Screen printing, DTF, embroidery, vinyl — every method has a sweet spot. This is the friendly, no-jargon guide we wish every customer read before ordering. Pictures included.
At a glance
Tap any card below for the full breakdown.
Method 1 of 4
Best for: Bulk orders, bold designs, long-lasting prints
When to pick it: Pick screen printing when you're ordering 24+ shirts with a simple 1–4 color logo for a team, event, or company giveaway.
Method 2 of 4
Best for: Full-color art, photos, gradients, small runs
When to pick it: Pick full-color DTF when your design has a photo, gradients, or more than 4 ink colors — or when you just need a handful of shirts.
Method 3 of 4
Best for: Hats, polos, jackets, premium workwear
When to pick it: Pick embroidery for corporate polos, dad caps, beanies, jackets, or anywhere you want a high-end "made-to-last" feel.
Method 4 of 4
Best for: Names, numbers, and jersey lettering
When to pick it: Pick vinyl when every shirt needs a different name or number — sports jerseys, staff shirts, bachelorette tees.
Side by side
| Feature | Screen | Full-Color | Embroidery | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 24 pieces | 1 piece | 12 pieces | 1 piece |
| Cost at 50+ pieces | Lowest | Higher | Mid | Mid |
| Cost at 1–10 pieces | Not offered | Lowest | Mid | Low |
| Color count | 1–6 | Unlimited | Up to ~15 threads | 1 per layer |
| Photo / gradient art | No | Yes | No | No |
| Personalization (names/numbers) | No | Yes | Limited | Best in class |
| Feel on garment | Smooth, baked in | Soft topcoat | Stitched, dimensional | Smooth, slightly raised |
| Lifespan | Excellent | Very good | Permanent | Good |
| Works on hats | No | Limited | Yes — best | Yes |
Quick picker
Find the scenario closest to yours.
I'm ordering 50 t-shirts with my company logo (2 colors).
→ Screen Printing
Bulk + simple logo = lowest cost per shirt and the most durable finish.
I want 5 hoodies with a full-color photo of my dog on the front.
→ Full-Color DTF
Low quantity + photo art is exactly what full-color DTF was made for — unlimited colors, no minimum.
I run a real estate office and want branded polos for the team.
→ Embroidery
Embroidered polos look polished, professional, and last for years.
Our softball team needs jerseys with everyone's last name and number.
→ Vinyl (+ DTF or screen print for the team logo)
Vinyl is the standard for unique names/numbers; we'll combine it with another method for the team logo.
I want 200 event giveaway tees with a single-color logo.
→ Screen Printing
Big run, one color — screen printing is unbeatable here.
I just want one custom birthday shirt for my kid.
→ Full-Color DTF
No minimum, unlimited colors, ready fast.
Send us your art or just tell us what you're making — we'll recommend the best method and send a price the same day.