Which Apparel Decoration Method Is Best for Your Project?

When it comes to custom apparel, one size doesn’t fit all—especially when it comes to decoration methods. Whether you're a promotional company looking to fulfill bulk orders or a retailer creating limited-edition merch, choosing the right decoration technique is crucial for quality, durability, and cost.

At Screenplay, we specialize in screen printing, embroidery, DTG (Direct-to-Garment), heat transfer, and UV 3D decoration—each with its own strengths. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the best method for your next project.

🎨 Screen Printing

Best for: High-volume orders, bold designs, athletic wear

Pros:

• Cost-effective at scale
• Durable and long-lasting
• Vibrant, opaque colors on both light and dark garments

Cons:

• Not ideal for small runs due to setup costs
• Limited to a certain number of colors per design (typically 1–12 without simulated process)

Pro Tip: Use screen printing for event tees, company uniforms, or merchandise where consistency and durability are key.

🧵 Embroidery

Best for: Polos, hats, jackets, and anything premium or professional

Pros:

• High-end, textured look
• Incredibly durable
• Great for logos and small graphics

Cons:

• Not ideal for complex or large designs
• Can feel heavy on lightweight fabrics

Pro Tip: Choose embroidery for items that need to look sharp and hold up—like employee uniforms or branded golf hats.

👕 Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

Best for: Low-quantity orders, full-color or photo-realistic artwork

Pros:

• No minimums
• Unlimited color range
• Smooth feel (ink soaks into the fabric)

Cons:

• Works best on 100% cotton
• Not as durable as screen printing for heavy use
• Slower production for large runs

Pro Tip: DTG is perfect for short-run online stores, artist collabs, or sample designs before committing to screen printing.

♨️ Heat Transfer

Best for: Small runs, personalization, specialty placements

Pros:

• Fast turnaround with low setup cost
• Great for names/numbers or one-off items
• Works on a wide variety of fabrics

Cons:

• Can crack or peel over time if not applied correctly
• Not as breathable as screen print

Pro Tip: Heat transfer is ideal for sports jerseys or personalized merch that won’t see a ton of wear.

🔳 UV 3D Transfer (on Hardgoods)

Best for: Water bottles, coolers, notebooks, cases, and other hard goods

Pros:

• Sharp, high-detail prints
• Can be applied to a variety of surfaces
• Unique tactile “raised” effect

Cons:

• Not suitable for soft goods
• Higher cost per unit

Pro Tip: If you have a favorite product you want your logo on, UV 3D is the premium way to make it stand out.

So… Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick summary:

 

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for. Our expert team at Screenplay can review your artwork, your audience, and your goals to recommend the perfect method for your next run.

Ready to Get Started?

Reach out to us here or call to speak with a Product Specialist. Let’s bring your vision to life—with the right technique, done right.