Clothing Printing & Embroidery Methods Compared: Screen Print, DTG, Embroidery, Puff & More
Branding is what turns a plain garment into your product, and the method you choose decides how it looks, how it feels, how long it lasts and what it costs. Screen print, DTG, embroidery, puff print and heat transfer each have strengths and limits, and the right one depends on your artwork, your fabric and your order size. This guide compares the main decoration methods used on clothing so you can brief a factory with confidence and avoid paying for the wrong process.
The Main Decoration Methods
| Method | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen print | Ink is pushed through a stencil screen, one screen per colour | Bold designs, 1β4 colours, larger runs | Setup cost per colour, not ideal for photos |
| DTG (direct to garment) | A printer sprays ink straight onto the fabric | Detailed or full-colour artwork, small runs | Best on cotton, higher cost per piece at volume |
| Embroidery | Thread is stitched into the fabric | Logos on hoodies, caps, polos, premium look | Cost rises with stitch count, not for tiny fine detail |
| Puff print (3D) | Foam-based ink swells when heated to form a raised design | Streetwear logos, bold lettering | Thin lines lose definition |
| Heat transfer / vinyl | A design on film is pressed on with heat | Names, numbers, small runs | Can feel plasticky or peel if poorly applied |
| Sublimation | Dye turns to gas and bonds with polyester fibres | All-over prints on polyester | Works on polyester and light colours only |
At Blaze Garments we work with options such as puff print, DTG and embroidery for private label orders. If you have another method in mind, send us the design and we’ll tell you what is possible.
How to Choose
- Start with the artwork. Simple shapes and a few solid colours suit screen print. Photos and gradients suit DTG. Clean logos suit embroidery.
- Match the fabric. Cotton takes almost everything; polyester suits sublimation; thick fleece and terry suit embroidery and puff print well. See our French terry vs fleece guide.
- Think about order size. Setup-heavy methods like screen print get cheaper per piece as quantity grows; digital methods stay flat but cost more each.
- Decide the feel you want. Embroidery and puff print feel textured and premium; water-based and DTG prints feel softer and flatter.
- Consider durability and washing. Ask for a wash test on your sample before approving bulk.
Quiet Luxury and Textured Branding in 2026
Buying guides for fall and winter 2026 describe a shift from loud, flat graphics towards tonal embroidery, puff print and other textured details on heavy fabrics. If you are building a premium or streetwear line, these are worth considering. Our winter fashion 2026 guide and heavyweight hoodie guide cover the trend in more detail.
Prepare Your Artwork Properly
- Send vector files (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) for logos, so they can be resized without losing sharpness.
- Give colour references such as Pantone codes for spot colours.
- State the size and position in centimetres, measured from a landmark like the collar or hem.
- Specify the method for each placement. A chest logo may be embroidered while a back graphic is printed.
All of this belongs on your tech pack. Our step-by-step tech pack guide shows where artwork details go.
Common Branding Mistakes
- Using a low-resolution image for a logo.
- Choosing too fine a detail for embroidery or puff print.
- Forgetting that print methods behave differently on dark fabrics.
- Approving a design on screen without a physical sample.
- Printing on the wrong fabric for the method, such as sublimation on cotton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, screen print or DTG?
Screen print is usually better for simple, bold designs in larger quantities. DTG is better for detailed or full-colour artwork in smaller runs, mainly on cotton.
Is embroidery more expensive than printing?
Usually, per piece, because cost depends on the number of stitches. It looks and feels more premium and lasts well, which is why it is popular for hoodies and polos.
What is puff print?
Puff print uses foam-based ink that swells when heated, creating a raised 3D design. It is popular on streetwear and heavy fabrics.
Can I test a design with a small order?
Yes. Sampling starts from a 1-set MOQ and production from around 50 pieces per style, so you can compare methods before committing to a larger run.
Ready to brand your range? Start your private label project or send a wholesale inquiry with your artwork.