DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Better for T-Shirts?

Choosing between DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and screen printing can feel like a creative crossroads. One method offers photographic detail and on-demand flexibility, while the other brings time-tested durability and cost efficiency at scale. In this guide, we’ll break down how each method works, when to use them, and how to pick the best option for your T-shirt project.

What Is DTG Printing? (Direct-to-Garment)

DTG Printing

How It Works: Inkjet Printing Directly Onto Fabric

DTG printing uses a specialized inkjet printer to apply water-based inks directly onto the fabric, just like printing an image on paper. The ink soaks into the fibers of the T-shirt, creating smooth, vibrant designs without layers or texture.

Best For: Small Batches, Full-Color Designs, and Fast Turnarounds

DTG shines when your design is colorful, highly detailed, or changes frequently. Since there’s no screen setup, it’s ideal for low-volume or one-off orders.

Common Uses: Custom Tees, One-Off Orders, Print-on-Demand Businesses

DTG is popular among artists, Etsy shop owners, and emerging brands that offer personalized T-shirts. It supports fast iterations and low commitment.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen Printing

How It Works: Stenciled Screens and Layered Ink

Screen printing involves creating a mesh screen for each color in the design. Ink is pressed through each screen layer by layer, forming the design on the fabric. The result is a bold, vibrant print with excellent coverage.

Best For: Bulk Orders and Simple Designs With Few Colors

If your artwork is made up of a few solid colors and you’re printing dozens or hundreds of shirts, screen printing delivers impressive results and efficiency.

Common Uses: Merchandise, Events, Uniforms, and Company Swag

From band tees and conference shirts to uniforms and product launches, screen printing is a favorite for large-scale projects with minimal design changes.

Want more options? Explore different printing methods beyond DTG and screen printing.

DTG vs. Screen Printing: Key Differences

1. Setup Time and Costs

• DTG: Minimal setup. Print directly from a digital file—fast and simple.

• Screen: Requires prep work (screens, inks, setup), which adds time and upfront costs.

2. Print Quality and Color Accuracy

• DTG: Excellent for photorealistic details, gradients, and unlimited colors.

• Screen: Offers bright, solid colors with sharp edges but isn’t great for intricate designs or gradients.

3. Order Volume and Scalability

• DTG: Ideal for small runs—cost per shirt stays the same.

• Screen: Becomes cost-effective at 20+ units due to lower per-shirt pricing in bulk.

4. Fabric Compatibility (100% Cotton vs. Blends)

• DTG: Works best on 100% cotton for optimal ink absorption.

• Screen: More flexible—prints well on cotton, cotton/poly blends, and synthetics.

Still deciding? Check out our in-depth comparison of T-shirt printing methods.

Pros and Cons of DTG Printing

Pros and Cons of DTG Printing

✅ Pros

• Prints in full color with no limitations

• Great for test runs, niche products, or custom one-offs

• Water-based inks make it a more eco-friendly choice

❌ Cons

• Slower production speed per shirt

• May fade more noticeably after 30+ washes

• Not cost-effective for bulk orders

Ideal For: Artists, niche brands, Etsy shops, and custom gifts

Pros and Cons of Screen Printing

Pros and Cons of Screen Printing

✅ Pros

• Extremely durable prints that withstand frequent washing

• Low cost per shirt when printing large quantities

• Ideal for repeat designs and reorders

❌ Cons

• Expensive and time-consuming for low-volume runs

• Limited to fewer colors unless you pay extra for more screens

• Not well-suited for highly detailed or photographic prints

Ideal For: Companies, bands, organizations, and retail brands doing large batches

Cost Comparison: Which Is More Affordable?

DTG: Best for Small Quantities or Print-on-Demand

When you only need 1–20 shirts or want to launch personalized designs quickly, DTG saves you setup costs.

Screen Printing: Best for Bulk Orders (20–30+ Units)

As volume increases, the per-shirt price drops significantly with screen printing, making it perfect for bulk merchandise or event shirts.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

• DTG: Higher per-shirt cost, but quick and hassle-free

• Screen: Lower per-unit cost at scale, but requires setup time and post-print cleanup

Which Print Method Is Better for Your T-Shirt Project?

When it comes to finding the best printing method for t-shirts, it’s important to evaluate your specific project needs. There are different methods of printing on fabric, and each has its own advantages depending on factors like quantity, design complexity, and turnaround time. To choose the right one, consider these key factors:

Quantity

How many shirts are you printing?

• If you're producing a small batch (1–10 shirts) or a one-time custom piece, DTG (Direct-to-Garment) is your best option. There's no setup, so you can print just one shirt affordably.

• If you're ordering 20 or more shirts, screen printing becomes much more cost-effective. The setup cost gets distributed over the bulk quantity, reducing the price per shirt significantly.

Design Complexity

How detailed or colorful is your design?

• Choose DTG for photorealistic images, full-color gradients, intricate illustrations, or detailed artworks. The digital printing process allows for unlimited color combinations without extra cost.

• Choose screen printing for simple logos, bold text, or basic graphics using 1–3 solid colors. It’s perfect for clean, minimal designs that don’t require fine detailing or color blending.

Timeline

How quickly do you need the shirts?

• Need it fast? DTG is typically quicker for small orders, with minimal setup and a fast file-to-fabric process. It's ideal for last-minute gifts or one-off designs.

• Planning a product launch, promotional campaign, or event? Screen printing requires more time for setup but pays off when producing larger quantities. If you have a few extra days, it’s worth the investment.

Frequency of Reprints

Is this a one-time project or part of a longer-term plan?

• If you’re printing a one-time design for a gift, event, or special moment, DTG is ideal. You won’t pay for setup and can print as few as one shirt.

• If you’re managing an ongoing product line or planning regular restocks of the same design, screen printing is more economical in the long run. Once the screens are prepared, reprints are quick and inexpensive.

Final Thoughts: DTG vs. Screen Printing Recap

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All – Only What Fits Your Project

Each printing method has its strengths. The best choice depends on your needs—order size, budget, design style, and timeline.

Choose DTG for Customization and Color

DTG wins when you want vibrant artwork, soft prints, and the flexibility to print one or many without setup costs.

Choose Screen Printing for Durability and Bulk Value

Screen printing is your go-to for large runs, bold designs, and prints that last wash after wash.

Need a Canvas for Your Next Print?

Discover Raccsy’s premium blank tees—designed to work flawlessly with both DTG and screen printing. Whether you're crafting a custom one-off or building an entire apparel collection, our high-quality shirts give your designs the finish they deserve.

Print with confidence. Wear with pride. Only at Raccsy.