DTG vs. Screen Printing
DTG and screen printing solve different problems. Compare them on quantity, color, feel, fabric, and cost so you can pick the right one for your shirts.
6 min read · Updated July 10, 2026
Two of the most common questions we get are “which is better, DTG or screen printing?” The honest answer: neither — they are built for different jobs. Here is how to tell which one your order wants.
The core difference
Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil, one screen per color — front-loaded setup that pays off in bulk. DTG (direct-to-garment) works like a high-end inkjet for shirts: it sprays ink directly into the fabric with no screens and no setup, printing a handful as easily as a hundred.
That single difference drives every other trade-off below.
Quantity & cost
For larger runs of a bold design, screen printing is cheaper per shirt — the more you print, the lower the unit cost. For small batches, DTG wins because you are not paying to set up screens you will barely use.
A rough line: bigger simple orders lean screen printing; a single piece leans DTF (no minimum); small detailed orders lean DTF or DTG.
Color, feel & fabric
DTG handles unlimited colors and photographic detail with a soft, printed-in feel, and is at its best on 100% cotton. Screen printing is unbeatable for bold, opaque colors on any garment and for that classic durable print.
For synthetics or the very brightest prints on dark garments, DTF is often the sturdier choice over DTG.
- Screen printing is cheaper per shirt at volume; DTG wins for one-offs.
- DTG = unlimited color, soft feel, best on 100% cotton.
- Screen printing = bold opaque color on any garment, very durable.
- For synthetics or bright prints on dark, consider DTF.
Quick answers.
Is DTG or screen printing cheaper?
For large runs of a bold design, screen printing is cheaper per shirt. For small, detailed orders, DTG (6-piece minimum) is more economical since there are no screens to set up, and a single piece is cheapest on DTF, which has no minimum.
Which feels softer, DTG or screen printing?
DTG prints into the fabric for a very soft, flat feel. Screen printing feels softest with water-based inks; standard plastisol has a slight surface hand.
What fabrics work best for DTG?
100% cotton gives the brightest, most durable DTG results. Cotton-rich blends work too; for polyester or very dark synthetics we usually recommend DTF.
Ready to put this to work?
DTG Printing
Direct-to-Garment prints your artwork right into cotton with soft-hand feel and unlimited colors — perfect for small runs and detailed designs.
Screen PrintingScreen Printing
Vibrant, long-lasting ink printed straight into the fabric — the most cost-effective choice for bold designs and bigger runs.
DTFDTF Printing
Direct-to-Film transfers deliver full-color, photo-detail prints on almost any fabric or color — no minimums and no color limits.
ShopCustom T-Shirts
Soft, printable blanks from Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Gildan and more — the workhorse of custom apparel.
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