Decoration
Screen Print vs Embroidery vs DTG vs DTF: Choosing Decoration for Streetwear
By the TrueThreads factory team · Updated · 6 min read
Short answer
For streetwear on heavyweight cotton, screen printing is the standard for bold graphics because it is durable and cost-effective per piece once set up. Embroidery suits small logos and premium detail. DTG and DTF handle full-colour, photographic artwork and very small runs. Puff, discharge and high-density prints are screen-print variations used for texture and a vintage or raised look.
Key takeaways
- Screen print: most durable and economical for 1–4 colour graphics.
- Discharge print removes dye for a soft, no-feel print on dark cotton.
- Puff and high-density prints add raised texture.
- Embroidery is premium and long-lasting but best for small to medium designs.
- DTG/DTF suit full-colour artwork and small quantities; sublimation only works on polyester.
Decoration methods compared
| Method | Best for | Feel | Durability | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen print (plastisol / water-based) | Bold graphics, 1–4 colours | Slight to soft | Very high | A screen is made per colour, so cost per piece falls with quantity |
| Discharge print | Soft prints on dark 100% cotton | No feel | High | Works by removing dye; colours are slightly muted and vary by fabric |
| Puff / high-density print | Raised, textured logos | 3D, rubbery | High | Best on simple shapes with thicker lines |
| Embroidery | Chest logos, caps, premium detail | Textured thread | Very high | Priced by stitch count; large solid areas become heavy |
| Chenille / appliqué | Varsity letters and patches | Plush, raised | High | Classic for varsity jackets and collegiate graphics |
| DTG (direct to garment) | Full-colour art, very small runs | Soft | Medium | Works best on cotton; slower per piece |
| DTF (direct to film) | Detailed multi-colour art | Smooth film | Medium to high | Applied by heat press; works on most fabrics |
| Sublimation | All-over prints on sportswear | No feel | Very high | Polyester and light base colours only |
What works best on heavyweight cotton
On 240–320 GSM tees and 350–500 GSM hoodies, screen printing gives the cleanest, longest-lasting result for most streetwear graphics. Choose discharge when you want a print you cannot feel on a dark garment, puff for a raised logo, and embroidery for a small chest or sleeve mark that should look premium for years.
How to choose
- Number of colours: one to four flat colours → screen print. Gradients or photos → DTG or DTF.
- Size of design: small logo → embroidery. Large back graphic → screen print.
- Fabric: 100% cotton → any print method. Polyester sportswear → sublimation.
- Look: vintage and soft → discharge or water-based. Loud and raised → puff or high-density.
- Garment wash: if the piece will be acid or enzyme washed, tell the factory, because the order of printing and washing changes the result.
Preparing artwork
- Supply vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) wherever possible.
- State the print size in centimetres and its position from a fixed point such as the collar seam.
- Give Pantone references for each colour.
- For embroidery, avoid text smaller than about 5 mm high.
Decoration at TrueThreads
TrueThreads offers screen printing including puff, discharge and water-based inks, high-density embroidery, chenille for varsity jackets, heat-press application and sublimation for sports uniforms and performance knits, alongside in-house garment washes. Tell us your artwork and placement in the quote form and we will recommend a method with your quote.
Frequently asked questions
- Is screen printing or embroidery better for hoodies?
- Screen printing is better for large graphics and is more economical per piece. Embroidery is better for small logos where a premium, textured look and maximum durability matter.
- What is the most durable way to print on T-shirts?
- Screen printing and sublimation are the most durable print methods. Screen printing is the standard on cotton; sublimation is used on polyester sportswear.
- What is discharge printing?
- Discharge printing removes the dye from dark cotton fabric and replaces it with the print colour, leaving a soft print with almost no feel. It works best on 100% cotton.
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