From everyday t-shirts to high-end fashion pieces, the right printing technique can transform your ideas into stunning, wearable art. But with so many methods available, choosing the one that best suits your needs can be a little confusing.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up the four essential printing types you need to know for your clothing brand. Whether you’re looking for durability, colour or versatility, we’ve got the insights to help you choose the best method for your needs.
Table of Contents
Top 5 types of printing you need to know about for your clothing brand
- Screen Printing
- Sublimation Printing
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
- Digital Textile Printing
- Direct-to-film (DTF) Printing
Traditional textile printing methods
1. Screen Printing
Let’s start with a classic: screen printing. This tried-and-true method has been around forever—like since the China Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)- and is perfect for making your designs pop. By using a stencil (or screen) for each colour, ink is pushed through the mesh onto your fabric. Each colour layer builds up to create a striking, long-lasting print.
Best for:
Big batches of t-shirts, posters, and branded merch.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for large orders
- Colours are bold
- Works on various fabrics
Heads up:
- Not ideal for small orders
- A screen needs to be created for each colour
- Setup can be pricey
2. Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing is the OG of vibrant, full-colour prints on polyester. This technique uses heat to transfer dye from special paper onto the fabric. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fibres, creating vivid and durable prints that don’t fade or peel.
Best for:
Sportswear, custom items, and anything needing a splash of full-colour.
Why you’ll love it:
- Produces bright, high-resolution images
- The print becomes part of the fabric, so it’s durable and washable
- Great for all-over designs and roll-to-roll printing
Heads up:
- Only works with polyester or coated fabrics
- Not ideal for ready made garments
Find out more about sublimation printing here
3. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG printing is like having your own mini inkjet printer for fabric. This modern technique prints directly onto your garment, allowing for intricate, colourful designs. Because this method prints directly onto made up garments, it’s fantastic for small runs or one-off pieces where detail and colour accuracy are key.
Best for: Custom t-shirts, detailed artwork, and small batches.
Why you’ll love it:
- High detail and colour accuracy
- No need for screens or plates
- Perfect for smaller orders
- You can buy ready-made garments to print directly on
Heads up:
- Slower than screen printing
- Best with cotton or cotton-blend fabrics
4. Digital Textile Printing
Digital textile printing brings a tech vibe to fabric printing. Using large-format inkjet printers, this method applies dye or pigment directly onto the fabric roll (unlike DTG which is direct to the completely made garment), giving you unlimited colour options and intricate designs in no time.
Best for:
Fashion textiles, home décor, and custom fabric designs.
Why you’ll love it:
- Endless colour possibilities and design flexibility
- Fast turnaround
- Works for both small and large orders
- Fabric treatments means this method can be used on a wide range of fabric types
Heads up:
- There can be higher costs for very large runs
- Requires specific fabric treatments
5. Direct To Film (DTF) Printing
Part direct-to-garment, part digital printing, this relatively new method of printing is where designs are printed onto clear films. These clear films then have a layer of special adhesive applied to the back of them, ready to be pressed onto garments or fabrics of any kind with a heat press.
Best for: Custom t-shirts, detailed artwork, and small batches.
Why you’ll love it:
- Endless colour possibilities and design flexibility
- Fast turnaround
- Works on almost any material
- Simple easy process
- No setup fees
Heads up:
- You press the films onto the garments or fabric yourself
- Not suitable for large pattern repeats or rolls of fabric
Read more: Make your custom shirt dreams a reality with this textile printing method
While modern techniques like screen printing and sublimation have revolutionised the textile industry, traditional methods still offer unique charm and artistic touch.
Traditional Textile Printing Methods
These classic techniques—woodcut, etching, engraving, lithography, and block printing—offer distinctive textures and artistic effects that new methods can’t always replicate. Although they may be more labour-intensive, many designers and artists love their craftsmanship and authenticity.
Traditional methods include:
Woodcut
Carving designs into wooden blocks creates a textured print on fabric that adds a handmade feel to your pieces.
Etching and Engraving
Metal plates are used to create intricate designs that are transferred onto fabric for fine, detailed results.
Lithography
This process involves drawing on limestone with a greasy substance and then transferring these designs onto fabric, resulting in unique, detailed prints.
Block Printing
Hand-carved blocks are used to apply ink to the fabric, creating vibrant and tactile prints with a personal touch.
More textile printing inspiration
Make your custom shirt dreams a reality with this textile printing method
What the DTF is direct-to-film printing?
How to print on fabric in 4 so-simple steps
Textile printing FAQS
What is textile printing?
Textile printing involves applying designs and patterns to fabric to create visually appealing textiles. This can be done using various methods such as screen printing, sublimation, DTG, and digital textile printing, each offering different advantages depending on your needs.
What is custom textile printing?
Custom textile printing refers to printing personalised designs on fabric according to specific requirements, which can be done using various methods like screen printing, sublimation, or DTG.
What is a heat press?
You use a heat press machine to transfer designs onto fabric using heat and pressure. This method is commonly used for applying vinyl or sublimation prints.
What is a sublimation printing printer?
A sublimation printing printer is a specialised printer that uses sublimation ink to print designs onto transfer paper, which is then applied to fabric using heat.
What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing?
Screen printing involves creating stencils and applying ink through mesh screens, ideal for large runs and vibrant colors. Digital printing, on the other hand, prints designs directly onto fabric using digital technology, suitable for detailed designs and smaller runs.
