If you’ve ever ordered custom apparel and thought, “Wait… what exactly am I paying for?” you’re not alone.
Screen printing, DTG, heat transfer… they all get the job done, but not all print methods are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can mean higher costs, shorter garment life, or prints that just don’t hit the mark on what you were going for.
So let’s break it down, no jargon, no fluff, just the real differences so you can pick the best option for your project.
Screen Printing: The OG (and still the MVP in our opinion)
Best for:
✔ Bulk orders
✔ Bold designs
✔ Team apparel, merch, uniforms
Screen printing is the classic method, and for good reason. Ink is pushed through a stencil (screen) directly onto the garment, creating a durable, vibrant print that lasts wash after wash.
Why people love it:
- Superior print quality with bold, saturated color
- Extremely durable (holds up to heavy wear and repeat washing)
- Clean, crisp edges for logos, artwork, and typography
- Ideal for professional branding and resale-quality merch
- Cost-effective for medium to large runs
Things to keep in mind:
- Each color requires its own screen (more setup upfront)
- Slightly longer setup time than DTG or heat transfer
Bottom line:
If you want apparel that looks premium and performs long-term, screen printing is hard to beat, especially when quality matters more than shortcuts.
DTG (Direct to Garment): The Detail King
Best for:
✔ Small runs
✔ Full-color designs
✔ Photos or complex artwork
DTG works kind of like a printer for fabric, it sprays ink directly into the garment fibers. This makes it perfect for high-detail, multi-color designs without extra setup costs.
Why people love it:
- No color limitations
- Ideal for photos, gradients, and intricate art
- Great for small quantities or one-offs
- Soft feel on lighter garments
Things to keep in mind:
- Not as durable as screen printing over time
- Best on cotton or cotton blends
- Higher cost per piece for large orders
Bottom line:
DTG is your go-to for small batches with lots of detail, especially when every color under the sun needs to show up.
Heat Transfer: Fast, Flexible & Great for Short Runs
Best for:
✔ Names, numbers, personalization
✔ Small orders
✔ Quick turnarounds
Heat transfer involves applying a design (usually vinyl or printed transfer) to a garment using heat and pressure. It’s super versatile and great when customization is key.
Why people love it:
- Perfect for personalization (names, numbers, one-offs)
- Works on a wide range of fabrics
- No minimum quantities
- Fast production time
Things to keep in mind:
- Not as breathable as ink-based methods
- Can peel or crack over time if not cared for properly
- Best for simpler designs
Bottom line:
Heat transfer shines when you need customization, flexibility, or speed — especially for small runs.
So… Which Printing Method Should You Choose?
Here’s the quick cheat sheet:
- Ordering 25+ pieces with a bold logo? → Screen Printing
- Printing a photo or complex artwork in small quantities? → DTG
- Need names, numbers, or quick custom pieces? → Heat Transfer
- Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for.
At JG Graphics, we don’t just print — we help you choose the method that makes the most sense for your design, your budget, and how the apparel will actually be used.
Let’s Make Something You’ll Actually Want to Wear
Whether you’re outfitting a team, creating branded merch, or planning a special project, we’ll guide you to the right print method — no guesswork required.
Reach out to JG Graphics today and let’s bring your ideas to life (the right way).