When it comes to creating custom uniforms and teamwear, your printing choice makes a huge difference. It influences not just how your design looks, but also how long it lasts through every wash, training session, and game day.
Two of the most popular printing techniques in the sportswear and workwear world today are DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing and screen printing. Both produce high-quality results, but they work in very different ways, and each has its strengths depending on your design, fabric type, and order size.
This guide takes a closer look at DTF vs screen printing, explaining how they work, their pros and cons, and which method might be right for your next custom uniform project.
Key Takeaways
- DTF printing works best on polyester, blends, and stretch fabrics, ideal for multi-colour or detailed designs.
- Screen printing suits cotton and cotton-blend fabrics, offering bold, durable colours.
- Order size: DTF is cost-effective for small runs, screen printing for bulk orders.
- Design complexity: DTF handles intricate logos; screen printing is best for simple, solid-colour artwork.
- Durability & feel: DTF is flexible with a slightly raised texture; screen printing is smooth and classic.
- Care: Proper washing keeps both prints looking their best over time.
What Is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a modern digital process that transfers designs onto garments using a printed film. Here’s how it works:
- A digital printer prints your artwork onto a special PET film using high-quality inks.
- The printed film is coated with adhesive powder.
- The design is then heat-pressed onto the fabric, bonding permanently to the fibres.
The result? A vibrant, durable, and flexible print that works on a wide variety of materials, from cotton and polyester to blends and performance fabrics.
Key Advantages
- Outstanding detail and colour range, perfect for gradients, photographs, and complex logos.
- No setup fees or screens, ideal for small batches or personalised uniforms.
- Fast turnaround, since there’s minimal prep time, smaller orders can be produced quickly.
- Versatile on fabrics, adheres beautifully to polyester, cotton, spandex blends, and moisture-wicking materials.
- Eco-friendly option, uses less water and waste than traditional screen setups.
Best For
- Custom sports uniforms with multi-colour logos or intricate artwork
- Limited-run or personalised team gear
- Teams looking for vivid, photo-quality designs
DTF printing is all about precision and flexibility, making it a great choice when you need professional results in lower quantities or across different garment types.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a classic printing technique that uses stencils and layers of ink to transfer designs onto fabric. Each color is applied separately, creating bold, long-lasting prints that can withstand frequent washing and heavy wear, a reason it’s been trusted for decades in sportswear and workwear production.
While it offers vibrant results and great durability, the setup process can be time-consuming and less flexible for small or highly detailed orders. Screen printing is most cost-effective when producing large batches with the same design, such as uniforms or promotional tees.
Want to understand the process in detail? Explore our full guide on Screen Printing vs Digital Printing.
DTF vs Screen Printing: Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison to help you see how these two printing methods stack up:
Feature | DTF Printing | Screen Printing |
Setup Time | Minimal — ready to print instantly | Longer setup — separate screens for each colour |
Best For | Complex, full-colour designs | Simple, bold artwork |
Fabric Compatibility | Works on cotton, polyester, blends | Works best on cotton and smooth fabrics |
Durability | Highly durable, stretch-friendly | Extremely durable on cotton |
Order Size | Cost-effective for small batches | Best value for bulk runs |
Eco Impact | Low waste, digital process | Requires inks, screens, and water cleanup |
Finish | Slightly raised, flexible texture | Smooth, matte ink feel |
Colour Accuracy | Excellent for gradients and details | Excellent for solid colours |
Turnaround Time | Fast for short runs | Longer for first batch but quick for large quantities |
Both techniques produce professional, long-lasting prints, but your best option depends on how many garments you need, your fabric type, and how intricate your artwork is.
Cost Comparison: Which Offers Better Value?
Cost is one of the most common deciding factors when comparing DTF and screen printing. Each method offers value in different situations.
- DTF printing doesn’t require any setup fees because there are no screens to prepare. This means it’s more affordable for small or customised orders, such as ten basketball jerseys with individual names or numbers.
- Screen printing, on the other hand, involves a setup cost per colour, but once those screens are made, printing hundreds of garments becomes much cheaper per piece.
In short:
- For smaller runs (under 20 pieces) → DTF saves you money and time.
- For larger runs (50+ pieces) → screen printing gives you the best cost per garment.
If you’re unsure, think about how often your team updates uniforms. Teams that refresh designs annually or print limited quantities often benefit more from DTF’s flexibility.
Design & Quality: How Do They Look and Feel?
