Right for You?

Your needs should always determine the right fit. If you're after a short run of highly detailed or colourful garments, DTG enables one-off creativity and rapid customisation. For bulk quantities, brand campaigns, or uniforms where consistency and longevity matter, screen printing provides reliable, high-quality results at scale.

We specialise in affordable personalised clothing, offering both DTG and screen printing for t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Our service includes expert guidance to help you select the printing style that highlights your unique design, whether for business, events, or personal projects. You don’t have to choose alone. If you’re not sure, show a sample design or describe your needs, and a specialist can help point you to the best process for your purpose.

Not every job needs a single type of print, either. Some clients combine DTG for full-colour photos with screen printed logos or text on the same batch, benefiting from each method’s advantages when producing varied items for different uses.

Bring your next project to life and stand out from the crowd with A4 Apparel's expertise in printed t-shirts. Whether you need stunning detail for a one-off event or durable designs for team uniforms, we've got you covered. Let our team help you achieve the perfect balance of creativity and quality. Start designing your custom apparel today and see how easy it is to make your vision a reality.