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8 Popular types of shirt printing – Ultimate guide

May 20, 2025 12 minutes

Make a shirt with Printify today

Whether you’re making a small batch or running a large-scale production, this guide breaks down the most popular types of shirt printing.

From colors and costs to durability on synthetic or natural fabrics, compare their strengths and pick the perfect printing technique for your needs. The wrong choice could mean faded prints, peeling designs, or poor-quality shirts, so we’re here to help.

Key takeaways

  • There are eight popular t-shirt printing techniques, including screen printing, DTG, DTF, dye sublimation, and embroidery – each suited for specific designs, fabrics, and batch sizes.
  • Every method has its advantages and drawbacks, such as screen printing’s durability but high setup costs, or DTG’s detailed prints but limited fabric compatibility.
  • The right printing technique depends on the fabric. Dye sublimation works only on polyester, while DTF is versatile across different materials.
  • Screen printing is ideal for bulk orders, DTG is great for intricate one-offs, and embroidery offers a premium look – so match the method to your needs.
  • Printify lets you print and sell t-shirts without investing in equipment, making it an easy, risk-free way to start a custom apparel business.

Alright, let’s break it down. There are many techniques in the t-shirt printing industry, all suitable for different types of designs, fabrics, and production volumes

We’ll explain how each shirt printing method works and what materials it’s best for. We’ll also cover the pros and cons so you can choose the perfect option for your next t-shirt printing project.

1. Screen printing

A man checking if everything is correct before screen printing on a t-shirt.

The most popular of t-shirt printing techniques, screen printing (or silkscreen printing) is the go-to for bold, durable designs. 

This printing method involves a mesh screen, screen printing ink, and a squeegee for application. It’s a little messy, but the results are crisp, vibrant, and long-lasting.

  • Fabrics: Works on cotton t-shirts, blends, and even some synthetic fabrics
  • Designs: Best for bold, simple graphics (not great for complex designs)
  • Batches: Ideal for bulk orders due to high setup costs

Here’s how the screen printing process works:

A stencil (or screen) is created for each color in the design. A squeegee is then used to push the ink through the screen onto the t-shirt, layer by layer. Once all layers are printed, a heat press cures the ink for maximum durability.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable designs – won’t crack or fade
  • Vibrant, high-quality prints
  • Cost-effective for large batches

Cons:

  • Not ideal for tricky designs with lots of colors
  • High setup costs – not worth it for small orders
  • Limited to smaller print areas
Read more

Find screen printing alternatives for your needs.

2. Direct-to-garment printing (DTG)

A direct-to-garment (DTG) printer in the process of printing.

If screen printing is the heavyweight champ for bulk orders, then DTG printing is the sleek, high-tech version for detailed prints

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing works like a giant inkjet printer, spraying high-quality prints directly onto the fabric with precision.

  • Fabrics: Works best on 100% cotton and cotton blends
  • Designs: Perfect for intricate, tricky designs and photorealistic images
  • Batches: Best for small orders or one-offs due to low setup costs

Here’s how direct-to-garment printing works:

Load a t-shirt onto a specialized DTG printer, pre-treat it to help the ink stick, and then print the design – just like printing on paper. A quick pass through a heat press and your design is locked in.

Pros:

  • Full-color, high-quality prints
  • Great for detailed artwork and complex designs
  • Soft, seamless feel – no thick layers of ink

Cons:

  • Best on cotton shirts – not great for synthetic fabrics
  • Not as durable as screen printing – fades over time
  • Slower for large orders compared to screen printing
Read more

See our article on DTG vs screen printing for a thorough comparison of both printing techniques.

3. Dye sublimation or all-over printing (AOP)

A dye-sublimation printer in the process of printing.

Want a seam-to-seam masterpiece? Dye sublimation or all-over printing (AOP) is the ultimate printing method for full-coverage, vivid results. 

This printing technique uses heat to turn sublimation ink into gas, permanently bonding with synthetic fabrics.

