Decoration Durability Comparison, Side by Side
Every axis that actually affects the decision. Your recommended method is highlighted as you change the inputs above.
| Method | Best run size | Setup | Color & detail | Durability | Hand & feel | Fabrics | Lead time | Cost per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Best at 100+ | Setup per color | Solid spot colors | Excellent | Sits on the fabric | Best on cotton | Longer (screen prep) | Cheapest at volume |
| DTG | Best at 1-50 | No setup | Full color, photographic | Good | Very soft, into the fabric | Best on 100% cotton | Fast | Flat per unit |
| DTF | Best at 1-100 | No setup | Full color, vivid | Very good | Slight transfer feel | Almost any fabric | Fast | Affordable small to mid |
| Embroidery | Any quantity | One-time digitizing | Thread colors, no photos | Excellent | Raised stitching | Polos, caps, jackets | Moderate | Premium, by stitch count |
When to Choose Each Method
- Screen Printing. Best at 100+. Solid spot colors. Cost: Cheapest at volume.
- DTG. Best at 1-50. Full color, photographic. Cost: Flat per unit.
- DTF. Best at 1-100. Full color, vivid. Cost: Affordable small to mid.
- Embroidery. Any quantity. Thread colors, no photos. Cost: Premium, by stitch count.
Arklavo runs all of these in house with no minimums and two-day shipping, so we recommend the method that fits your job, not the one we feel like running. Get a quote and we will confirm the best fit.
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Email the comparison plus a quote for your exact garment and quantity, with an extra no minimums. Grab it here.
FAQ
It depends on your run size, fabric, and budget. Use the tool above: set what matters most and your quantity, and it recommends one and shows the full side-by-side. There is no single winner, only the right fit for your job.
Yes, a lot. Screen printing gets cheaper per unit as the run grows because the setup spreads out, while digital methods stay flat. For a dozen shirts, digital usually wins; for hundreds, screen printing usually wins.
Embroidery and a properly cured screen print are the most durable, lasting the life of the garment with normal care. DTG and DTF last well too when you wash cold and dry low. Heat is what shortens any decoration's life.
DTG feels softest because the ink soaks into the fabric. DTF has a slight transfer feel, screen print sits on top, and embroidery is raised stitching. For a no-feel print, DTG leads.
DTF is the most fabric-flexible, working on cotton, polyester, and blends. DTG is best on 100% cotton, screen printing is best on cotton, and embroidery suits structured garments like polos, caps, and jackets.
Tell us your garment, quantity, colors, and decoration method and we will price it. There are no minimums and no setup surprises. Use the quote link in the tool, or try our cost calculators for an instant estimate.
Last updated June 30, 2026