When you want to create truly unique, one-off apparel pieces, the printing method isn’t just a technical choice; it’s the difference between a shirt that feels like a cherished keepsake and one that ends up forgotten in the back of a drawer. Too often, people treat the print method as an afterthought. But in reality, it truly shapes everything: how the design looks, how long it lasts, and even how your brand (or personal style) comes across.
Through our years at gfx, in the trenches of apparel customization, we’ve seen it all. So we know each method has its place, but only if you know what you’re trying to achieve. Which, as luck would have it, you do since you’ve found yourself here!
Here’s our take on three of the most well-known methods for custom and personalized clothing: Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Screen Printing, and Direct-to-Film (DTF).
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
DTG is for creators who refuse to compromise on detail. This gives you a print that looks and feels integrated with the garment itself.
Think photorealistic images, gradients, and more intricate artwork. This is where DTG really shines. It’s also the most flexible! No setup fees, no minimums. If you want to make a single shirt that looks like it came from a high-end boutique, DTG is the way.
Of course, like anything, there’s a tradeoff. It’s a bit slower, requires pretreatment (especially on dark shirts), and it’s not your best friend when it comes to large bulk runs. But for one-off masterpieces? It’s unbeatable.
How it works:
DTG uses specialized inkjet technology to spray water-based inks directly onto fabric. The ink soaks into cotton fibers after pretreatment and heat curing, creating a smooth finish that feels soft to the touch.
💬 What is pretreatment?: Pretreatment is like a primer for your garment. It’s a liquid applied (usually sprayed) before printing that helps the ink stick better, last longer, and look more vibrant. This step is especially important for dark garments, where a white base layer is needed to make colors pop.
💬 What is curing/heat curing?: This is the step that locks in your print. After printing, heat from a press or dryer sets the ink into the fabric, making the design durable, washable, and properly bonded to the garment.
Advantages:
- Ideal for photorealistic images, gradients, and intricate designs
- Huge ink color range (without the huge expenses based on color usage)
- No setup cost and no minimum order requirements, perfect for 1-of-1 apparel
- Soft, breathable print that blends into the garment
- Eco-friendly with water-based inks and reduced waste
Limitations:
- Works best on 100% cotton or cotton-heavy blends
- Requires pretreatment for dark garments
- Slower production speed compared to screen printing
- Less cost-effective for bulk orders
Best for: One-off custom tees or hoodies where design detail and print softness matter most.
Screen Printing
There’s a reason screen printing has been around for decades: it works. Bold colors, durability, and good value at scale. If you’re outfitting a team, running merch for an event, or producing 500 branded tees with the same design, screen printing delivers. So we get why this method might be in the running for your consideration.
But here’s the reality: it’s a blunt instrument. Each color needs its own screen, setup costs stack up (especially by color count), and forget about fine gradients or photorealistic designs. For one-off or hyper-detailed projects, it’s simply the wrong tool.
How it works:
This traditional method uses mesh stencils (screens) for each color in a design. Thick ink is pushed through the screens and cured, resulting in durable prints that sit on top of the fabric.
Advantages:
- Extremely durable prints that last for years
- Vibrant, saturated colors, especially on dark fabrics
- Cost-effective for large production runs
- Works on cotton, blends, and synthetics
Limitations:
- High setup cost and time (each color requires a new screen)
- Limited detail for complex or photographic designs
- Not practical for 1-of-1 or small runs (often requires 5–100 item minimums)
- Less eco-friendly due to chemical and water use
Best for: Bulk orders of bold, simple designs such as team uniforms, merch, or branded apparel.
Direct-to-Film (DTF)
DTF is the somewhat new kid on the block, and it’s quickly proving that it deserves a seat at the table. This method combines versatility with staying power.
It sticks to just about anything. Cotton, polyester, blends, and holds vibrant color with serious durability. The tradeoff? The print sits on top of the fabric, so large designs can feel a little heavier. Still, for small to medium runs where variety and boldness matter, DTF is a game-changer.
How it works:
DTF prints designs onto a PET film, coats them with adhesive powder, and then heat-presses the transfer onto fabric. The transfer bonds on top of the garment, making it compatible with many fabric types.
💬 What is PET film?: Polyethylene terephthalate (AKA PET film) is a polyester-based material that serves as the transfer medium for digital designs printed by a DTF printer.
Advantages:
- Works on nearly any fabric: cotton, polyester, blends, and more
- Produces vibrant, opaque prints, even on dark garments
- Highly durable and resistant to cracking or fading
- Great for logos, text, and fine details
- Faster setup compared to screen printing
Limitations:
- Slightly heavier feel since the print sits on top of the fabric
- Less breathable on large designs
- Involves multiple steps (film printing, adhesive powder, curing, pressing)
- Not as cost-effective for very large runs
Best for: Versatile, durable custom prints across different fabric types where bold color and durability are key.
The Verdict
Truthfully, there’s no one-size-fits-all, but there is a best fit if your goal is printing quality custom apparel.
- Choose DTG if you want one-off, highly detailed, soft-feeling prints on cotton.
- Choose Screen Printing if you need bold, durable prints in bulk.
- Choose DTF if you want versatility across many fabrics, vibrant colors, and durability for small to medium runs.
For true 1-of-1 custom apparel, our go-to is DTG, with DTF following as a close second. Why? Well, because great apparel should feel as unique as the person wearing it. The print method you choose says as much about your vision as the design itself. Now that you’ve got our take and key facts, the final decision is yours!