When you shop for custom shirts you will hear three names over and over: screen printing, vinyl and DTF. Each one has its place. Here is an honest, no jargon breakdown so you can choose the right method for your order.
The quick comparison
| DTF | Screen printing | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | None | Usually 12 to 24+ | None |
| Full colour and photos | Yes | Costly, each colour is a screen | Limited |
| Fine detail | Excellent | Good | Poor for small text |
| Setup fees | None | Per colour, per design | Usually none |
| Feel | Soft, flexible | Soft, very durable | Thicker, can feel plasticky |
| Best for | Most orders, 1 to a few hundred | Big runs of simple designs | Single names and numbers |
What is DTF printing?
DTF stands for direct to film. The design is printed in full colour onto a special film, coated with an adhesive powder, cured, and then heat pressed onto the garment. The result is a crisp, flexible print that works on cotton, polyester and blends, on light and dark colours alike.
This is what we use in our Saskatoon shop for every order. It is why we can print one shirt with no setup fees, and why a colourful logo costs the same as a one colour one. If you print your own shirts, you can also buy DTF transfers or build a gang sheet and press them yourself.
When screen printing wins
Screen printing is a great method for very large runs of a simple design with one or two colours, think several hundred identical shirts. The cost per shirt drops a lot at that scale. The trade off is setup: every colour needs its own screen, so small orders and full colour designs get expensive quickly. Planning a big run like that? See our screen printing page.
When vinyl makes sense
Vinyl is cut from sheets of coloured material and pressed on. It is fine for a single name or a simple number, but it struggles with detailed logos and small text, and it can feel thicker on the shirt.
The short answer: if you need anything from one shirt to a few hundred, have a colourful or detailed design, or want different names on each shirt, DTF is almost always the best value.
See DTF on your design
Upload your logo and we will send a free mockup with pricing for your quantity.
Upload my artworkGet a free quoteHow long do DTF prints last?
With normal care, DTF prints last the life of the shirt. They do not crack or peel like old style iron-on transfers. Turn shirts inside out, wash cold, and use low heat or hang dry.
Common questions
Does DTF work on polyester sports shirts?
Yes. DTF bonds well to polyester, cotton and blends, which is why it is popular for team jerseys.
Can I feel the print?
You can feel a smooth, thin layer, much softer than vinyl. Large solid blocks of colour feel a little firmer than open designs.
Is DTF more expensive?
For small and medium orders it is usually cheaper because there are no screens or setup fees.
