We print with DTF (direct to film). It's the reason we can print one shirt or a few hundred with no setup fees and no minimums (see what it costs). Screen printing is the other big method, and it's still a great choice for some orders. Here's an honest comparison.
How each one works
DTF: your design is printed in full color onto a special film, coated with an adhesive powder and cured, then heat-pressed onto the shirt. The design goes on as one layer, whatever its colors. See how we make a shirt, step by step.
Screen printing: each color of the design gets its own mesh screen, and ink is pushed through it onto the shirt, one color at a time.
Side by side
| Compare | DTF | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | None: 1 shirt is fine | Usually 12–24+ pieces |
| Setup fees | None | Per color, per screen |
| Colors | Unlimited: photos and gradients are fine | Priced per color; photos are hard |
| Names and numbers on each shirt | Easy, each shirt is its own print | Extra step, often a different method |
| Price on a huge 1–2 color order | Good | Often lower per shirt |
| Feel | A smooth, flexible layer on top of the fabric | Ink in and on the fabric; very soft with thin inks |
| Works on | Cotton, polyester, blends, dark and light colors | Best on cotton; specialty inks for others |
When DTF is the better choice
- Small and medium orders (1 to a few hundred pieces).
- Full-color logos, photos, gradients and detailed art.
- Teams with names and numbers, or a different text on each shirt.
- Mixed orders: several shirt styles and colors with the same design.
- Fast turnaround: we print within 2 business days, or the next business day with priority.
When screen printing may be better
A very large order (several hundred or more) of a simple one- or two-color design, where the per-shirt price matters most and the setup cost spreads over many pieces. If that's your order, it's worth comparing quotes, and our bulk quote form is a good place to start. We're happy to tell you honestly which way to go.
How to make printed shirts last
- Wait 24 hours before the first wash (the full care guide has every step).
- Wash inside out, in cold or warm water, with a mild detergent.
- Tumble dry low or hang dry.
- Don't iron directly on the print, and skip bleach and fabric softener on the print.
Cared for like this, a DTF print stays bright and flexible wash after wash.
Want to see your design on a shirt? Open the designer: it's free to try, no account needed.