  • Fabrics: Only works on light-colored polyester
  • Designs: Perfect for seam-to-seam printing and vibrant, full-color designs
  • Batches: Great for custom, one-off shirts or small runs

Here’s how the dye sublimation printing process works:

Designs are digitally printed onto transfer paper using a sublimation printer. The paper is then placed on a polyester t-shirt and pressed with heat, infusing the ink into the fabric for a soft, permanent print.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting, fade-proof prints
  • Feels soft with no texture
  • Ideal for patterns

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work on cotton t-shirts
  • Best for light fabrics – dark shirts don’t print well
  • Higher cost compared to other printing techniques

4. Direct-to-film printing (DTF)

A direct-to-film DTF) printe in the process of printing.

DTF printing is a modern take on t-shirt printing techniques. Unlike DTG, this heat transfer printing method doesn’t apply directly to fabric. 

Instead, it transfers designs from a PET film onto the shirt. The result? Bright, bold prints that work on any fabric.

  • Fabrics: Works on cotton, polyester, and blends 
  • Designs: Great for bright, intricate designs with solid colors
  • Batches: Good for small-to-medium orders

Here’s how the DTF t-shirt printing method works:

Designs are printed onto a PET transfer film with special DTF inks. The film is coated with adhesive powder, heat-cured, and then pressed onto a t-shirt. The heat press melts the adhesive, bonding the design to the fabric.

Pros:

  • Versatile for any materials, including synthetic fabrics
  • Vibrant colors with high contrast
  • No pretreatment required like DTG printing

Cons:

  • Feels plasticky compared to DTG printing
  • More steps than other heat transfer printing methods
  • Best for smaller designs – not ideal for all-over printing
Read more

See DTF vs DTG printing for a full comparison.

5. Plastisol transfers

This heat transfer printing method combines the durability of screen printing with the flexibility of heat press printing. 

Due to its long-lasting, vibrant prints, plastisol transfers are popular for custom jerseys, work uniforms, and promotional t-shirts.

  • Fabrics: Works on cotton t-shirts, blends, and some synthetics
  • Designs: Ideal for solid-color prints with bold shapes
  • Batches: Great for small-to-medium orders, especially for team uniforms

Here’s how this heat transfer printing works:

Designs are screen printed onto plastisol transfer paper using plastisol ink. The printed sheet is then placed on the t-shirt and heat-pressed at high temperatures. This process bonds the ink to the fabric, creating a durable and crack-resistant print.

Pros:

  • Durable, long-lasting designs
  • Allows for glossy or textured finishes
  • Works well for batch printing with minor customizations (like names, numbers)

Cons:

  • Not ideal for photo-realistic or intricate designs
  • Each design requires transfer paper, adding to costs for large batches
  • Can feel slightly thicker on fabric compared to DTG printing

6. CAD heat transfer vinyl printing

Ever noticed the player names and numbers on sports jerseys? That’s CAD heat transfer vinyl printing at work. 

This method uses heat press printing and precision cutting to apply designs made from colored vinyl sheets. It’s best for logos, letters, and simple shapes.

  • Fabrics: Works on cotton, polyester, and blends
  • Designs: Best for logos, text, and simple graphics
  • Batches: Ideal for sports teams and custom names or numbers

Here’s how vinyl printing works:

A CAD cutting machine precisely slices heat transfer vinyl into shapes or text. The vinyl pieces are then pressed onto a t-shirt with heat, bonding them to the fabric. Since this process uses no ink, the print is bold and solid with a textured finish.

Pros:

  • Crisp, professional-looking prints
  • Works on any fabric
  • Perfect for sports jerseys and work uniforms

Cons:

  • Can’t print photo-realistic or gradient designs
  • Takes longer due to precise cutting
  • The print has a stiffer, textured feel compared to DTG printing

7. Embroidery

A green hat being embroidered with a logo.

Embroidery gives a premium look for customizing t-shirts, polos, and hoodies. 

Instead of printing, this method stitches the design directly into the fabric using colored thread. It’s a popular choice for corporate wear, high-end branding, and long-lasting designs.

