Screen Printing vs. DTF vs. Embroidery: Which is Best for Your Project?

Inked Signs & Apparel • September 30, 2025

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When it comes to custom apparel in Hutchinson (and beyond), you’ve got options. The big three are screen printing, DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, and embroidery. Each method has its own strengths, limitations, and best use cases. Choosing the right one is the difference between creating apparel your crew wears with pride or something that ends up stuffed in the back of a drawer.

At Inked Signs & Apparel, we run all three methods in-house — which means we know exactly when each one shines, and when it doesn’t. Let’s break it down:

Screen Printing


Best for: Large orders, bold designs, special effects, long-lasting prints

Screen printing is the OG of custom apparel. Ink gets pushed through a mesh screen directly onto the garment, creating bright, bold colors and a soft feel. It’s ideal for solid graphics, logos, and high-volume orders where durability is key.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective for large runs
  • Long-lasting, durable prints
  • Bold, saturated colors (Pantone matched)
  • Works on a wide range of garments


Cons:

  • Not ideal for super detailed, multi-color designs
  • Higher setup cost for small runs


Choose screen printing if: You’re ordering 50+ pieces for your business, team, or event and want vibrant prints that survive years of wear and washes.

DTF Printing

Best for: Detailed, full-color designs, small to medium orders, specialty applications

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is the new kid on the block — and it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. Your design is printed onto a special film, then heat-pressed onto your garment. The result? Unlimited color possibilities, incredible detail, and a smooth, retail-quality finish.

Pros:

  • Perfect for intricate artwork, small text, or photo-quality images
  • Unlimited color options
  • Works on almost any fabric type or garment color
  • Great for smaller orders without big setup fees


Cons:

  • Slightly different feel compared to screen printing
  • Less cost-effective than screen printing for very large runs


Choose DTF if: You’ve got a complex, multi-color design, need a smaller quantity, or want something unique (like custom neck tags or specialty placements).

Embroidery

Best for: Premium, professional branding on hats, jackets, polos, and uniforms

Embroidery takes your logo or design and stitches it directly into the fabric with thread. It’s durable, textured, and screams high-end. Perfect for brands that want to look polished and professional.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • Premium, textured look and feel
  • Ideal for hats, polos, jackets, and heavy garments
  • Great for simple logos and branding


Cons:

  • Not suitable for super detailed or complex designs
  • Higher cost for large or intricate designs


Choose embroidery if: You want your team or brand to look sharp and professional on hats, polos, uniforms, or outerwear.

So… Which One’s Best for You?

  • Need bold colors in bulk? Go screen printing.
  • Want full-color detail, smaller runs, or unique placements? Go DTF.
  • Looking for a premium, textured, high-end finish? Go embroidery.


At Inked Signs & Apparel, our job is simple: match your project with the method that gives you the best results in style, durability, and brand impact.

Ready to bring your design to life? Contact Inked today — let’s make something bold together.

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