DTG vs DTF vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Which Fits Your Order?
Planning custom shirts or hats and not sure how they should be decorated? We make them four ways at Polkabean, all in house in Cape Coral. Here's a plain-English guide to picking the right one.
The short version
| Method | Best for | Order size | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | Many shirts with the same design | 12 pieces or more per design | Bold, durable, solid colors |
| DTG (direct to garment) | Photos and detailed art on cotton | From 1 piece | Soft, full color |
| DTF (direct to film) | Full color on polyester and performance wear | From 1 piece | Full color, slightly raised transfer |
| Embroidery | Hats, polos, jackets, logos | From 1 piece | Stitched thread, premium finish |
Screen printing: best for bigger orders
Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil, one color at a time. It's the most efficient way to print the same design on many shirts, so it's our go-to for churches, VBS programs, schools, teams and events. The more you order, the less each shirt costs. Screen printing has a 12-piece minimum per design. Learn more about screen printing.
DTG: soft, full color for one-offs and detail
DTG prints your design straight into the fabric, like an inkjet printer made for shirts. It handles photos, gradients and detailed artwork, and the print feels soft on cotton. There's no color limit, and orders can start at a single shirt. It's a great fit for personalized gifts and small runs. Learn more about DTG.
DTF: full color on more fabrics
DTF prints your design onto a film, which we heat-press onto the garment. It works on more fabrics than DTG, including polyester performance wear, and it captures bright color and fine detail. Orders can start at one piece. Learn more about DTF.
Embroidery: the premium stitched look
Embroidery stitches your design in thread, so it looks polished and holds up through plenty of washes. It's our pick for hats, polos, jackets and logos for businesses, clinics and teams. If you don't have an embroidery file, we digitize your logo for you, and art and setup are free. Learn more about embroidery.
So which one should you choose?
- Lots of shirts, one design, tight budget: screen printing.
- A photo, a detailed design or just one shirt: DTG on cotton.
- Full color on polyester or performance wear: DTF.
- A hat, polo or professional logo: embroidery.
- Still not sure: send us your idea and we'll recommend the best fit.
Ready to order?
Every order gets a proof by email before we print or stitch anything, and most orders ship within 3-5 business days after you approve it. Request a quote with your idea, quantity and deadline, or call 941-270-3012. Planning an order for an ABA clinic? See our ABA clinic apparel page.
Polkabean, 2648 NW 9th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33993.