Screen Printing vs. DTF: Which Is Right for Your Order?

If you’re ordering custom apparel, one of the first questions you’ll hear is whether you want screen printing or DTF (Direct to Film) printing. Both produce great-looking shirts, but they’re designed for different situations.

Screen printing has been the industry standard for decades. Ink is pushed directly into the fabric, creating a soft, durable print that holds up through years of washing. It’s the best choice for larger orders with one to four colors and offers the lowest cost per shirt as quantities increase.

DTF printing works differently. A full-color design is printed onto a transfer, then heat-pressed onto the garment. It allows unlimited colors, gradients, and photographic images without increasing the price based on color count. It’s ideal for smaller orders or artwork that would be difficult to screen print.

Neither method is “better.” The right choice depends on your design, quantity, budget, and goals.

At Hopper Corp, we print both in-house and recommend the process that makes the most sense for your project—not simply the one that’s easiest to produce.