Custom hoodies are a great way to show off your brand, create merch, or make personalised gifts. But when it comes to printing your design, you may wonder:
Should I choose Screen Printing or DTG?
Both methods can give beautiful results, but they work very differently. This simple guide will help you understand each method and choose the best one for your hoodie project.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is pushed through a special mesh screen onto the hoodie.
Each colour in your design needs its own screen.
Think of it like using a stencil, but with professional equipment.
Why people love screen printing:
- The colours are bright
- The print lasts a long time
- Great for simple designs
Pros of Screen Printing for Hoodies
- Very durable: The prints can last for years, even with heavy use.
- Bold colours: Perfect for logos and simple graphics.
- Great for big orders: The more hoodies you print, the cheaper it gets.
- Special effects possible: You can add puff ink, metallic ink, neon ink, and more.
Cons of Screen Printing
- Not ideal for photo or detailed designs
- More expensive for small orders
- Needs many screens for many colours
- Takes time to set up
What Is DTG Printing?
DTG stands for Direct-to-Garment. It’s like using a large inkjet printer, but instead of paper, it prints directly onto the hoodie.
DTG is perfect for designs that have lots of colours or tiny details.
Why do people choose DTG:
- No setup needed
- Great for photo-like designs
- Works well for small orders
Pros of DTG Printing for Hoodies
- Great for full-colour designs: Photos, gradients, artwork, all print beautifully.
- Affordable for one-off hoodies: No screens needed.
- Soft feel: The ink soaks into the fabric.
- Fast production: Ideal for personalised prints and online orders.
Cons of DTG Printing
- Best on cotton hoodies: Polyester may need extra treatment.
- Not as long-lasting as screen printing for heavy wear.
- Colours may look softer on dark hoodies without proper pre-treatment.
- Slower for big orders since each hoodie is printed one at a time.
Screen Printing vs DTG: Which Is Best for Your Hoodie?
Here’s a simple way to choose:
Choose Screen Printing if:
- Your design has 1–5 solid colours
- You need 20 or more hoodies
- You want long-lasting, bold prints
- You want speciality inks (like puff or metallic)
Choose DTG if:
- You only need 1–10 hoodies
- Your design is highly detailed or has many colours
- You’re printing photos or artwork
- You want fast, simple printing with no setup fees
Conclusion
- Screen Printing is best for bold, simple designs and large orders.
- DTG is best for detailed, colourful designs and small orders.
Both methods can produce great-looking hoodies, it all depends on your design and how many hoodies you need.