If you're planning custom merchandise, branded clothing or event apparel, one of the first questions you'll face is:
Should we choose screen printing or DTF printing?
It's one of the most common questions we get at Kalos Creates when working with brands, gyms, run clubs and event organisers across London.
The truth is, both methods can produce great results. The right choice depends on your design, quantity, budget and how you want the finished product to feel.
In this guide, we'll break down the differences between screen printing and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, helping you choose the best option for your next garment printing project in London.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is one of the most established and widely used garment printing methods in the world.
The process involves pushing ink through a screen onto a garment, with a separate screen created for each colour in the design.
Screen printing is particularly popular for:
- Custom t-shirt printing
- Event merchandise
- Clothing brands
- Community campaigns
- Staff uniforms
- Large quantity orders
The result is a durable, professional finish that becomes part of the garment rather than sitting heavily on top of it.
Benefits of Screen Printing
Excellent durability
Screen printed garments are built to last.
The ink bonds well with the fabric and can withstand repeated washing when cared for correctly.
Premium finish
Many fashion brands choose screen printing because of its soft feel and high-quality appearance.
Particularly on heavyweight t-shirts and hoodies, screen printing often delivers a more premium finish than digital alternatives.
Cost-effective for larger orders
Once screens have been created, the cost per garment becomes much lower.
This makes screen printing ideal for:
- 25+ garments
- Event merchandise
- Staff clothing
- Brand launches
- Community projects
Consistent results
Every garment is printed using the same screens and inks, helping maintain consistency across larger production runs.
Challenges of Screen Printing
1. Setup costs
Each colour requires its own screen.
This means smaller runs can become more expensive compared to DTF printing.
2. Less suitable for highly detailed artwork
Very complex gradients, photographic images or intricate colour transitions can be more challenging.
3. Longer preparation time
Screen creation takes time, meaning screen printing is usually better suited to planned projects rather than urgent orders.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF stands for Direct-to-Film.
Designs are printed onto a specialist transfer film before being heat applied to the garment.
DTF printing has become increasingly popular in recent years because it offers flexibility without the setup costs associated with screen printing.
It's commonly used for:
- Detailed artwork
- Multi-colour designs
- Test collections
- Startup clothing brands
- Fast turnaround projects
Benefits of DTF Printing
No screen setup costs
This makes DTF printing particularly attractive for lower quantities.
If you're ordering 20-50 garments, DTF is often the most economical option.
Great for detailed artwork
Photographs, gradients and complex illustrations can be reproduced accurately.
Fast turnaround
Because there are no screens to create, production can often begin much quicker.
This makes DTF printing ideal for:
- Last-minute events
- Test products
- Short runs
- Prototype merchandise
Flexible quantities
You can order smaller quantities without the significant setup costs associated with screen printing.
Challenges of DTF Printing
Different feel to screen printing
DTF prints sit slightly more on the surface of the garment.
For some projects this isn't an issue, but premium fashion brands often prefer the softer finish of screen printing.
Less cost-effective at scale
As quantities increase, screen printing usually becomes the better value option.
Not always the first choice for premium retail merchandise
While DTF quality has improved significantly, many established clothing brands still favour screen printing for larger collections.
Which Method Is Best For Your Project?
The answer depends on your goals.
Choose Screen Printing If:
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You need 25+ garments
-
You want a premium finish
-
You're launching a clothing brand
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You're producing event merchandise
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You want maximum durability
-
Your design uses a limited number of colours
Choose DTF Printing If:
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Your artwork is highly detailed
-
You need a quick turnaround
-
You're testing a new design
-
You want flexibility without setup costs
What About Events?
For event merchandise in London, both methods can work well.
For example:
A creative agency ordering 500 event t-shirts would often benefit from screen printing because of the quantity and cost efficiency.
A small community workshop needing 15 branded hoodies may find DTF printing a better fit.
The best option depends on the size of the event, the artwork and your budget.
What We Recommend
At Kalos Creates, we don't believe in pushing one method over another.
Instead, we look at:
- Your goals
- Your audience
- Your quantity
- Your budget
- Your timeline
Then we recommend the printing method that delivers the best outcome.
Sometimes that's screen printing.
Sometimes it's DTF printing.
Sometimes a combination of both.
The goal isn't choosing the newest or cheapest option. It's creating merchandise that people genuinely want to wear.
Final Thoughts
Both screen printing and DTF printing have an important place within modern garment production.
Screen printing remains the go-to choice for premium merchandise, larger runs and clothing brands looking for long-lasting quality.
DTF printing offers flexibility, detailed artwork reproduction and cost-effective production for smaller orders.
If you're planning custom garment printing in London, taking the time to choose the right method can improve quality, reduce costs and help your merchandise make a stronger impact.
Whether you're launching a clothing brand, organising an event, creating staff uniforms or producing community merchandise, understanding the strengths of each process will help you make a more informed decision.
Get in touch
Every great piece of merch starts with a good idea. If you're working on a brand, event, gym, run club or community project, we'd love to hear what you're building. Drop us a message and let's create something people will be proud to wear.
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