Decoration Methods Guide
How to Choose: Screen Printing vs. DTG vs. Embroidery vs. Sublimation
Picking the right decoration method is the difference between gear that looks great and lasts, and gear that disappoints. At The Teehive we run every major method in-house in the USA — screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-film (DTF), cut & sew dye sublimation, and laser engraving — so we’ll always recommend what actually fits your design, quantity, and budget. Here’s how they compare.
Decoration methods compared
| Method | Best for | Color & detail | Durability | Minimum | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Bulk t-shirts & the same design in volume | Best for 1–4 spot colors | Very durable | 12+ / design | 2+ weeks |
| Embroidery | Logos on polos, hats, jackets & workwear | Thread colors; premium texture (not photo-real) | Extremely durable | 6+ / logo | 3+ weeks |
| DTF (Direct-to-Film) | Full-color or complex art in small runs | Unlimited colors, photo-real | Durable | 6+ (no strict min) | 2+ weeks |
| Dye Sublimation | All-over prints, leggings & jerseys (polyester) | Unlimited colors, edge-to-edge | Permanent (dyed into fabric) | Varies | 3+ weeks |
| Laser Engraving | Premium, subtle branding on select materials | Tonal, no ink | Permanent | Varies | 2+ weeks |
When to use each method
Screen printing
The most cost-effective choice for larger runs of the same design in a few ink colors — team tees, event shirts, fan gear. The more you order, the lower the price per shirt. Learn about screen printing →
Embroidery
The premium, durable choice for logos — especially on polos, hats, jackets, and workwear. Best when you want a professional, textured finish that lasts. Learn about embroidery →
DTF (direct-to-film)
Great for full-color, photo-real, or intricate designs in smaller quantities where screen printing isn’t economical. DTF is our versatile alternative to DTG (direct-to-garment) printing — it delivers the same unlimited-color, photo-real results and works across more fabric types, with no strict minimum.
Dye sublimation
The method behind all-over, edge-to-edge prints on polyester — custom leggings, jerseys, and cheer wear. The design is dyed into the fabric, so it never cracks or peels.
Laser engraving
A clean, permanent, ink-free mark for premium branding on select materials and accessories.
Tackle twill
Custom-cut twill patches sewn onto the garment with a satin or zig-zag stitch — a bold, durable, varsity-style look popular on jackets and jerseys.
Heat-press vinyl
Specialty vinyl with a heat-activated backing, pressed onto the garment. Great for names, numbers, and metallic or glitter accents. Browse vinyl & glitter colors.
Leather & dye-sub patches
Laser-etched leather patches (a favorite on hats — full front or side panel) and dye-sublimated fabric patches in circle, oval, rectangle, hexagon, and shield shapes. See patch sizes.
Screen print embellishments
Take screen printing further with puff, glitter, foil, clear gel, and glow-in-the-dark inks for texture and standout effects.
Not sure which method fits? Browse our colors & swatches and print sizes & placement guide, or ask our team.
Decoration methods FAQs
Which decoration method is the most durable?
Dye sublimation is permanent because the design is dyed into the fabric, and embroidery is extremely durable because the design is stitched in. Screen printing and DTF are both very durable when cared for properly.
What’s the cheapest way to print custom shirts in bulk?
Screen printing is the most cost-effective method for larger runs of the same design in a few ink colors. Price per shirt drops as quantity goes up.
What’s best for a full-color or photo-realistic design?
DTF (direct-to-film) and dye sublimation both reproduce unlimited colors and photo-real detail. DTF works on cotton and blends; sublimation is for polyester.
What method is best for custom leggings and jerseys?
Cut & sew dye sublimation, which prints edge-to-edge on polyester so the design never cracks or peels — ideal for dance, cheer, and athletic wear.
What are the minimum orders by method?
Screen printing is 12+ pieces per design, embroidery is 6+ pieces per logo, and DTF/laser transfers have no strict minimum (6+ recommended).