Screen Printing vs. DTF vs. Embroidery – What’s Best for Custom Apparel? Flyten

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  • Post last modified:May 17, 2025
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Screen Printing vs. DTF vs. Embroidery – What’s Best for Custom Apparel?

If you’re a business owner, college coordinator, or brand manager trying to customize apparel, you’ve likely been hit with a wave of options: Screen Printing, DTF, and Embroidery. But which one is really worth it?

Whether you’re customizing T-shirts for a college fest, backpacks for your team, or uniforms for your staff, one question always comes up: which printing or embroidery method should you choose? With so many options available today, it can be tough to decide what’s best for your brand, budget, and purpose.

At Flyten, India’s No.1 customized bags, backpacks, and T-shirts manufacturer, we’ve worked with hundreds of organizations — from startups to schools — helping them choose the right customization method. Let’s break down the top three techniques: Screen Printing, DTF (Direct to Film), and Embroidery, to help you make an informed decision.

Screen Printing – Classic and Cost-Effective

    What is it?

    Screen printing involves pressing ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each color in the design requires a separate screen.

    When is Screen Printing Ideal?

    Bulk orders (minimum 100 pieces)
    Bold, simple logos or text
    1–3 color designs
    Uniform T-shirts, event giveaways, staff uniforms

    Pros:

    ✅ Cost-effective for large quantities
    ✅ Durable and vibrant prints
    ✅ Great for cotton and blended fabrics

    Cons:

    ❌ Not ideal for multi-colored or detailed artwork
    ❌ Setup costs make it expensive for small batches

    Flyten’s Take:

    Screen printing is a go-to for budget-conscious bulk buyers. We’ve helped colleges and corporates alike with high-volume T-shirt orders that look professional without breaking the bank.

    DTF (Direct to Film) Printing – Vibrant and Versatile

      What is DTF?

      DTF is a relatively new technology where your design is first printed on a special film and then heat-transferred onto the fabric. It works like magic on cotton, polyester, or blends.

      When Should You Use DTF?

      Full-color, intricate designs
      Low to medium volume (starting from 100 pieces)
      When you want photo-realistic images or gradients

      Pros:

      ✅ High-resolution, full-color prints
      ✅ Works on almost any fabric
      ✅ Soft feel and long-lasting colors

      Cons:

      ❌ Slightly more expensive than screen printing for large batches
      ❌ Can feel slightly plasticky if overused

      Flyten’s Recommendation:

      If you’re looking to create eye-catching designs on bags or T-shirts with gradients, logos, or even photos, DTF is your best friend. Many of our startup clients love DTF for their vibrant and brand-accurate merchandise.

      Embroidery – Premium and Professional

        What is Embroidery?

        Embroidery involves stitching your design directly onto the fabric using thread. It’s a classic technique that adds texture and depth.

        Best For:

        Polo T-shirts, hoodies, jackets
        Corporate gifts, uniforms
        Backpacks, laptop bags, caps

        Pros:

        ✅ Looks classy and professional
        ✅ Extremely durable – won’t fade or peel
        ✅ Adds a premium look to bags and apparel

        Cons:

        ❌ Not suitable for highly detailed or small designs
        ❌ More expensive than printing, especially for big logos

        Flyten’s View:

        Embroidery is all about brand prestige. From laptop bags with logos to company uniforms, we’ve seen embroidery elevate the entire look and feel of custom merchandise. If you’re gifting items to clients or creating long-lasting uniforms, this is a solid choice.

        So… Which One is Right for You?

        Let’s compare all three methods at a glance:

        FeatureScreen PrintingDTFEmbroidery
        Best forBulk ordersFull-color & detailed designsPremium corporate wear
        DurabilityHighHighVery High
        Cost (Bulk)LowModerateHigh
        FeelSoftSoftTextured
        Fabric CompatibilityMostly cottonAll fabricsAll fabrics
        Design LimitationLimited colorsAlmost noneLimited detail size

        What Flyten Recommends?

        At Flyten, India’s No.1 customized bags, backpacks, and T-shirts manufacturer, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We listen to your brand’s needs, purpose, and budget before suggesting the best customization method.

        Here’s our general recommendation:

        For Events or Promotional Giveaways: Go with Screen Printing – economical and efficient.
        For Modern Brands or Startups: Choose DTF – high impact and versatile.
        For Corporate Gifting or Premium Uniforms: Pick Embroidery – timeless elegance.

        We also offer free sample reviews so you can see and feel the difference before placing a large order. Once you should connect with us on: 093546 76905

        Why Flyten?

        ✔️ In-house production for faster turnaround
        ✔️ Customization from 100 pieces onwards
        ✔️ Pan-India delivery
        ✔️ Expert guidance on print methods
        ✔️ Trusted by leading corporates, schools, and events

        Whether you’re ordering customized T-shirts for your tech team, branded backpacks for your field staff, or elegant embroidered gifts for clients — Flyten is your trusted partner for high-quality, customized merchandise.

        Ready to Customize?

        Let us help you choose the perfect technique for your apparel or bag project. Reach out to Flyten — the No.1 customized bags, backpacks, and T-shirts manufacturer in India — and take the first step towards brand visibility that lasts.

        📞 Contact us today
        🌐 https://flyten.co.in/

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        Flyten

        Flyten team is ready to design and print customized tshirts for school, institute, coaching. Write an article with appropriate heading and subheading content as we flyten provide custom and printed tshirts for students and collage students apart from this we also provid customized solution and design for office backpack, office tshirts, corporate office backpack, corporate office tshirts, and printed tshirts and customized backpack and tshirt. Our contact details are +91 93546 76905 and email us at deepakflytennew@gmail.com and visit website: www.flyten.co.in