DTG vs DTF vs Screen Printing vs Sublimation vs Embroidery : Which Print Method Is Best for Your Merch?

When you're ordering custom apparel — whether it's merch, uniforms, workwear or club gear — one of the biggest decisions is:

“Which print method should I choose?”

Each method has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your design, garment type, budget and purpose.

At Right Lane Print & Media, we offer DTG, DTF, screen printing, vinyl and embroidery.
Here’s a simple guide so you can understand the differences — without all the technical jargon.

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1️⃣ DTF Printing (Direct to Film)

Best for:
✔ Print On Demand
✔ Small and medium runs
✔ Full-colour logos and artwork
✔ Workwear, cotton, polyester and blends

Why choose it:
DTF is incredibly versatile and durable. It handles fine detail, bright colours and works on almost any garment.

Pros:

• Bold colours

• Long-lasting

• Perfect for POD

• Great on cotton and polyester

• No minimum order

Cons:

• Slightly thicker feel than DTG

• Not ideal for huge prints on lightweight shirts

Best use:
Small batches, brand merch, tradie prints, full-colour art.

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2️⃣ DTG Printing (Direct to Garment)

Best for:
✔ High-end retail-style tees
✔ Artwork & photo-style designs
✔ Soft-feel prints

Why choose it:
DTG prints directly into the fibres of the shirt, giving a soft, premium finish.

Pros:

• Soft and breathable

• High detail

• Great for cotton

• No minimums

Cons:

• Performs best on 100% cotton

• Colours appear slightly softer on dark garments

Best use:
Artist tees, band merch, premium apparel.

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3️⃣ Screen Printing

Best for:
✔ Large bulk orders
✔ Simple logos
✔ Corporate uniforms
✔ Event shirts

Why choose it:
Screen printing is the old-school, ultra-durable classic. It’s unbeatable for bulk runs.

Pros:

• Very durable

• Clean, bold colours

• Cheapest option for large quantities

Cons:

• Not cost-effective for small runs

• Limited detail and colours

• Pay per Colour

Best use:
Bulk orders for clubs, schools, businesses, charity events.

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4️⃣ Sublimation Printing

Best for:
✔ Fully custom sportswear
✔ Fishing shirts
✔ All-over prints
✔ Team uniforms
✔ Polo shirts and performance fabrics

What it is:
Sublimation is a process where special inks turn into gas and permanently bond into the fibres of the fabric.
The result? A print that becomes part of the garment — not sitting on top of it.

Why choose it:
It’s the only method that allows all-over, edge-to-edge designs, bright colours and long-lasting prints that will never crack or peel.

Pros:

• Unlimited colour options

• Entire garment can be designed (front, back, sleeves, collar)

• Perfect for uniforms and sportswear

• Lightweight, breathable feel

• Extremely long-lasting print

Cons:

• Only works on polyester fabrics

• Longer turnaround (offshore production)

• 5-piece minimum order- (1 piece after initial run)

• Not suited for urgent jobs

Turnaround:
Because these are fully custom-made offshore, sublimation orders have longer production + shipping times (3-5weeks).
It's best used for planned team orders, clubs and events — not rush jobs.

Best use:
Rugby shorts, fishing shirts, esports jerseys, sporting uniforms, club apparel and anything requiring full-coverage artwork.

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5️⃣ Embroidery

Best for:
✔ Polo shirts
✔ Workwear
✔ Hats, caps & beanies
✔ Premium uniforms
✔ Corporate branding

Why choose it:
Embroidery gives a professional, high-end look and is one of the longest-lasting branding methods available.

Pros:

• Extremely durable

• Premium, elevated appearance

• Great for uniforms and headwear

• Adds texture and depth

Cons:

• Not ideal for small, fine details

• More expensive than print methods

• Not suitable for lightweight fabrics

Best use:
Tradie polos, corporate shirts, hats, jackets, hospitality uniforms.

 

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
DTF	POD, logos, workwear	Durable, versatile, no minimums	Slight texture
DTG	Premium tees, artwork	Soft feel, high detail	Best on cotton
Screen Printing	Bulk orders	Cheapest per unit	Not for small batches
Sublimation	Sportswear, fishing shirts, all-over prints	Full coverage, vibrant, won’t crack	Polyester only, 5-piece minimum, longer turnaround
Embroidery	Polos, hats, uniforms	Professional, long-lasting	Higher cost

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