DTF vs screen printing vs embroidery: which should you choose?
Choose DTF for small-to-medium orders with full-colour or detailed logos, screen printing for large runs of a simple design, and embroidery for a raised, premium look on caps, polos and jackets. The right choice depends on your quantity, your logo, and how the garment will be worn.
If you're comparing DTF vs screen printing for a staff uniform or merch order, here's how the three methods differ in plain terms. One disclosure up front: we print DTF only, so we'll be clear about where the others are the better call.
How does each method work?
DTF (direct-to-film). The design is printed onto a film, coated with an adhesive powder, then heat-pressed onto the garment. Every colour goes down in one pass.
Screen printing. Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric, with one screen for each colour. Setting up the screens takes time; after that, each print is quick.
Embroidery. The logo is stitched into the fabric with thread. The design first has to be converted into a stitch file, a step called digitising.
How do they compare?
| DTF | Screen printing | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best order size | Small to medium | Large | Small to large |
| Colours in the logo | Full colour, no extra screens | Each colour adds a screen | Limited to thread colours |
| Fine detail | Handles it well | Possible, with more setup | Struggles with very small text |
| Feel | Thin layer on the surface | Depends on the ink | Raised and textured |
| Setup per design | Low | Higher | Digitising required |
When is DTF the right choice?
DTF suits most business staff uniform and merch orders:
- You need tens of pieces, not thousands
- Your logo has several colours, a gradient or fine lines
- You want to mix tees, long sleeves, hoodies and hats in one order
- You want different sizes and colours without paying for new setup each time
Because there are no screens, the price doesn't climb with the number of colours in your logo. For a worked example, see our guide to ordering branded staff hoodies.
When is screen printing better?
Screen printing tends to win on large runs of the same simple design, like a few hundred shirts with a one- or two-colour logo for an event. The setup cost gets spread across many pieces.
If that's your order, a dedicated screen printer is worth a quote. We don't offer screen printing.
When is embroidery better?
Embroidery looks premium on polos, jackets, caps and workwear. It suits a corporate or uniform look where a stitched logo fits the brand.
It struggles with tiny text and photographic detail. We don't offer embroidery either; our trucker hats take a DTF logo on the face instead.
What questions should you ask before choosing?
Run through these and the answer usually becomes obvious:
- How many pieces? Tens points to DTF; hundreds of one design points to screen printing.
- How many colours, and how much detail? Many colours or fine lines favour DTF.
- What garments? Mixed garments in one order are straightforward with DTF.
- What look do you want? A raised, stitched logo is embroidery's territory.
- Will you reorder? Small reorders are simpler with a method that has low setup.
How do you care for printed garments?
Whatever the method, care makes a difference. Wash inside out in cold water and avoid high dryer heat.
Don't iron directly over a print. Turn the garment inside out or iron around the logo.
What does DTF cost at Papaya?
Prices per piece include the garment and one DTF logo on the left or right chest, in CAD plus HST:
- Tee: $20 (5+), $18 (10+), $16 (25+), $14.50 (50+), $13 (100+)
- Long sleeve: $25, $22.50, $20.50, $18.50, $17 at the same tiers
- Hoodie: $40, $36, $33, $30, $28
- Trucker hat (one logo on the face): $25, $22, $19.50, $17.50, $16
A big back logo adds $12 per piece on garments. The minimum is 5 pieces per order, mixed across sizes, colours and garments, and you approve a digital proof before anything prints.
Where Papaya fits
We're based in Kitchener and print DTF on tees, long sleeves, hoodies and trucker hats for businesses across Ontario, from staff uniforms to branded merch. Full details are on our apparel page, or you can order directly in the shop. For a larger or unusual order, send the details through the contact form.
Common questions
Is DTF better than screen printing?
For small orders and full-colour or detailed logos, DTF is usually the better fit because there's no per-colour screen setup. For large runs of a simple one- or two-colour design, screen printing is often more economical.
Can DTF be printed on hats?
Yes. Papaya prints one DTF logo on the face of trucker hats, which come in black or navy.
What is the minimum order for DTF printing at Papaya?
The minimum is 5 pieces per order. Sizes, colours and garment types can be mixed, and the total piece count sets the price tier.
Business Apparel
Staff uniforms and branded merch for your team — tees, hoodies and hats with your logo, priced online.