Limited time: custom tees for $6.99 each, shirt + 1-color print (24 pc min). See the 24-Tee Special
DadBod Screen Printing
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GUIDE

Screen Printing vs DTF vs Embroidery

Not sure which method is right for your shirts or hats? Here's how the three compare, from the Fort Myers shop that does all three.

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DadBod's automatic screen printing press Embroidered trucker hats lined up in the shop

SIDE BY SIDE

How the three methods compare.

Screen printingDTF printingEmbroidery
Best forBigger orders of tees and hoodiesFull-color and detailed designs, small ordersA professional, premium look
Order sizeBest value at 12–24+ piecesGreat from a single pieceAny size
ColorsBest with 1–4 solid colors; price goes up with each colorUnlimited, including gradients and photosBest with simple logos and bold text
Look & feelInk pressed into the fabric, very durableSmooth, vivid print on top of the fabricRaised thread, flat or 3D puff
Great onTees, hoodies, long sleeves, totesCotton, polyester and blends, light or darkPolos, hats, beanies, jackets, quarter-zips

THE DETAILS

What each method is best at.

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a screen onto the shirt, one color at a time. It takes some setup, so the price per shirt drops as the quantity goes up. It's the go-to for crew shirts, event tees and anything with a 1–4 color logo. Our 24-Tee Special is $6.99 a shirt with a 1-color print.

Screen printing in Fort Myers →

DTF printing

Direct-to-film printing puts your full design, in every color, onto a film that's heat pressed onto the garment. There's no setup per color, so it's ideal for detailed or full-color logos and small orders, and it works on cotton, polyester and blends.

DTF printing in Fort Myers →

Embroidery

Your logo is stitched in thread for a raised, premium look that lasts. It's the best choice for polos, every type of hat and beanie, jackets and quarter-zips. Choose flat embroidery or 3D puff for logos that really stand out on the front of a hat.

Embroidery in Fort Myers →

QUICK PICKS

If your order looks like this…

24+ shirts with a 1–2 color logoScreen printing → A handful of shirts with a full-color designDTF printing → Polos, hats or beanies for your teamEmbroidery → A whole crew outfitted at a set priceCrew kits →

FAQ

Common questions.

Which method lasts the longest?

Screen printing and embroidery are both extremely durable. DTF holds up well too, especially when washed inside out on cold.

Which is the cheapest?

For bigger orders with a few colors, screen printing is usually cheapest per shirt. For small full-color orders, DTF usually costs less.

Can you embroider a t-shirt?

Yes, but embroidery is heavier, so it looks best on thicker fabrics like polos, hats, jackets and hoodies.

Can I mix methods in one order?

Yes. Ask us about combining methods, like embroidered polos and screen printed tees, in the same order.

Not sure which to pick?

Send us your logo with your quote request and we'll recommend the best method and price it for free.

FREE QUOTE

Send us your logo.

Tell us what you need and how many. Send your logo if you have it, and we'll get back to you with pricing and turnaround. Delivery is free in Southwest Florida.

Get a Free Quote Text (786) 525-6496

or email sales@dadbodscreenprinting.com

MORE FROM DADBOD

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