Direct-to-garment (DTG) vs Screen-print
Updated 2026-06-01 · 5 min read
DTG vs screen-print is the first decision every apparel order makes. Direct-to-garment inkjet treats the t-shirt like a print bed and prints full-color photographic art straight onto cotton with no setup. Screen-print pushes ink through a fabric stencil — one stencil per color — economical at volume but slow and finicky below it. The quantity-vs-art-complexity trade-off is what splits orders between the two.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Direct-to-garment (DTG) | Screen-print |
|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | $0 | $15–25 per ink color |
| Economical from | 1 piece | ~50 pieces of same design |
| Color range | Full color, photographic, gradients | 1–6 spot colors typical |
| Hand feel | Soft — ink absorbs into fabric | Slightly raised; thick-ink retro look |
| Production speed | 5–7 business days | 7–10 business days |
| Wash durability | 30–40 washes before noticeable fade | 50+ washes; ink stays vivid longer |
| Per-shirt cost (50 pieces, 1-color) | ~$11 | ~$8 (after setup amortized) |
| Best for | Photo designs, low quantities, sample runs, retail brand merch | Team uniforms, event giveaways, large runs with simple art |
Verdict
Pick DTG when the design is full-color or photographic, the quantity is under 50 pieces, or you need single-piece samples. No setup cost, every shirt can be different art, and the print is the softest hand-feel.
Pick screen-print when the design is 1–3 spot colors and the quantity is 50+ pieces of the same design. Per-color setup amortizes; per-shirt cost drops sharply above 100; the ink lay-down feels more "vintage" and survives more washes.