DTG and screen printing are two of the most common and popular methods for custom apparel printing. DTG uses a specialized fabric printer-sort of like computer inkjet printing-to spray ink onto the garment, whereas screen printing applies ink to the surface of the fabric.
Both printing methods produce high-quality prints, however, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and you can choose based on your business needs. Let`s dive into each of these methods to see what they`re all about.

Quality
Whether you plan to print on custom T-shirts, (sweatshirt) hoodies, sweatshirts, or any other type of apparel, print quality is critical to meeting customer expectations.
The hallmark of screen printing technology is its vibrant, saturated, high-quality prints. There is no doubt that its disadvantages are that it is limited to specific colors, requires a lot of time, and is labor intensive.
However, with DTG printing, you can enjoy the same high-quality printing at a lower cost. This method allows you to print highly detailed designs and realistic images that look as good or better than when using other printing processes such as screen printing.
When it comes to printing for profit, DTG printing offers a variety of advantages and is the printing technology of choice for designers, creatives, and other print-on-demand sellers.

Durability
In our current fast-moving consumer goods, fast-fashion society, well-made products that stand the test of time are becoming increasingly valuable, but they are uncommon.
If care instructions are followed correctly, DTG prints can withstand over 50 washes and still deliver results that customers will appreciate. Screen printing has a lifespan ranging from 25% to 50%, making it ideal for items such as sports or business uniforms, but if you want to sell custom t-shirts and other custom clothing – DTG printing is your best option.

MOQ
One of the main reasons people choose DTG as their favorite print-on-demand method is that there is no minimum order quantity. You can order as few or as many items as you need. DTG printing is great for small orders, plus, it`s reasonably priced and the process is painless.
Many third-party printing services have minimum order requirements for screen printing that can range from 5 to 100 pieces. If you're just starting out or just want to try out new designs, screen printing can make the entire process quite time-consuming and difficult. You may find yourself overwhelmed by costs and suffocating under piles of clothes.

Production time
In terms of production speed, DTG printing cannot keep up with screen printing. However, screen printing requires a setup time that offsets its speed. This is why screen printing is best suited for bulk orders-once the template is created, production can move forward quickly. Some screen printing machines can print up to 1,080 pieces per hour.
Although DTG printing is slower than other printing methods, it is ideal for on-demand printing. You can print just one, and if the product doesn't sell, you can replace it or discontinue it without worrying about inventory. This method is ideal for sellers who want to enter a new market on a low budget.

Design complexity
In the printing industry, details are the smallest parts of a design, such as textures, fine lines, or tiny elements. When it comes to detail, DTG printing is the undisputed champion. It is generally recommended for full-color designs with lots of detail, such as illustrations, photos, gradients, etc. However, screen printed garments have dots that are visible to the naked eye, whereas with DTG printing, the resolution is amazing - you can't see them at all, and you can be confident that your extremely detailed and intricate designs will come out of the printer exactly as you intended. Print it out.

Average cost
If you would like your products to be screen printed, be prepared to order in bulk. This setup makes screen printing too expensive and inefficient for small batch orders with large numbers of colors. The final price of your order is also affected by the number of colors and screens required for printing. That`s how screen printing works-it can be financially challenging. As always, all of these details should be discussed with your print provider.
DTG printing reduces per-garment setup costs and enables a simple and affordable production process, but is not suitable for manufacturers. Using this method, you can print individual products and still make a profit.

If you're just starting out, DTG printing is your best option. Because it`s ideal for bringing new designs to market, entering new markets, or expanding existing businesses at little cost