  • Fabrics: Works best on thicker materials like cotton t-shirts, polos, and hoodies
  • Designs: Ideal for logos, monograms, and simple graphics
  • Batches: Great for corporate branding, uniforms, and merchandise

Here’s how embroidered shirt prints work:

A sewing machine follows a digital embroidery file to stitch the design into the t-shirt. The process creates a textured, raised finish that will last over time. Unlike heat transfer or DTG printing, embroidery doesn’t use ink – just thread.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable – won’t fade, crack, or peel
  • Elegant, professional look
  • No heat press or ink needed – more eco-friendly

Cons:

  • Not suitable for photo-realistic or intricate designs
  • Higher cost compared to screen printing or DTG printing
  • Limited color blending – solid thread colors only
Read more

See our article on embroidery vs screen printing to help you choose the right technique for your designs.

8. Discharge printing

Discharge printing is the sorcerer’s trick of all t-shirt printing options. Instead of adding ink, it removes color to reveal a lighter, natural shade underneath. It’s a go-to for soft prints on dark-colored cotton t-shirts.

  • Fabrics: Works best on 100% cotton t-shirts
  • Designs: Ideal for washed-out, vintage-style prints
  • Batches: Best for medium-to-large orders due to its setup process

Here’s how discharge printing works:

A special discharge ink, often mixed with water-based inks, is applied to the t-shirt and heat-activated. Instead of layering on color like screen printing ink, it strips the dye from the fabric, leaving a faded, vintage effect.

Pros:

  • Incredibly soft – no thick ink or plastic feel
  • Durable, long-lasting designs that won’t crack or peel
  • Perfect for dark t-shirts, where other printing methods struggle

Cons:

  • Color results can be unpredictable – each t-shirt may vary slightly
  • Not compatible with synthetic fabrics
  • Uses stronger chemicals compared to water-based inks

Which t-shirt printing methods should you choose?

A man checking out a freshly printed t-shirt for quality issues.

What is the best printing method for t-shirts? It all comes down to your fabric choice and design complexity – whether it’s a small logo, large graphic, or an intricate print.

Here’s a quick comparison:

T-shirt printing techniqueQualityPrint areaDesign optionsDurabilitySpeedVolumeCost
Direct-to-garment (DTG)Photorealistic, detailedStandard size on chest and backComplex, colorful designsLasts ~50 washes (more with proper care)Slow (pretreatment required)Small batchesMid-range
Screen printingBold, solid colorsStandard size on chest and backSimple designsExtremely durable (100+ washes)Fast once set upLarge orders (50+ shirts)Lower for bulk
Dye sublimationBright, vibrant, seamlessFull shirt (seam-to-seam)All-over prints, patternsExtremely durable (ink bonds to fibers)Medium speed (multiple steps)Small-to-medium ordersHigher costs
Direct-to-film (DTF)Vibrant, flexible printsStandard size on chest and backIntricate, bright designsLong-lasting, slightly plasticky feelMedium speed (film prep needed)Small batchesMid-range
Plastisol transfersBold, screen print-likeStandard size on chest and backShapes, solid-color printsHighly durable (no cracking or fading)Fast application, slow prepSmall-to-medium ordersLower for bulk
Vinyl printingSolid colors, sharp edgesSmall to medium areasLogos, numbers, and names on sports jerseysDurable but stiff feelSlow (cutting and weeding needed)One-offs or small runsVaries (depends on design complexity)
EmbroideryRaised, textured stitchingSmall logos and textProfessional branding, premium lookExtremely durable (lifelong wear)Slow (stitching process)Small batchesExpensive
Discharge printingVintage, faded lookStandard size on chest and backSoft prints on dark cotton shirtsLong-lasting, soft feelMedium speed (chemical reaction needed)Medium-to-large ordersModerate to high (due to specialized process)

Try multiple types of shirt printing with Print on Demand

Don’t want to invest in expensive equipment for your business? Print on Demand is a cost-effective and hassle-free way to create custom shirts without needing to operate your own printer. 

With platforms like Printify, global Print Providers will handle printing, packing, and shipping for you.

We only print items after a customer orders, so there’s no upfront cost or leftover stock – perfect for selling custom products and starting a t-shirt printing business.

What different types of t-shirt printing methods are available with Printify?

