DTF vs Screen Printing: Which Is Best for Custom Team Apparel?

When ordering custom merch for your school or sports team, you'll run into two main printing options: DTF (Direct to Film) and Screen Printing. Both produce great results, but they shine in different situations.

What Is DTF Printing?

Direct to Film printing transfers a full-color design onto a film sheet, which is then heat-pressed onto the garment. It handles complex, multi-color designs beautifully with no minimum order requirements.

Best for: Small runs (1–50 pieces), complex artwork, full-color gradients.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric. It's the gold standard for large runs because cost per unit drops significantly with volume.

Best for: Large orders (50+ pieces), simple designs with 1–4 colors, long-lasting prints.

The Verdict for Team Orders

For most school and sports team orders, DTF is our recommendation unless you're ordering 100+ pieces of the exact same design. The flexibility, color quality, and fast turnaround make it the clear winner for most teams.

Ready to start your team order? Get a custom quote today.