What are the different methods for decorating apparel, and how do they compare?

There are many ways to customize apparel, and the right method depends on your garment type, design, quantity, and budget. Here's a breakdown of the most popular decoration methods we offer—and when to use each.

Screen Printing

Best for: Bulk orders with bold designs and solid colors

How it works: Ink is pushed through a screen onto the fabric—one screen per color.

✅ Pros:

Cost-effective for large runs
Long-lasting and vibrant
Great for logos and bold graphics

⚠️ Cons:

Higher setup cost for multi-color designs
Not ideal for small orders or photo-level detail

Embroidery

Best for: Polos, jackets, hats, and uniforms

How it works: Thread is stitched into the garment to create a textured design.

✅ Pros:

Durable and professional-looking
Ideal for logos and monograms
Great on thicker fabrics

⚠️ Cons:

Not suitable for large or highly detailed designs
More expensive for large stitch areas

Vinyl Heat Transfers

Best for: Names, numbers, and short runs

How it works: Designs are cut from vinyl and heat-pressed onto garments.

✅ Pros:

Quick turnaround and no minimums
Sharp, clean look
Great for personalization

⚠️ Cons:

Not breathable for large areas
Can crack or peel with heavy washing

Direct to Garment (DTG)

Best for: Full-color prints on cotton shirts

How it works: A specialized printer applies ink directly onto the fabric.

✅ Pros:

Photo-quality detail and color
Soft feel (especially on light garments)

⚠️ Cons:

Best results on 100% cotton
Slightly higher cost per piece
Colors may fade faster than screen print

Direct to Film (DTF)

Best for: Versatile, full-color printing on almost any fabric

How it works: Ink is printed onto film, covered with adhesive powder, and heat-applied to garments.

✅ Pros:

Works on cotton, poly, blends, and more
Bright, detailed prints—even on dark fabrics
More durable than traditional vinyl

⚠️ Cons:

Not as soft on large print areas

Sublimation

Best for: All-over prints and polyester garments (white or light colors only)

How it works: Ink is turned into gas and infused directly into the fabric fibers.

✅ Pros:

Extremely vibrant and permanent
No feel—design becomes part of the fabric
Great for performance wear and photo prints

⚠️ Cons:

Only works on light-colored polyester
Not suitable for cotton or dark garments
Limited to specific garment types (typically white or light poly)

Not Sure What You Need?

We're here to help! Whether you’re ordering 1 or 1,000 pieces, we’ll recommend the best method based on your design, garment type, and budget.