Screen printing vs DTG: which should I choose for custom shirts?
By Promogator Staff
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 2 min read
Choose screen printing for larger orders, simple designs with a few solid colors, and the lowest cost per shirt as quantities grow. Choose DTG (direct-to-garment) for small orders, photos, gradients and designs with many colors, since it has no per-color setup. DTG works best on cotton. Screen printing handles more fabrics and tends to feel more durable.
- Screen print suits big orders and designs with few solid colors.
- DTG suits small runs, photos, gradients and many-color art.
- DTG has no per-color setup, so small quantities stay practical.
- DTG works best on cotton; screen print handles more fabrics.
- Detail and color count matter more than logo size.
How the two methods differ
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the shirt. Each color needs its own screen. That setup takes time, but once screens are ready, printing many shirts goes fast. Inks are bold and opaque, so colors look rich, even on dark shirts.
DTG works like an inkjet printer for fabric. The machine prints your artwork straight onto the shirt. There are no screens, so there is no per-color setup. Dark shirts typically get a white base layer first so colors show up.
When screen printing wins
- Larger quantities. Setup is a one-time effort, so the cost per shirt typically drops as the order grows.
- Simple logos. One to four solid colors look crisp and consistent.
- Durability. Screen prints are known for holding up well through repeated washing.
- Variety of fabrics. It handles blends and polyester better than DTG usually does.
- Exact color matching. Screen printing can match PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors closely, which matters for brand colors.
On Promogator, screen print supports up to 6 spot colors. The setup charge is per color, so more colors means more setup.
When DTG wins
- Small orders. With no screens to make, a few shirts are practical. Event shirts, test runs and one-off gifts are good fits.
- Photos and gradients. DTG prints smooth color blends and fine tonal detail that screen printing struggles with.
- Many colors. A full-color illustration costs no more in setup than a one-color logo.
- Soft feel. The ink soaks into the fibers, so the print usually feels lighter than a thick screen print.
DTG works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton shirts. Results on polyester and performance fabrics are usually weaker.
Detailed logos: how to decide
Detail alone does not rule out screen printing. A logo with thin lines and a few colors can print well. Very fine lines and text under 6 pt may not reproduce well with any method.
Choose DTG when the art has gradients, shadows, photographic elements or more than about six colors. Choose screen printing when the art is flat color, and you need exact brand colors or a big quantity.
Common mistakes
- Picking DTG for a 500-shirt run of a one-color logo. Screen print is usually the better value.
- Sending a low-resolution image. Both methods need sharp art. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) are best.
- Printing DTG on a polyester shirt and expecting a vivid result.
- Skipping the proof. Always check size, placement and colors before approving.
Product pages list which imprint methods each shirt offers, so check there before you plan your design.
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People also ask
Should I pick screen print or direct-to-garment?
Pick screen print for big runs, simple art and brand-color accuracy. Pick DTG for small runs, photos and many-color art. Check that your shirt fabric suits the method, since DTG favors cotton.
DTG vs screen print for small orders
DTG is usually the better fit for small orders because it needs no screens and no per-color setup. Screen printing becomes more economical as quantities rise, since its setup is spread over more shirts.
Screen print or DTG for a detailed logo?
If the detail is thin lines in a few solid colors, screen print can work well. If it has gradients, shading or many colors, DTG reproduces it more faithfully. Text under 6 pt may not print well either way.
Which lasts longer, screen print or DTG?
Screen prints are generally considered more durable, though a well-done DTG print on cotton also lasts for many washes. Care matters: wash inside out in cool water and avoid high heat.