When it comes to appearance and texture, both methods can look incredible, but they have distinct finishes:
- DTF prints have a slightly raised, soft feel and deliver exceptionally vivid, photo-quality results. They’re ideal for designs with gradients, textures, or subtle shading.
- Screen prints tend to have a matte, smooth finish that looks bold and timeless, perfect for high-contrast logos or lettering.
Because DTF is digitally printed, it can reproduce tiny details and smooth transitions that are difficult to achieve with screen printing. Conversely, screen printing provides that classic ink-on-fabric look that many teams still prefer for its traditional style.
For sportswear, it’s less about which one looks “better” and more about which matches your design goals. If you’re going for sharp, digital vibrancy, DTF wins. If you want classic, solid branding, screen printing still reigns supreme.
Read more: The Hidden Costs of Cheap Sportswear: What Teams Need to Know
How DTF and Screen Printing Perform on Sportswear
Here’s where context matters. Sportswear needs to handle sweat, motion, and frequent washing without fading or cracking.
- DTF printing adheres to performance fabrics like polyester and elastane, maintaining flexibility during movement. The adhesive film stretches with the material, so it won’t peel when players bend or sprint.
- Screen printing performs beautifully on cotton and blends, but on very stretchy or moisture-wicking fabrics, the ink can crack or wear faster over time.
Caring for Your Printed Teamwear
Proper garment care keeps your print looking sharp for longer.
For DTF prints:
- Wash inside-out in cold or warm water.
- Avoid high heat and tumble drying.
- Do not iron directly on the print.
For Screen prints:
- Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
- Air dry when possible to preserve the ink’s vibrancy.
With good care, both DTF and screen prints can look great for years, even through tough training sessions and countless washes.
Read more: How to Wash Printed Shirts: Essential Do’s & Don’ts for Aussie Sportswear
Environmental Impact of DTF and Screen Printing
More teams and businesses are asking how their uniforms impact the planet.
- DTF printing uses water-based inks and no screens, which means less chemical waste and no water rinse-outs.
- Screen printing requires screens, emulsions, and cleaning materials, but modern print shops are increasingly adopting eco inks and water-recycling systems.
If sustainability is a key concern for your organisation, DTF provides a slightly smaller environmental footprint, though both methods can be eco-friendly when handled responsibly.
Choosing the Right Print for Your Uniform
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose DTF Printing If:
- You need small quantities or one-off designs
- Your artwork includes complex graphics or gradients
- You’re printing on polyester, stretch, or moisture-wicking fabrics
- You want fast turnaround and minimal setup costs
Choose Screen Printing If:
- You’re ordering in bulk and want lower per-item cost
- Your design uses one to three solid colours
- You prefer a classic matte finish
- You’re printing on cotton tees or polos
Quick Checklist Before You Order
- Fabric type
- Design complexity
- Quantity
- Budget
- Expected wear and wash frequency
By matching your print method to your needs, you’ll get uniforms that look great, perform well, and last season after season.
For teams or businesses exploring different printing techniques, options like DTF, screen printing, and even UV printing can each suit different fabrics, designs, and order sizes, read more in our UV printing guide.
Which Printing Method Is Right for Your Team?
Both DTF and screen printing offer outstanding ways to bring your team’s identity to life. The right choice depends on your design style, fabric type, and order volume.
If your team wants vibrant, detailed prints on modern performance fabrics, DTF printing delivers flexibility and precision. If you’re after bulk orders with bold, classic designs, screen printing remains a trusted, cost-effective option.
At Team Spirit Sports, we provide both solutions, ensuring your uniforms look sharp, feel comfortable, and stand the test of time, whether on the field or at work.
Ready to Bring Your Design to Life?
Try our 3D Design Tool to visualise your next uniform in full colour before production.
Common Questions About DTF and Screen Printing
1. Is DTF printing as durable as screen printing?
Yes, when applied correctly, DTF can last just as long, sometimes longer, especially on polyester or performance fabrics.
2. Which feels softer to wear?
DTF tends to feel slightly softer and more flexible, while screen printing feels smooth and flat on the fabric.
3. Can both methods print on dark garments?
Absolutely. DTF uses a white under-base layer, and screen printing uses opaque inks to ensure bright colours on dark materials.
4. Which one is faster for small orders?
DTF, because it doesn’t need any screens or setup, it’s print-ready almost instantly.
5. Can I combine both methods?
Yes. Some teams use DTF for name and number customisation on screen-printed jerseys to get the best of both worlds.