When you order custom apparel you will hear a few decoration methods mentioned: screen printing, DTF (direct-to-film) transfers, embroidery and heat transfer vinyl. Each one suits different orders. Here is a plain-language comparison to help you choose.
Screen printing
Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh screen onto the garment, one screen per colour. It is the classic method for team shirts, event tees and merchandise.
- Best for: orders of 10 or more with designs of a few solid colours.
- Strengths: bold, durable prints that last through many washes; the cost per shirt drops as quantity rises.
- Limits: each colour adds a screen and setup, so very small runs or designs with many colours cost more.
DTF (direct-to-film) transfers
DTF prints a full-colour design onto a film with a digital printer, then heat-presses it onto the garment.
- Best for: small runs, one-offs, and photographic or many-colour designs.
- Strengths: no screens needed; unlimited colours.
- Limits: the print sits on top of the fabric and can feel heavier than screen printed ink; per-piece cost stays roughly the same no matter the quantity.
Embroidery
Embroidery stitches the design into the fabric with thread.
- Best for: hats, polos, jackets and small logos with a premium look.
- Strengths: very durable and textured.
- Limits: not suited to large prints or fine detail; priced by stitch count, so big designs get expensive.
Heat transfer vinyl
Vinyl is cut into shapes and heat-pressed onto the garment.
- Best for: names and numbers on jerseys, and very small quantities.
- Limits: limited to simple shapes and a few colours; can crack or peel over time.
Quick comparison
| Method | Best quantity | Colours | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | 10+ | A few solid colours | Soft to medium, very durable |
| DTF transfer | 1+ | Unlimited | Sits on top of the fabric |
| Embroidery | Any | Thread colours | Textured, premium |
| Heat transfer vinyl | 1+ | Simple shapes | Smooth, can crack over time |
How to choose
- Count your shirts. Ten or more of the same design points to screen printing.
- Count your colours. A few solid colours suits screen printing; a photo or gradient suits DTF.
- Think about the garment. Hats and small chest logos often look best embroidered.
- Think about how long it needs to last. Screen printing and embroidery hold up best to years of washing.
Screen printing at XUSI
XUSI is an Indigenous-owned screen printer in Saskatoon. We print designs of up to 4 colours, on screens up to 23 by 31 inches, with a 10-garment minimum, and every order is quoted before printing. Design help is included. Learn about our screen printing, read how to plan a custom shirt order, or request a quote.
Written by XUSI, an Indigenous-owned clothing and screen printing brand from Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory. Our story · What the words mean