A boutique custom apparel studio in Long Beach, CA · Free local pickup

Print methods, explained

Not sure which print method is right for you?

Every project is different. Here's a plain-English guide to how each method works, how long it lasts, and when to choose it — so you can order with confidence.

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Standard turnaround on every method is 14 business days after proof approval.

Quick comparison

MethodBest forMin orderLastsStarting at
Screen PrintingBulk runs, bold spot colors24 pieces50+ washes+$3.00/pc
DTF TransferSmall runs, photo detail1 piece40–50 washes+$6.00/pc
EmbroideryPolos, hats, workwear6 piecesPermanent+$7.50/pc
Heat Press VinylNames, numbers, solid colors1 piece30–50 washes+$5.00/pc
Screen Printing example

Screen Printing

The gold standard for bulk apparel. Bold, durable, cost-effective.

Min order

24 pieces per design

Turnaround

14 business days standard after proof approval. Rush quote available on request.

Durability

When properly cured, screen prints typically outlast the garment itself — easily 50+ wash cycles with no meaningful fading.

How it works

We burn your artwork onto a fine mesh screen — one screen per ink color. Ink is pushed through the screen onto the garment with a squeegee, then cured under a 320°F conveyor dryer. The ink bonds into the fabric fibers, so it feels broken-in from day one and survives years of laundry.

How long it lasts

When properly cured, screen prints typically outlast the garment itself — easily 50+ wash cycles with no meaningful fading. Wash inside-out in cold water, tumble dry low, and you're good for years.

Best for

Team shirts, event tees, brand merch, anything you're ordering 24+ pieces of with a simple, spot-color design.

Artwork we need

Vector files preferred (.AI, .EPS, .PDF, or .SVG) with text outlined. Raster files (.PSD, .PNG) work at 300 DPI at print size. Each color must be on its own layer.

Pros

  • Lowest per-piece cost at volume
  • Most durable print method we offer
  • Vibrant, opaque colors on dark garments
  • Soft, broken-in hand after a wash or two

Things to know

  • Not cost-effective under 24 pieces
  • Limited to spot colors (no full photo gradients)
  • Each ink color adds a screen + cost

Pricing

$3.00 – $7.00 per piece depending on color count (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c), plus a one-time $50 setup fee. Volume discounts up to 45% off at 250+ pieces.

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DTF / Heat Transfer example

DTF / Heat Transfer

Full-color, photographic detail with zero minimums.

Min order

1 piece — order as little as you need

Turnaround

14 business days standard after proof approval. Rush quote available on request.

Durability

40–50+ wash cycles when cared for properly.

How it works

Your artwork is digitally printed onto a special PET film using CMYK + white ink, dusted with a hot-melt adhesive powder, and cured. We then heat-press the transfer onto your garment at ~310°F for 15 seconds. The result is a thin, flexible, full-color print bonded to the fabric.

How long it lasts

40–50+ wash cycles when cared for properly. Slightly less abrasion-resistant than screen printing over the long term, but excellent for everyday wear. Wash inside-out in cold; avoid high-heat drying and ironing directly on the print.

Best for

Small runs (1–24 pieces), complex multi-color artwork, photographic prints, names & numbers, one-off custom orders.

Artwork we need

PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI at print size. Vector files also welcome. No special color separations needed — print it like you'd post it.

Pros

  • No minimum order — perfect for one-offs
  • Unlimited colors at one flat price
  • Photographic detail and fine gradients
  • Works on cotton, poly, blends, and performance fabrics

Things to know

  • Slightly heavier feel than screen print on large designs
  • Higher per-piece cost than screen print at volume

Pricing

+$6.00 per piece. No setup fee.

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Embroidery example

Embroidery

Premium stitched branding. Looks expensive because it is.

Min order

6 pieces

Turnaround

14 business days standard after proof + digitizing approval. Rush quote available on request.

Durability

Effectively permanent.

How it works

We digitize your logo into a stitch file that tells the embroidery machine exactly where to place each needle. Your garment is hooped, loaded into a multi-head commercial embroidery machine, and stitched with high-quality polyester thread. A 3" logo is typically 8,000–12,000 stitches.

How long it lasts

Effectively permanent. Thread is sewn into the garment — it cannot fade, crack, or peel. Embroidered hats and jackets routinely outlive their owners' interest in them.

Best for

Polos, hats, beanies, jackets, workwear, corporate uniforms. Anything where you want a polished, tailored, professional look.

Artwork we need

Vector logo (.AI, .EPS, .SVG, or .PDF) at any size. We'll digitize it for you. Minimum recommended text height: 0.25".

Pros

  • Most premium, professional finish
  • Effectively permanent — never fades or peels
  • Works beautifully on hats, polos, and fleece
  • Adds perceived value to corporate apparel

Things to know

  • Not ideal for fine detail or small text under ~0.25"
  • Higher cost per piece
  • Limited to ~15 thread colors per design
  • Not great on thin tees (can pucker)

Pricing

+$7.50 per piece for logos up to 8,000 stitches, plus a one-time $45 digitizing fee. Larger or denser designs priced per stitch count.

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Heat Press Vinyl example

Heat Press Vinyl

Bold solid colors and personalized names & numbers.

Min order

1 piece

Turnaround

14 business days standard. Rush quote available on request.

Durability

30–50 wash cycles.

How it works

Solid-color vinyl sheets are precision-cut to the shape of your design with a plotter, weeded (excess vinyl removed by hand), then heat-pressed onto the garment at ~305°F for 10–15 seconds. The vinyl's adhesive backing bonds permanently to the fabric.

How long it lasts

30–50 wash cycles. Vinyl can crack or lift after years of heavy wear, especially on stretchy fabrics. Wash inside-out in cold; never iron directly on the vinyl.

Best for

Team jerseys with names and numbers on the back, single-color graphics, small runs where you need a clean, opaque finish.

Artwork we need

Vector files (.AI, .EPS, .SVG, .PDF) with text outlined. The plotter cuts the outline of your shapes, so artwork must be solid shapes, not gradients.

Pros

  • No minimum order, no setup fee
  • Crisp, opaque solid colors
  • Perfect for personalized names and numbers
  • Fast turnaround for last-minute orders

Things to know

  • One color per vinyl sheet (multi-color = layered, costs more)
  • Slightly stiffer hand than screen print or DTF
  • Not ideal for large, dense designs

Pricing

+$5.00 per piece. No setup fee. Per-name/number pricing for team orders.

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How to send us your artwork

Don't have a print-ready file? That's fine — most customers don't. Send us what you have and our art team will prep it for you.

  1. 1

    Upload your file (or describe your idea)

    Use our Upload Artwork form to send your logo, sketch, photo, or even just a screenshot. We accept .AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG, .PSD, .PNG, .JPG, and .TIFF up to 50MB. No artwork? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll quote design time.

  2. 2

    We prep & review

    Our art team vectorizes raster logos, separates colors for screen printing, and checks your file for print quality. Basic prep is included free with every order. Heavy redraws or original design work is billed at $65/hr — always quoted upfront.

  3. 3

    Approve your digital proof

    Within 1 business day we'll send a digital mockup showing your design placed on the actual garment, in the actual color, at the actual size. Production doesn't start until you reply 'approved.'

  4. 4

    We print, you pick up or ship

    Standard turnaround is 14 business days after proof approval. Pickup is free at our Long Beach studio. We also ship USPS Priority nationwide with live rates at checkout.

Common questions

Still not sure? We'll help you figure it out.

Tell us about your project — quantity, design, deadline — and we'll recommend the best method and send pricing the same day.