How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Printing Method

When you're getting custom t-shirts made — whether it’s for your business, a big event, your band, or your crew — it may be confusing to know which printing method to use for your design or garment. At Hardboiled Inc., we use four imprint methods: screen printing, embroidery, Drect-to-Garment (DTG), and Direct-to-Film (DTF). Each one has its strengths, depending on your design, garment type, and how many pieces you're ordering.

If you’ve ever wondered “What’s the difference between all these printing methods?” — or “Which one’s best for my order?” — this guide will break it all down for you.

Screen Printing: Old School, High Impact

Screen printing is the OG of t-shirt decoration. It's the method most people are familiar with — ink gets pushed through a mesh screen onto your shirt, layer by layer. It’s perfect for bold logos, clean designs, and solid colours. Because each colour in your design needs its own screen, it works best for simpler graphics or when you're printing in bulk. Once it's set up, it runs efficiently and the results are long-lasting. Your design stays crisp, even after dozens of washes — no peeling, no fading, just solid print.

best for screen printed t-shirts

Screen Printing Cheat Sheet

Best for: Event tees, company uniforms, band merch, or large runs

Design Type: Simple, bold, single or limited design colours

Setup Fees: $40 setup fee per screen

Turnaround time: Two weeks

Embroidery: Clean, Classic, and Built to Last

Looking for something more polished? Embroidery brings a premium feel to your apparel. Your logo gets stitched directly into the fabric — perfect for hats, jackets, polos, or anything you want to look extra sharp. We digitize your design (a one-time $60 setup) and stitch it in using high-quality thread that holds up over time. It’s not the go-to for highly detailed artwork or shading, but it’s unbeatable for logos and clean text.

embroidered snapback hat with sanagans logo

Embroidery Cheat Sheet

Best For: Corporate gear, uniforms, or anywhere you want that elevated look

Design Style: Simple, clean lines, bold text

Digitizing Fee: $60 one-time fee

Turnaroud time: 2-3 weeks

DTG: Full Colour, Full Detail

If your artwork is super detailed or full colour — think gradients, photos, or illustrations — DTG might be your move. This digital printing method lays ink directly onto the garment, kind of like a high-end printer for fabric. It gives you amazing colour accuracy and a soft hand feel — no thick layers of ink or vinyl. It handles complex designs like a dream. It’s perfect for independent artists, designers, or brands who want their graphics to pop without committing to huge minimums.

direct to garment printing for Burdock Brewery

Cheat Sheet for DTG

Best For: Small runs and works best on 100% cotton.

Design Style: Full colour artwork like photographs and illustrations.

Setup Fees: No setup fees.

Turnaround time: 1.5-2 weeks

DTF: Bold, Versatile, and Built for Variety

DTF is the newest kid on the block — and it’s quickly becoming a favourite. With this method, we print your design on a special film, then heat-press it onto the garment. It works well on all kinds of fabrics, including poly blends and performance wear, and gives you a bright, clean finish that holds up over time.

What sets DTF apart is its flexibility. Whether you're printing on a hoodie, a tote, or a tech tee, it sticks and stays. There are no setup fees, and the minimum is just 6 pieces — so it’s a smart option for custom logos, limited drops, or samples. If your design has fine detail or needs to print well on non-cotton fabrics, DTF’s a solid bet.

Not Sure Which Method to Choose?

We get it — there’s a lot to consider. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our team at Hardboiled Inc. is here to help you make the right call based on your artwork, your budget, and what you want the final product to feel like. Whether you're ordering custom t-shirts in Toronto or shipping across Canada, we’ve got you.

Come by our storefront at 82 Nassau Street if you want to check out samples in person, or hit us up online. We’ll talk you through the options and help you get exactly what you need — no fluff, no surprises.

Quick Comparison

Method

Best For

MOQ

Setup Fee

Turnaround

Screen Printing

Bulk orders, simple designs

12pcs

$40/screen

~2 weeks

Embroidery

Uniforms, hats, premium feel

12pcs

$60 digitzing fee

2-3 weeks

DTG

Full colour, small runs

6pcs

None

1.5-2 weeks

DTF

Fabric blends, detailed artwork

6pcs

None

1.5-2 weeks

Let’s Get Started

Ready to bring your design to life? We’ve helped thousands of businesses, schools, artists, and event organizers across Toronto and Canada get high-quality, custom-decorated apparel. You bring the idea — we’ll take care of the rest.

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