DTG vs Screen Printing: Which One’s Better for Your Custom Shirts?

Not sure which print method to choose for your next custom shirt?

You’re not alone—everyone hits that fork in the road at some point. And the debate between DTG vs screen printing? It's the ultimate face-off in the world of custom tees.

When you’ve got the design. It’s fresh, bold, and ready to turn heads. 

But now comes the big decision: how do you bring it to life without wrecking the vibe? Do you go for the smooth, full-color magic of direct-to-garment printing? Or play it safe with the bold, reliable punch of screen printing?

No fluff, no techy overload, just a clear, honest breakdown of DTG vs screen printing that’ll help you make the right call.

Let’s settle this like pros who’ve been burned by bad prints before.

What Is DTG Printing?

Direct to Garment Printing(aka DTG) is like using a high-tech inkjet printer—but for t-shirts. It sprays water-based ink directly onto the fabric and then heat-presses it to seal the deal.

Think of it as the new kid in class who brought the fanciest gadgets.

• Got a design full of crazy colors and gradients? DTGs like, “Bring it on.”

• Need just one or two shirts? DTG's your guy—no setup drama.

• Want your shirt to feel soft like it was born with the ink? Yup, DTG nails it.

But heads up: not all fabrics play nice with DTG. Cotton? Absolutely. Polyester? Not so much.

What About Screen Printing?

Screen Printing is old-school, but in the best way. It’s been around for decades for a reason. Each color in your design gets its own mesh screen. Ink is pushed through the screens onto the shirt like a mini art project.

It’s hands-on, detailed, and perfect for bulk orders.

• Want bold, vibrant colors that pop? Screen printing eats that for breakfast.

• Got 50 or more shirts to make? It’s way more cost-effective than DTG.

• Planning to wash these shirts 100 times and still want them to look good? Screen’s got the muscle.

Just know: it takes more prep time. One-off orders? Not so friendly. Super detailed, photo-like designs? It can get tricky.

Quality and Design: How Will the Design Actually Look on the Shirt?

Let’s talk looks—because when it comes to custom shirts, style is substance.

When comparing DTG vs screen printing quality, it boils down to what you want your design to say. DTG is like the high-res photo mode of t-shirt printing. It captures every little line, gradient, and detail with crazy precision. 

If you’re working with photo-based art, watercolor effects, or ultra-intricate illustrations, direct-to-garment printing delivers a super clean finish that feels smooth to the touch.

On the flip side, screen printing doesn’t do subtle—it does bold. Thick, vibrant ink sits right on top of the fabric, giving your design a little texture and serious pop.

Perfect for logos or graphics that need to hit hard from across the room. But if your art has 10+ colors or ultra-fine details, screen printing might not be your best bet—it can get messy and expensive fast.

So, is dtg printing good quality? Absolutely.

But it shines in a different lane than screen printing. Think clarity vs contrast. Precision vs power. Choose based on the feel you're after.

Durability: Which One Lasts Longer, DTG or Screen Printing?

Ah, yes—the durability question. AKA: Will your design survive laundry day?

In the DTG vs screen printing durability showdown, screen printing takes the lead.

It’s built like a tank. The ink is thick, bold, and bonds hard to the fabric. These prints laugh in the face of spin cycles, making them the go-to for band merch, work uniforms, and anything that needs to look fresh after 50+ washes.

DTG isn’t a slouch, though—it just plays a different game. Instead of sitting on top, the ink sinks into the fabric, giving it that soft, natural feel.

But here’s the tradeoff: it needs more TLC. Wash in cold water, flip it inside out, and skip the dryer if you can.

Do that, and your DTG shirt will stay in great shape. Don’t do that… and it’ll fade faster than your post-concert voice.

So again, it's about your use case. Want soft and artsy? DTG. Want tough and long-lasting? Screen’s your champ.

What's the Better Deal—Especially for Different Order Sizes?