A group of people sitting on a couch in custom t-shirts and hoodies, playing video games.

Printify offers the following printing methods:

  • Direct-to-garment printing (DTG)
  • Dye sublimation printing (AOP)
  • Direct-to-film printing (DTF)
  • Embroidery

Try various t-shirt printing methods with no order minimums

Whether you’re launching a brand or just want a one-of-a-kind tee, you can do it all with Printify.

No order minimums mean no pressure and no need to pay for bulk production. 

Need a single shirt for yourself? A few for a bridal party? Or a few hundred for a company event? Go for it – same great quality, zero restrictions.

How to create t-shirts with Printify

A young man in a blue t-shirt looking at a custom beige t-shirt.

Sign up

To start printing t-shirts, register for a free Printify account.

Choose a product

Explore our Catalog of over 1,300 items, from t-shirts and hoodies to blankets and mugs. Select a Print Provider based on price, location, and other criteria, then click Start designing to go to the free Product Creator and customize your tees.

Add designs

Upload your design files or create new ones. Leverage our AI Image Generator, pattern tool, multi-language text editor, Shutterstock integration, and free graphics library. Preview your tees in high-quality mockups and click Save.

Edit and save the product

Adjust the design on the virtual product. Click Preview to see a life-like product mockup. When happy, click Save and proceed.

Order samples

On your Printify dashboard, order sample products of your brand-new shirts. Get one for yourself or use the sample to check the print quality before listing it on your online store.

Quick tip

If you want to save up to 20% on each product, sign up for Printify Premium.

Connect a store

Printify integrates with some of the most popular eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, like Etsy and Shopify. Connect the sales channel with your Printify account and start selling your custom tees.

Quick tip

Want to skip the hassle of using another sales platform? Create a Printify Pop-Up Store. Instantly sell products through a unique store link without any upfront costs or commissions.

Publish and start selling

Edit your product descriptions, set your prices, and start selling. You make the profits – we handle the logistics.

FAQ

It depends on your budget, design complexity, and order size. Screen printing is great for bulk, DTG for complex prints, dye sublimation for polyester, and DTF for versatility. 

If you want zero hassle, leverage Print on Demand for your t-shirt printing business – easily sell your own t-shirts without handling printing or shipping.

Shirt printing techniques include screen printing, DTG, dye sublimation, DTF, heat transfer, vinyl printing, plastisol transfers, and embroidery

Each method has unique strengths – some excel in durability, others in detail or affordability. Choosing the right one depends on your fabric, design, and production scale.

The six main t-shirt printing methods are:

  1. Screen printing: Best for bulk orders
  2. DTG (direct-to-garment): Great for detailed artwork
  3. Dye sublimation: Perfect for all-over prints on polyester
  4. DTF (direct-to-film): Works on most fabrics
  5. Heat transfer (includes vinyl and plastisol): Flexible but varies in durability
  6. Embroidery: Long-lasting and with a premium finish

There’s no single best t-shirt printing method – it depends on your needs. Screen printing is best for bulk orders, DTG for intricate designs, dye sublimation for polyester shirts, and DTF for versatility with most fabrics.

Screen printing, embroidery, and dye sublimation offer the most durable results. Screen printing ink sits deep in the fabric, embroidery won’t crack or fade, and sublimation printing fuses ink into polyester fibers, making it virtually permanent. 

DTF and heat transfers can last, but quality depends on the fabric.

Printing with heat transfer paper is the most affordable DIY option, perfect for small batches. For bulk orders, screen printing offers the best cost per print. 

If you want a risk-free, zero-investment solution, Print on Demand lets you sell custom shirts without buying equipment or stock – the Print Provider does it for you. That way, you can use different printing methods depending on your product and needs.

Final thoughts

Feeling inspired? Unleash your creativity and start your own clothing line! Whether it’s sublimation for unique designs, heat transfer vinyl for team shirts, or conventional screen printing, the choice is yours. 

Embrace the ease of Print on Demand to print t-shirts and sell them worldwide. Now that you know your printing options, it’s time to bring your design ideas to life and start building a brand with Printify.

Make it your way!

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