The same artwork can look like three different products depending on how it goes onto the fabric. Technique decides how a graphic looks up close, how it feels in the hand, how it survives the wash, what quantity makes sense and what it costs. On textiles we work mostly with three: screen printing, DTF and embroidery. Here is how we choose between them, project by project.
Screen printing: bold, flat and built to last
Ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen onto the garment, one screen for every colour in the design. The result is solid, saturated colour that sits in the surface of the fabric and keeps its edge wash after wash.
Best for: graphics in a handful of flat colours, statement prints across the back, runs where every piece carries the same design. Oatly's "Oatly On Ice" and "Wow No Cow!" tees were screen printed front and back, so each graphic reads as a full statement from either direction.
Watch out for: every colour needs its own screen and set-up. That is why screen printing starts at 50 pieces per design with us, and why photographic images and soft gradients are usually better served by DTF.
DTF: full colour, small runs, fine detail
DTF (direct-to-film) prints the artwork onto a film, which is then heat-pressed onto the garment. There are no screens, so the number of colours doesn't matter and small runs make sense.
Best for: illustrations with many colours, gradients, fine lines, and first runs from 20 pieces. It's also how we print when a screen-print design is ordered under 50 pieces: the product studio switches to DTF automatically and tells you.
Watch out for: the print sits on the surface as a thin layer, so very large solid areas feel different from screen print. For a big one-colour back print on a long run, screen printing usually wins.
Embroidery: texture, weight and a premium finish
Thread is stitched straight into the fabric. Embroidery adds texture and depth that print can't, and it lasts as long as the garment.
Best for: small marks and short lines: chest logos, caps, bags. Velo's "Mind Over Matter" washed caps, Fahrenheit's "No talkie before coffee" caps and Pelcare's "non-toxic club" are all embroidered; so is the illustration on Joe & The Juice's gabardine tote.
Watch out for: very small text and hairlines lose definition, thread colours are matched closely rather than exactly, and large filled areas become heavy. On apparel and bags embroidery adds €0.50 per piece; on caps every technique costs the same.
Side by side
| Screen printing | DTF | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Bold graphics in a few flat colours | Full colour, gradients, fine detail | Small marks with texture: chest logos, caps, bags |
| Colours | One screen per colour | Unlimited | One thread per colour |
| Fine detail | Good | Very good | Limited on tiny text |
| Feel | Ink in the fabric surface | A thin film on the surface | Raised, stitched |
| Minimum with us | 50 pieces per design | 20 pieces | 20 pieces (caps 20, flat brim 100) |
| Price effect | Base price | Base price | +€0.50 per piece (caps: same price) |
Front, back or both?
Every product has its own print areas, shown with real centimetre sizes in the studio. Artwork on both faces adds €0.60 per piece, whatever the technique. A small chest mark with a large back print is one of the most worn combinations we make, because it works from both directions.
A quick way to decide
- Few flat colours, 50+ pieces: screen printing.
- Many colours, gradients or under 50 pieces: DTF.
- A small logo or a line of text that should feel premium: embroidery.
- Caps: almost always embroidery; it costs the same as print.
- Not sure: pick a preference in the studio. It's a starting point; the final method is confirmed after we review your artwork.
Switch techniques in the product studio and watch the estimate change.
