Types of Shirt Printing: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
Introduction
If you’re anything like me when I first started, the world of shirt printing can feel a little overwhelming. Screen printing, embroidery, vinyl, DTF… it sounds like alphabet soup, right? The good news is, each method has its own strengths, and once you know the basics, it’s actually pretty fun to match the right printing style to your project.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular types of shirt printing we use every day, share the pros and cons, and give you some insider tips so your next order looks (and feels) awesome.
Screen printing is one of the oldest and most trusted methods out there, and honestly, it’s still one of my favorites. The process involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, layer by layer, to create bold, vibrant designs. It’s perfect when you need a lot of shirts that all look exactly the same because the setup makes big runs super efficient.
Why people love screen printing:
Strong, long-lasting colors that hold up wash after wash
Cost-effective for bulk orders like school spiritwear or company uniforms
Designs with solid colors look especially sharp
It’s less ideal for very small orders or super intricate detail designs with dozens of colors, but our team has built a reputation for precision and consistency with this method. We take pride in making sure every print is aligned, every stack of shirts is neat, and every client gets exactly what they pictured.
DTF printing is one of the newer kids on the block, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite around here. Instead of screens, we print your design onto a film, coat it with adhesive, and then heat press it directly onto the garment. The result is a detailed, full-color print that’s flexible, soft, and built to last.
Why DTF is awesome:
It handles detailed, full-color designs beautifully
Great for small runs or one-offs since there’s no screen setup
It works on a wide range of fabrics, from cotton tees to blends and even performance gear.
In 2025, DTF outshines DTG (direct-to-garment) because it’s more versatile and durable. Our team uses it a lot for customers who want vivid designs without committing to a huge order. I love it because it gives small businesses, schools, and community groups the chance to get high-quality, full-color prints without breaking the bank—or compromising on quality.
Embroidery will always have a special place in custom apparel because nothing beats that classic, stitched look. Instead of ink or film, embroidery uses thread to sew your design directly into the fabric. It’s durable, textured, and instantly makes any piece feel more professional.
Why embroidery stands out:
It’s perfect for polos, hats, jackets, and uniforms where you want a polished finish.
The stitching holds up for years, even through heavy wear and washing.
It adds texture and dimension that printing just can’t replicate.
I usually recommend embroidery for businesses that want their team to look sharp, or for organizations looking for something a little more elevated than a printed tee. At The Awesome Company, we carefully digitize every logo and test stitch before we start production so the details come out clean and precise. Our crew loves this method because it really shows off the craftsmanship and pride we put into every order.
Vinyl Heat Transfer
Vinyl heat transfer involves cutting designs from sheets of vinyl and pressing them onto fabric with heat. It’s crisp, bold, and especially great for personalization. Think of it like creating custom stickers for your apparel—clean, bold, and durable. It’s especially handy for names, numbers, and simple graphics.
Why vinyl works well:
Great for one-off designs, small runs, or adding personalization like team jerseys.
Colors are vibrant and solid, with a crisp, finished look.
Perfect for bold shapes, lettering, and high-contrast graphics.
The flip side is that vinyl doesn’t breathe quite as well as other methods, so it works best for smaller design areas. We use it a lot for sports teams, special events, and anything that needs quick personalization. Our team takes extra care to line everything up perfectly—because nothing ruins a jersey faster than a crooked number.
Specialty Methods
Specialty methods take printing to another level by adding effects that make designs stand out.
Some of our favorite options:
Metallic and foil prints that give designs a shiny, eye-catching finish.
Puff printing that adds a raised, 3D texture you can actually feel.
Glow-in-the-dark or UV-reactive inks for shirts that make a statement after dark.
Eco-friendly inks and materials for groups that want sustainability to be part of their story.
These extras aren’t for every project, but when you want to make merch that gets people talking they can be a game-changer. Our team is always happy to brainstorm creative ways to match your vision with the right specialty touch.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method
With so many types of shirt printing out there, it can feel a little tricky to know which one is the best fit. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here’s how I help clients decide:
Quantity → Bulk orders usually go screen printing. Small runs shine with DTF or vinyl.
Design complexity → DTF handles tiny details. Screen and vinyl love bold, simple graphics.
Fabric type → Embroidery rules for polos and jackets, while DTF and screen printing excel on tees and hoodies.
Budget and purpose → Screen printing keeps bulk costs low, embroidery adds polish, and vinyl keeps personalization affordable.
The best method depends on your goals. We’ll always guide you to the one that gives you the right balance of look, feel, and cost.
Why Choose The Awesome Company
At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay, I get the types of shirt printing—but why should I work with you?” And that’s my favorite question to answer. Because yes, we know the technical side of printing inside and out, but what makes us different is why we do it and how we do it. At The Awesome Company, we’re not just another print shop—we’re a purpose-driven team.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Employment with purpose: Every order creates meaningful jobs for autistic adults. When you buy shirts from us, you’re not just getting custom apparel—you’re supporting real people building skills, confidence, and careers.
Attention to detail: Our neurodiverse team has an incredible eye for precision. From centered prints to folded stacks, we take pride in the little things most vendors overlook.
No minimums: Whether you need three shirts for your family reunion or 300 for your school fundraiser, we’ll give your order the same care and attention.
People-first service: We answer emails, meet deadlines, and send handwritten thank-you notes because we treat every customer like a person—not just an invoice number.
Local roots, real impact: We’re proudly based in Grove City, Ohio, serving schools, nonprofits, and businesses across Central Ohio—and every order helps us grow opportunities right here in our community.
When you choose The Awesome Company, you’re getting more than high-quality custom apparel. You’re joining a movement to make work more inclusive, more human, and a whole lot more awesome.
The TL;DR
There are a lot of different types of shirt printing, and each one brings something special to the table. Screen printing is bold and durable for bulk orders, DTF brings full-color artwork accessible for small runs, embroidery adds dimension and a professional touch, vinyl makes personalization easy, and specialty methods make your gear unforgettable.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the right choice depends on your design, your budget, and your goals. That’s why at The Awesome Company, we take the time to walk you through the options and help you pick the method that’s going to make your shirts look amazing. And the best part? Every order you place with us does more than create great apparel—it creates real jobs for autistic adults.
So whether you’re outfitting a school, a business, or your next big event, you don’t have to settle for just another printer. You can get high-quality, custom gear that makes you proud to wear it—and proud of what it stands for.
👉 Ready to get started? Start Your Custom Order today and let’s make something awesome together.
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Screen printing is still the most popular method because it’s durable, vibrant, and great for large orders. But with newer technology like DTF printing, small businesses and schools can now get full-color designs without big minimums—so “most popular” really depends on your project.
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Embroidery tends to last the longest since the design is stitched directly into the fabric. For printed shirts, screen printing and DTF are both extremely durable when cared for properly—they’ll hold up through plenty of washes without fading or cracking.
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DTF printing or vinyl heat transfer are perfect for small runs or one-off designs. There’s no setup cost, so you can get just a few shirts without paying extra. That’s one reason we keep our “no minimums” policy at The Awesome Company.
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Absolutely! We often combine printing types depending on the garments and designs. For example, you might want embroidered polos for staff and screen-printed tees for volunteers. We’ll help you mix and match so everything looks cohesive and professional.
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It comes down to your design, quantity, budget, and fabric. That’s where we come in—our team walks you through each option and helps you pick what fits your goals best. You’ll end up with apparel that looks amazing and supports meaningful employment for our autistic team members.
