Five ways to get it on a shirt — the right one for your run.
Explore screen printing, DTG, DTF, vinyl, and embroidery, then use the short quiz for a starting point. Final compatibility, quantity requirements, and pricing are confirmed with your quote.
Screen Printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen, one screen per color. It is commonly considered for repeat runs using a limited set of colors.
- Repeat runs of the same design
- 1–4 spot colors that pop and last
- Team shirts, event apparel, and merchandise runs
DTG — Direct to Garment
A printer lays full-color artwork directly onto a compatible garment. It can be a useful starting point for detailed designs.
- Detailed artwork and smaller-run concepts
- Full-color art, gradients, photos
- Sampling a design before a larger run
DTF Transfer
Full-color transfers heat-pressed onto the garment. Sticks to anything — cotton, poly, blends, performance wear — with punchy, opaque color.
- Compatible fabric options confirmed by quote
- Bright color on dark or synthetic shirts
- Performance jerseys, tote bags, caps
Vinyl (HTV)
Cut colored vinyl heat-pressed on. Unbeatable for names, numbers and quick personalization — especially one at a time.
- Best for names & numbers
- Team backs, staff names, one-offs
- Bold single-color lettering
Embroidery
Thread stitched into the garment — the premium, corporate look that outlasts everything. Ideal on polos, caps and jackets.
- Best for logos on polos & hats
- Staff uniforms and premium merch
- A finish that reads as “established”
Pick the method at a glance.
| Decide by | Screen Printing | DTG | DTF Transfer | Vinyl | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Confirm by quote | Confirm by quote | Confirm by quote | Confirm by quote | Confirm by quote |
| Artwork type | 1–6 spot colors | Full color, gradients, photos | Full color, opaque | Solid lettering | Logos, simple marks |
| Fabric | Cotton & blends | Cotton-first | Any fabric, incl. performance | Most fabrics | Polos, caps, jackets |
| Feel | Layered ink, bold | Soft, in the fabric | Smooth transfer film | Smooth film | Raised stitch |
| Wash & wear | Workhorse for big runs | Soft hand on cotton | Opaque on darks & synthetics | Holds edges on names | Stitched — long-wearing |
This is general method guidance. The exact garment, method, finish, quantity requirements, timing, and price are confirmed directly after your quote request.