Best T-Shirt Printing Method: How to Choose the Right One for Your Design and Budget
So, you're getting custom t-shirts made—but here’s the thing:
How do you know which printing method is the right one?
Should you go with screen printing? Is DTG better? What if you're on a budget, or only need 10 shirts? And let’s be honest—there’s nothing worse than spending time and money on a t-shirt order that looks great at first, but fades after a few washes.
That’s where this guide comes in.
Whether you're launching a brand, printing shirts for your team, or designing merch for an event, I’m going to walk you through the best t-shirt printing method—and how to choose it based on your goals, design, and wallet.
Let’s make this easy.
Step 1: Understand Why the Printing Method Matters
Think of the printing method like the foundation of a house. If you get it wrong, even the best design won’t save your shirts.
Some methods are great for bulk orders. Others are perfect for detailed art. And some look awesome but aren’t built to last.
That’s why knowing your options is the first step to making smart, informed decisions—without wasting money or time.
So let’s break down the most popular t-shirt printing types we offer at Tee Vision Printing.
Step 2: Know Your T-Shirt Printing Options (What We Offer)
At Tee Vision Printing, we keep it focused on quality. We specialize in three core methods that give you long-lasting results and professional finishes:
1. Screen Printing (aka Spot Color Printing)
Our most popular option. If you’re printing large quantities of shirts—say for a team, event, or business—screen printing is the most cost-effective method.
Perfect for: Logos, branding, bold text, and solid graphics
Strengths: Crisp lines, sharp edges, consistent color application
Limitations: Best for designs with fewer colors (1–6 max)
This method uses stencils (screens) and pushes ink directly onto the fabric. It’s highly durable, and when taken care of, shirts can last for years.
2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
DTG is perfect for complex or multi-color designs printed in small batches. Think artwork, portraits, or vibrant digital images.
Perfect for: Small orders, designs with lots of color and detail
Strengths: No setup costs, incredible detail, fast for short runs
Limitations: Works best on 100% cotton fabrics
If your design looks like a painting or a photo, DTG brings it to life directly on the shirt. It’s like a printer for apparel.
3. Embroidery
Want your logo to pop with texture and depth? Embroidery adds a stitched, professional touch to shirts, hats, polos, and more.
Perfect for: Uniforms, corporate apparel, hats, jackets
Strengths: Extremely durable, high-end appearance
Limitations: Not suited for large or very detailed artwork
Embroidery is a favorite for businesses looking to elevate their branding with polished, long-lasting details.
Only need 5 shirts? Want a design that looks like it came out of Photoshop? DTG is your friend.
Step 3: Ask Yourself These 4 Questions Before You Decide
1. What does your design look like?
Is it bold and simple, or intricate and full of color?
Bold, simple, 1–3 colors: Go with screen printing for clean lines and strong ink coverage.
Colorful, detailed, artistic: DTG printing can handle gradients, shading, and photo-quality prints.
Clean and corporate: Embroidery gives your brand a professional, textured finish.
2. How many shirts do you need?
The size of your order matters when it comes to choosing the right method.
Small batch (under 20): DTG is great because there are no setup costs.
Bulk orders (50+): Screen printing becomes more cost-effective as quantities go up.
Premium uniforms or branded wearables: Use embroidery for a refined, long-term look.
3. What material are the shirts?
Fabric type plays a big role in how ink or stitching adheres to the shirt.
100% cotton: Works best with both DTG and screen printing.
Cotton blends (50/50 or tri-blends): Screen printing is reliable; embroidery also performs well.
Polos, jackets, or caps: Embroidery is ideal.
If you’re unsure of the fabric, just send us a message or sample—we’ll guide you.
4. What’s your budget and goal?
Different methods impact your per-shirt price and overall investment.
Looking to save on large orders? Go with screen printing.
Need a few shirts with complex art? Choose DTG—you won’t pay for setup.
Want a premium finish for your logo or brand? Go with embroidery.
The real win? You don’t have to choose alone. Let us help you match your vision with the right method.
So… What’s the Best T-Shirt Printing Method?
It depends. And yes, I know that’s a frustrating answer—but it’s also the truth.
If you want to know what type of t-shirt printing lasts the longest, it’s screen printing, hands down. When done right, it won’t fade, crack, or peel—even after dozens of washes.
DTG is perfect for short runs with rich color detail. Heat transfer is quick and personal. Embroidery adds texture and professionalism.
So the “best” method? It’s the one that fits your shirt, your design, and your goals.
What We Recommend at Tee Vision Printing
At Tee Vision Printing, we don’t do generic—we tailor every order to your needs. Here’s what we offer:
Screen Printing for bulk orders and high-impact designs
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) for small batches and full-color art
Embroidery for logos on polos, hats, and premium gear
Need help choosing? Our team will walk you through it. No stress, no guesswork.
Click here to get a quick quote or just send us a message.
FAQs
Q: Can I print photos on a shirt?
Yes! DTG is your best bet for printing detailed, full-color photos on cotton shirts.
Q: What’s the best method for team uniforms?
Screen printing works best for large runs and simple, bold designs.
Q: Can I print on dri-fit or athletic shirts?
We recommend cotton or blends for best results, but let us know what you need and we’ll help you choose the right method.
Q: Will my design crack or peel over time?
Not if you choose the right method! Screen printing and embroidery offer the most long-term durability.
Q: How long does the process take?
Most orders are ready in 5–7 business days, depending on size and method. Rush options available.
Final Thoughts (And What to Do Next)
You don’t have to know everything about t-shirt printing—we’ve got you.
What you do need is a trusted partner who knows how to match your design to the best t-shirt printing method, based on what actually matters: your fabric, your artwork, and your budget.
That’s exactly what we do here at Tee Vision Printing.
Need durable screen prints? Want vibrant full-color DTG shirts? Let’s make it happen.
Visit www.teevisionprinting.com to get started today.