DTG vs screen printing for garments from China
DTG suits short runs with detailed, colourful artwork; screen printing often suits repeated designs across larger runs. Embroidery suits stitched logos, while heat transfers suit personalisation. Choose using the actual fabric, a washed sample and comparable quotes. Cambridge China Bridge can help specify and source the garments.
Choose by design and run size
Count garments sharing the same artwork, print size and placement, rather than treating the whole order as a single print run. Different designs can require separate setup. Ask factories to quote your initial order and likely repeat order using the same specification; there is no universal quantity where screen printing becomes cheaper.
The existing branded workwear guide covers garment specifications, sizing and import considerations. Use the comparison below to choose the decoration process before requesting samples.
| Method | Useful starting point | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| DTG, direct-to-garment printing | Short runs, photographs and gradients | Fabric compatibility, pretreatment, white ink and curing |
| Screen printing | Repeated designs, solid colours and larger runs | Colour separations, screen setup, ink coverage and curing |
| Embroidery | Stitched logos on polos, jackets and caps | Digitising, stitch count, backing and puckering |
| Heat transfer | Names, variable designs and mixed garment orders | Exact transfer type, fabric compatibility, adhesion and feel |
Approve artwork at its finished size
Supply editable vector artwork for logos where available, or a clear raster image at its intended print size. State dimensions, placement from a fixed garment feature, colour references and the garment colour. Ask for a physical colour sample: an image on a screen cannot approve the finished colour.
For screen printing, ask how the artwork will be separated into ink colours and whether a white base is needed. For DTG, check gradients, fine text and white coverage on the actual fabric. For embroidery, approve a stitched sample rather than only a digitised preview; fine lettering may need simplification. Record the approved details in your product specification.
Name the fabric and transfer process
Do not approve a method from the artwork alone. Tell the decorator the fibre composition, fabric construction, stretch, finish and garment colour. Ask the DTG factory to identify its ink, pretreatment and curing process for that fabric. Dark garments can introduce white ink and pretreatment work that a light-garment quote does not show.
“Heat transfer” is an umbrella term. Ask whether the quote covers cut vinyl, a printed film transfer, a screen-printed transfer or sublimation. Request a sample on the production fabric and check feel, stretch recovery and edge adhesion. On dyed polyester, ask how the supplier checks for garment dye discolouring the decoration after pressing and storage.
Make wash durability an acceptance check
Do not accept a wash-life promise based only on the method name. Agree a wash and drying routine matching the garment's intended use, a test duration and written failure criteria before ordering. Have samples decorated using the proposed production materials and process, then retain an unwashed sample for comparison.
Check fading, cracking, lifting edges, colour bleeding and changes in feel after washing. For embroidery, check loose threads, puckering and backing against the skin. Photograph results and record the wash conditions. Repeat the agreed check on production samples; the sample-to-production guide explains how to keep the approved sample relevant.
Compare complete decoration quotes
Ask suppliers to separate the blank garment, artwork preparation, decoration setup, decoration per garment, sampling and packing. Screen-print costs depend on ink colours, screens, placements and coverage. DTG costs depend on print area, ink coverage, white ink, pretreatment and handling. Embroidery costs depend on digitising, stitch count and access to the position. Transfers add material preparation and pressing work.
Check whether decoration is done in-house or subcontracted, who keeps the approved files and whether repeat orders incur setup charges. Require written approval before changing fabric, ink, thread or transfer material. Use the supplier quote comparison guide to compare matching scope. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can help coordinate factory samples and production checks.
Frequently asked questions
Is DTG cheaper than screen printing?
It can be for short runs or detailed artwork. Screen setup can be spread across a larger repeated run. Compare quotes for the same fabric, design, placement and quantity.
Which garment printing method lasts longest?
There is no reliable winner from the method name alone. Fabric, ink or transfer choice, curing and laundering affect the result. Approve a sample after an agreed wash and drying test.
Can I use the same artwork for embroidery?
The logo can be the starting point, but embroidery needs a stitch file. Fine text and gradients may need changes. Approve the stitched result on the intended garment fabric.
What should a garment printing quote include?
The blank garment, exact decoration process, artwork preparation, setup, placements, sampling and packing. Ask what changes for dark fabric, personalised names and repeat orders.