At Classic Tees we offer several custom shirt printing methods to fit different designs, budgets, and event needs. The three most popular techniques are screen printing, direct to garment (DTG), and DTF. Each process creates a unique finish and has its own advantages, from bold long lasting color to soft photo quality prints to flexible full color transfers. This guide explains how each method works so you can choose the best option for your tees, fleece, or event apparel.
Screen Printing Tee Shirts
Screen printing is the most traditional method for custom apparel and it requires a screen to be made for each design. This process pushes ink through a mesh stencil, creating bold and vibrant colors that stand the test of time. The finish has a slightly raised feel and excellent durability, making it the best choice for large runs of event shirts, uniforms, and promotional gear. [more details]
DTG Tee Shirt Printing (Direct to Garment)
DTG printing works like a high end fabric printer, spraying water-based inks directly into the fibers of the shirt. Because the ink soaks into the material, the finish feels soft to the touch with no noticeable texture on the surface. This method allows for full color, gradients, and detailed artwork, even photographs. DTG is best suited for smaller runs or one-of-a-kind designs and performs especially well on 100 percent cotton tees. [more details]
Heat Transfer (DTF) Tee Shirt Printing
DTF printing uses heat and pressure to bond your design onto the garment, and one of the most popular modern versions of this is Direct to Film (DTF). With DTF, your design is first printed onto a clear transfer film, coated with adhesive, and then pressed onto the shirt. The result is a smooth finish that sits on top of the fabric with a soft, flexible feel. Heat transfer is highly versatile and works well for names, numbers, small runs, or full-color graphics. Compared to screen printing and DTG, the finish has a slightly different texture, but it delivers excellent color and sharp detail on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. [more details]
Fleece Printing Options
Fleece hoodies and sweatshirts are a bit different than plain tee shirts. Depending on how the fleece is made (all cotton, mixed with polyester, etc.), some print styles work better than others. We are partnered with Spectra Apparel who have the best fleece for printing. Here’s how screen printing, DTG, and DTF usually behave on fleece:
Screen Printing
Works well especially on fleece with a lot of cotton or cotton blends. It pushes ink through mesh screens to make the design. The print tends to be very durable, holds color well, and stands up to lots of washing. The downside is it might feel a bit thick where there’s a lot of ink, especially on heavy fleece.
DTG (Direct to Garment)
Think of it like a fancy printer spraying ink directly onto the fleece. It gives a soft feel. Best on fleece that’s mostly cotton. On fleece with a lot of polyester, the colors might not be as sharp or bright, and the print might wear out faster. Also, for dark fleece, there’s usually a prep step to help the ink stick.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
Here, the design is printed onto a special film, then a glue is added, and after that, it’s heat pressed onto the fleece. It works on many types of fleece (cotton, polyester, blends). Treats complex, colorful designs pretty well, even on darker fabrics. Sometimes the print might feel a little more plastic-like or heavier near big designs, but overall it’s a solid pick when you need color versatility and it works across more fabric types.
Ready to Print Your Design?
Classic Tees makes it simple to choose the best printing style for your project. Whether you need bold screen printed fleece hoodies, detailed DTG designs on cotton tees, or flexible DTF transfers for team apparel, we can help bring your idea to life.
Reach out to discuss your next event, business, or custom order.
Screen Printing | Direct to Garment (DTG) | Heat Transfer (DTF)