Embroidery vs Screen Printing vs DTF: Which Should You Choose?

Embroidery, screen printing and DTF transfers are the three most common ways to put a logo on apparel. Each one shines in different situations. This guide compares them so you can pick the right method for your order.

Embroidery

Thread stitched into the garment. Premium, very durable and the default for corporate polos, caps, jackets and team wear. Best for logos and lettering rather than photos or gradients. New logos are digitized into a stitch file first, and you approve a digital proof before production.

Screen printing

Ink pushed through a screen, one screen per colour. The most cost-efficient choice for larger runs, typically from about 50 up to 10,000+ garments, with vivid, consistent spot colours. Setup per colour makes it less economical for very small orders.

DTF transfers

Direct-to-film transfers are printed in full colour on film and heat-pressed onto the garment. They work on cotton, polyester and blends, need no screens and suit small runs, full-colour artwork and many different designs at once. You can build a 22-inch gang sheet online and press the transfers yourself, or have them applied for you.

At a glance

• Premium logo on polos, caps or jackets: embroidery.
• Hundreds of identical shirts in a few colours: screen printing.
• Full-colour artwork, small runs or many designs: DTF.
• Want to press transfers yourself: DTF gang sheets.

Still unsure?

Tell us your design, garments and quantity and we'll recommend the best method in a free quote within 24 hours. There are no minimums.