Decoration Methods
Choose the Right Print Method
Not sure which decoration method is best for your project? Here's a side-by-side comparison of every method we offer.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Best For | Min Order | Colours | Durability | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large orders (24+ pieces) with simple designs | 24 pieces | Up to 8 colours per design | Excellent — lasts 50+ washes | From $8/piece (50+ qty) |
| DTF Printing | Small orders, full-colour designs, photo prints | No minimum — even 1 piece | Unlimited — full CMYK colour | Very good — 30+ washes | From $15/piece (1–23 qty) |
| Embroidery | Premium branding — polos, hats, jackets | No minimum | Up to 15 thread colours | Outstanding — outlasts the garment | From $10/piece + digitizing fee |
| Heat Transfer | Names, numbers, simple graphics | No minimum | 1–3 colours (cut vinyl) | Good — 25+ washes | From $12/piece |
| Sublimation | All-over prints, polyester garments, sportswear | No minimum | Unlimited — full CMYK colour | Excellent — ink becomes part of the fabric | From $18/piece |
Decoration Method
Screen Printing
Screen printing is the gold standard for custom apparel. Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric, producing bold, vibrant colours that last. Ideal for large orders with 1–4 colour designs — team uniforms, corporate merch, event shirts, and brand apparel.
Best For
Large orders (24+ pieces) with simple designs
Colours
Up to 8 colours per design
Min Order
24 pieces
Turnaround
5–7 business days
Fabrics
Cotton, polyester, blends
Durability
Excellent — lasts 50+ washes
Pros
- +Lowest per-unit cost for large runs
- +Vibrant, opaque colours on dark garments
- +Extremely durable — industry standard
- +Great for uniforms, events, merch
Cons
- -Setup cost per colour (screens)
- -Not ideal for photo-quality or gradient designs
- -Higher minimums than digital methods
Decoration Method
DTF Printing (Direct to Film)
DTF printing transfers a full-colour design from a special film onto the garment using heat. It produces photo-quality prints with no minimums, making it perfect for small orders, complex artwork, and mixed-fabric garments. Great for personal projects, small businesses, and prototype runs.
Best For
Small orders, full-colour designs, photo prints
Colours
Unlimited — full CMYK colour
Min Order
No minimum — even 1 piece
Turnaround
3–5 business days
Fabrics
Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends — almost any fabric
Durability
Very good — 30+ washes
Pros
- +No minimums — perfect for samples or small runs
- +Full-colour, photo-quality prints
- +Works on almost any fabric type including polyester
- +No colour separation or screen setup fees
Cons
- -Higher per-unit cost than screen printing at large quantities
- -Slight texture/hand feel on the print
- -Not as durable as screen printing long-term
Decoration Method
Embroidery
Embroidery stitches your design directly into the fabric using thread, creating a premium, textured finish. It's the go-to choice for corporate branding, uniforms, hats, polos, and jackets. Embroidered logos look professional and last forever — they won't crack, peel, or fade.
Best For
Premium branding — polos, hats, jackets
Colours
Up to 15 thread colours
Min Order
No minimum
Turnaround
5–7 business days
Fabrics
Cotton, polyester, twill, fleece, canvas
Durability
Outstanding — outlasts the garment
Pros
- +Premium, professional look and feel
- +Extremely durable — won't fade or peel
- +Ideal for corporate logos, uniforms, hats
- +Adds texture and dimension to designs
Cons
- -One-time digitizing fee for new designs
- -Not suitable for highly detailed or photographic designs
- -Higher cost for large, complex designs
Decoration Method
Heat Transfer (Vinyl)
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is cut from coloured vinyl sheets and heat-pressed onto garments. It produces clean, sharp designs — perfect for names, numbers, team jerseys, and simple logos. Specialty vinyls like metallic, glitter, and reflective add unique effects.
Best For
Names, numbers, simple graphics
Colours
1–3 colours (cut vinyl)
Min Order
No minimum
Turnaround
3–5 business days
Fabrics
Cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex
Durability
Good — 25+ washes
Pros
- +Great for individual names and numbers
- +Clean, sharp edges on text and simple shapes
- +No setup fees — cost-effective for small runs
- +Wide range of specialty vinyls (metallic, glitter, reflective)
Cons
- -Not ideal for complex, multi-colour designs
- -Can feel slightly stiff on fabric
- -Limited colour blending
Decoration Method
Sublimation
Sublimation uses heat to turn ink into gas, which bonds permanently with polyester fibres. The result is a smooth, vibrant, full-colour print with zero texture. Perfect for sportswear, jerseys, all-over prints, and promotional items like mugs and mousepads.
Best For
All-over prints, polyester garments, sportswear
Colours
Unlimited — full CMYK colour
Min Order
No minimum
Turnaround
5–7 business days
Fabrics
Polyester and poly-blend only (light colours)
Durability
Excellent — ink becomes part of the fabric
Pros
- +Edge-to-edge, all-over printing possible
- +No texture — ink bonds with the fabric
- +Vibrant, photographic quality
- +Won't crack, peel, or fade
Cons
- -Only works on polyester or poly-coated items
- -Only works on white or light-coloured garments
- -Not suitable for cotton
Not Sure?
Let Us Choose What's Best for Your Artwork
Every design is different. Send us your artwork and project details — our team will recommend the best decoration method based on your design complexity, fabric type, quantity, and budget.
We've printed over 500+ projects. Let our experience guide your next one.