If you’re looking to create branded merchandise, work uniforms, or promotional clothing, choosing the right custom apparel printing method is essential. At Lettuce Print, we offer screen printing, embroidery, DTG, DTF, and HTV to give you high-quality, long-lasting apparel.
Each printing technique has unique advantages, and this guide will help you determine the best option for your needs.
Why Custom Apparel Printing Matters
Printing on apparel is a powerful marketing tool that increases brand visibility and promotes team unity. Studies show that branded clothing improves customer recall and boosts engagement (FlowState Branding).
Beyond visibility, custom-printed apparel enhances credibility and trust by presenting a cohesive brand identity (Swiss Uniforms). Whether for corporate events, giveaways, or retail sales, the right printing method makes a big difference.
The Best Printing Methods for Custom Apparel
Screen Printing – Durable & Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders
Screen printing is the industry standard for custom t-shirts and hoodies. Using stenciled screens and ink, this method creates vibrant, long-lasting designs that stand out.
Best For:
Large bulk orders (cost-efficient for 50+ pieces)
Simple designs with bold colors
Cotton-based garments
Pros:
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Cost-effective for high-volume printing
Produces bold, high-quality colors
Cons:
Not ideal for small orders due to setup costs
Limited to simple designs with fewer colors
➡ Need high-quality prints for bulk orders? Check out our screen printing services.
Embroidery – Professional & Long-Lasting
For a premium, high-end look, embroidery is the best choice. Instead of ink, designs are stitched directly onto the fabric, creating a textured and professional finish.
Best For:
Corporate uniforms, polos, and jackets
Hats and premium hoodies
Logos with a minimal color palette
Pros:
Highly durable and fade-resistant
Adds a luxurious, professional appearance
Works well on thicker fabrics like fleece and denim
Cons:
Not ideal for highly detailed or intricate designs
Higher cost per item compared to printed methods
➡ Want a polished, embroidered look? Explore our embroidery options.
DTF (Direct to Film) – Versatile & Vibrant
DTF (Direct to Film) printing is an innovative method where a design is printed onto a transfer film, then applied to fabric using a heat press.
Best For:
Full-color, detailed prints
Cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics
Small to large batch orders
Pros:
Works on any fabric type
Produces vibrant colors and intricate details
Ideal for both small and large orders
Cons:
Less breathable than DTG
Requires heat pressing for application
➡ Looking for a versatile print method? Check out our DTF printing services.
DTG (Direct to Garment) – Soft, Detailed Prints for Small Orders
DTG (Direct to Garment) printing works like an inkjet printer, applying full-color designs directly onto the fabric. This technique is great for short-run orders and complex designs.
Best For:
Small batch custom orders
Complex, multicolor graphics
100% cotton apparel
Pros:
No setup fees, great for one-off and small batch prints
Soft, breathable feel—ink absorbs into the fabric
Perfect for photo-quality, full-color designs
Cons:
Best suited for cotton-based fabrics
Less cost-effective for large orders
➡ Need high-detail, full-color prints? Explore our DTG options.
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) – Perfect for Personalization
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) uses cut-out vinyl sheets applied to fabric with heat. It’s ideal for customizing names, numbers, or logos on apparel.
Best For:
Team jerseys and athletic wear
Small batch or one-off orders
Cotton, polyester, and blends
Pros:
Great for individual customization (names/numbers)
Works on various fabric types
No setup fees, perfect for short runs
Cons:
Not suitable for intricate, detailed designs
Requires manual application for each item
➡ Need custom names and numbers on apparel? Check out our HTV printing services.
Which Apparel Printing Method is Best for You?
Printing Method | Best For | Key Features |
Screen Printing | Bulk orders | Cost-effective, bold colors, long-lasting |
Embroidery | Professional wear | Premium, textured, durable |
DTF Printing | All fabrics | Versatile, vibrant colors, fine details |
DTG Printing | Small orders | No setup fees, soft feel, full-color designs |
HTV Printing | Personalized designs | Ideal for names/numbers, short runs |
Still unsure? Contact us today and we’ll help you choose the best printing method for your needs.
Why Choose Lettuce Print for Custom Apparel?
At Lettuce Print, we offer:
Expert design assistance—helping bring your vision to life.
Premium printing technology—ensuring vibrant, long-lasting results.
Fast turnaround times—we meet your deadlines without compromising quality.
Competitive pricing—bulk discounts and cost-effective solutions.
📢 Need help selecting the perfect printing method? Let’s get started!
Comments