Why Screen Printing Reigns Supreme Over DTF & DTG
The Battle of Print Methods
In today's custom apparel world, choosing the right print method can make or break the look, feel, and durability of your merchandise. Whether you're launching a clothing line, creating branded uniforms, or prepping for a promotional event, understanding your printing options is crucial. Three popular methods dominate the custom apparel industry: Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, and traditional Screen Printing.
At Hittn' Skins, Orlando's trusted partner for custom apparel and branded merchandise, we specialize in high-quality screen printing and believe it's the gold standard for most projects. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between DTF, DTG, and Screen Printing — and show you why screen printing is still the best choice for most brands, businesses, and events.
Understanding DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
How It Works: DTF printing uses specialized printers to apply ink onto a heat-transfer film. This printed film is then heat-pressed onto the garment, fusing the design to the fabric surface.
Pros:
• Can print on a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
• Good for small batch, high-color-count jobs.
• No need for pre-treatment like DTG.
Cons:
• Prints sit on top of the fabric, creating a noticeable plastic-like feel.
• Less durable than traditional screen printing — designs may crack or peel over time.
• May appear less vibrant on darker garments.
Common Uses: DTF is often used for small custom runs, one-off designs, or novelty apparel where feel and long-term durability aren't as critical.
Understanding DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing
How It Works: DTG printing is similar to using an inkjet printer — but for clothing. Specialized printers apply water-based ink directly onto the fabric. The garment must be pre-treated before printing to ensure ink adhesion.
Pros:
• Highly detailed prints with unlimited color options.
• Excellent for complex artwork like photographs.
• Works best on 100% cotton garments.
Cons:
• Requires garment pre-treatment, adding time and cost.
• Lower durability compared to screen printing, especially after multiple washes.
• Limited to cotton fabrics for best results.
• Slower production times for large orders.
Common Uses: DTG is popular for e-commerce shops offering print-on-demand designs, or for complex art pieces where intricate details are critical.
Understanding Traditional Screen Printing
How It Works: Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or "screen") for each color in your design. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the garment, layer by layer, producing bold, vibrant results.
Pros:
• Unmatched vibrancy, consistency, and durability.
• Economical for larger orders.
• Works on a wide range of garments and materials.
• Ideal for bold, simple designs and brand logos.
• Professional, retail-ready quality.
Cons:
• Higher setup costs for small runs.
• Less suited for highly detailed, photo-realistic images.
Common Uses: Screen printing is the go-to method for high-quality t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms, promotional gear, and retail merchandise — basically any apparel that needs to stand out and last.
Why Screen Printing Is the Superior Choice at Hittn' Skins
At Hittn' Skins, we’ve spent years perfecting our craft because we know that screen printing delivers a professional finish that DTF and DTG simply can't match.
Here's why:
1. Superior Durability When it comes to wear and tear, screen printing dominates. Unlike DTF and DTG, which often sit on top of the fabric or soak lightly into the fibers, screen printing embeds ink deeply and securely. This means your custom apparel looks fresh and vibrant even after dozens of washes.
2. Vibrant, Crisp Colors Screen printing produces the boldest, most vivid colors available. It's especially powerful for brand colors, logos, and promotional merchandise where consistency matters most. At Hittn' Skins, we custom-match colors to ensure your brand identity stays sharp and impactful.
3. Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders Screen printing shines for larger runs. The more you print, the lower your cost per unit. Whether you're ordering 50 shirts for an event or 5,000 for a nationwide campaign, Hittn' Skins delivers high-volume screen printing with maximum quality and value.
4. Versatile on Materials and Finishes From 100% cotton tees to high-end blends, heavy fleece, canvas totes, and beyond, screen printing adapts beautifully to a wide variety of textiles. We also offer specialty inks like puff, metallic, and water-based options to enhance your project even further.
5. Professional Look and Feel When you want to impress customers, clients, or fans, screen-printed apparel gives a polished, premium appearance. Unlike DTF prints that can feel rubbery or DTG prints that may fade unevenly, screen-printed pieces look retail-ready and built to last.
When to Choose DTF or DTG Instead
While Hittn' Skins specializes in screen printing, there are rare cases where DTF or DTG might make sense:
• DTF: Great for last-minute small runs, odd fabric types, or short-term promotional gear.
• DTG: Useful for detailed photographic prints or ultra-short runs (under 12 pieces).
That said, for most apparel projects — from business branding to clothing lines — screen printing remains the smart, strategic choice.
Top Questions We Get About Printing Methods
1. Is Screen Printing Better Than DTF for T-Shirts?
Absolutely. Screen printing produces richer colors, longer-lasting prints, and a softer hand feel, making it the best choice for high-quality custom t-shirts.
2. Can You Screen Print Small Orders?
Yes! While screen printing is most cost-effective at higher quantities, at Hittn' Skins, we offer flexible options for small businesses and special projects.
3. Which Is More Durable, DTG or Screen Printing?
Screen printing wins hands down. DTG prints tend to fade, crack, or wash out faster over time compared to screen-printed garments.
4. What If My Design Has a Lot of Colors?
No problem! Hittn' Skins can expertly handle multi-color screen printing projects. However, if your design is extremely complex or photo-based, we can advise on the best method.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Brand with the Best
When you invest in custom apparel, you want your gear to represent your brand or business at its best. Screen printing at Hittn' Skins guarantees the quality, durability, and impact you need to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Whether you're preparing for your next big event, building your fashion brand, or simply looking for reliable, professional custom apparel — Hittn' Skins has the expertise and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life.
Contact Hittn' Skins today to get started on your next screen printing project!