Let’s talk money. Because printing 5 shirts and printing 500? Different ballgames.

Here’s where direct-to-garment printing shows off.

DTG doesn’t need screens, setup, or extra equipment. You upload your design, and it goes straight to print. That makes it a beast for small orders, test runs, or limited drops. 

Whether you're launching a new brand or just need a few shirts for the crew, DTG keeps things simple—you pay per shirt, and you’re done.

Now, screen printing?

It needs some setup time. Each color gets its screen, which means more effort upfront. But once that’s done? Boom—mass production mode activated. The cost per shirt drops fast when you’re printing 50, 100, or 500. 

So, for bulk custom t-shirt printing for merch, corporate events, or sports teams, screen printing is the budget-friendly beast you need.

So ask yourself: short run or big drop? Quick test or full-on launch? Your answer points straight to the better print method.

Which One’s Faster to Produce?

Got a deadline breathing down your neck? Let's talk speed.

DTG is the king of quick-turn, small batch printing. Since there’s zero setup, you can upload your design, hit print, and have your shirts ready in no time.

It’s the best option when you're only printing a dozen shirts for a pop-up, a last-minute birthday surprise, or a new design test run.

But once you go big?

Screen printing steps in. Sure, it takes a little time to prep the screens. But once the setup’s locked in, production goes full beast mode—hundreds of shirts per hour, cranked out with military precision.

If you're gearing up for an event, campaign, or retail drop, screen printing finishes strong and fast.

So… fast and small, or fast and huge? That’s your call.

When Should You Use DTG or Screen Printing?

Not every shirt project needs the same approach—direct-to-garment printing and screen printing shine in different ways.

Go with DTG if you’re working on:

• Small batches or one-off prints

• Designs with tons of detail, color, or photo elements

• Custom gifts or artist merch

• Cotton shirts that need a soft, breathable feel

It’s perfect for creators who want stunning prints without ordering 100 at a time.

Choose screen printing when:

• You’re printing in bulk (think events, schools, or teams)

• Your design is bold and simple—1 to 3 colors max

• You’re using blends, polyester, or specialty fabrics

• You want prints that pop and last forever

In short, DTG is great for small, detailed jobs. Screen printing rules for big, bold, long-lasting runs.

What to Expect from Tee Vision Printing

At Tee Vision Printing, we don’t just hit “print” and call it a day—we team up with you to create custom shirts that hit.

Whether you're going small with one design or going big for a full run, we've got the tools (and the vibes) to get it done right.

Here’s what you’re getting with us:

• Free advice on DTG vs screen printing based on your design, fabric, and quantity

• Digital mockups before anything goes to press

• Premium shirts from brands like Bella+Canvas and Gildan Softstyle

• No order too big or small—yep, we do both

• Fast turnarounds, real support, and zero stress

Check out past projects, explore options, or get a free quote anytime at teevisionprinting.com.

DTG vs Screen Printing – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which one lasts longer?
Screen printing typically lasts longer, especially on items that get heavy wear.

Q2: Is DTG printing of good quality?
Yes—DTG offers excellent quality for complex, colorful, or high-resolution designs.

Q3: Can I print a photo or detailed art?
Definitely. DTG is built for that kind of work.

Q4: Can I use both methods in my brand?
Absolutely. Use DTG for samples or limited editions, then switch to screen printing for larger runs.

Q5: Not sure which to pick?
No worries—just talk to us! We’ll help you choose the right method based on your goals and budget.

Let’s Make Your Design Happen

At the end of the day, choosing between DTG and screen printing isn’t just about picking the “better” method—it’s about finding what works best for your specific project.

Whether you're prioritizing print quality, turnaround time, long-term durability, or overall cost, the right solution depends on your unique goals.

At Tee Vision Printing, we’re here to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in every choice. From small custom runs to large-scale orders, we’ve got the tools, experience, and creativity to bring your vision to life—exactly how you imagined it.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Tee Vision Printing, and let’s create something amazing together.