Screen Printing vs. DTG in Singapore: 5 T-Shirt Printing Methods Compared

Turning your custom t-shirt design and print concept into reality takes more than selecting fabric or colors. The real magic happens with the printing method. Whether you're hosting a marketing event, introducing a fashion brand, or coordinating team uniforms, choosing the proper t-shirt printing method can be the difference-maker.

At Active Cool Fashion, one of the top T-shirt suppliers in Singapore, we offer various printing techniques to suit your style, budget, and fabric requirements. In this article, we outline the top 5 most requested printing methods used in shirt printing in Singapore, allowing you to determine which one best suits your next custom shirt printing or polo tee project.

The 5 Best T-Shirt Printing Methods

Let's discuss the most used printing method in the clothing industry:

1. Screen Printing: The Time-Tested Classic

Screen printing is also one of the oldest and most reliable processes in the industry. The process involves using a stencil (or "screen") to apply ink to the fabric in layers. It works best for simple designs with fewer colors and is extremely popular for large orders.

Why Choose It:

• Economical for bulk orders.
• Creates long-lasting, rich colors.
• Perfect for promotional tees, school uniforms, and polo tee branding.

Limitations:

• Not ideal for detailed or gradient-based artwork
• Needs a lot of setup time, particularly for small orders

Best For: Businesses ordering 100+ tees, event prizes, or corporate uniforms that require uniformity in all prints.

2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG): The New Wonder

DTG printing Singapore is a digital process in which the image is printed directly onto the fabric using a specialized inkjet printer. Imagine printing a photo on paper, but on a t-shirt instead.

Why Use It:

• Great for full-color, photo-quality designs
• No minimum order size, ideal for short runs
• Suitable for on-demand or one-off t-shirt sales

Limitations:

• Ideal for 100% cotton materials.
• Prints can fade slightly after repeated washing.
• Somewhat more expensive per unit than screen printing.

Ideal for: Small businesses, artists, and startups that want to experiment with new t-shirt design and printing​ concepts without investing in a large inventory.

3. Heat Transfer Printing: Versatile and Quick

Heat transfer printing utilizes special paper to print your design, and then heats and presses it onto the fabric. It is typically applied for custom names and numbers on sports jerseys.

Why Use It:

• Rapid production and personalization
• Goes great with intricate, multi-colored designs
• Grows well with short-term events or personalization

Restrictions:

• May not be long-lasting compared to other processes
• Vinyl textures can be thick and less breathable.
• Can crack or peel with frequent washing

Best For: Sport teams, family reunions, corporate events, or custom polo tee orders with separate names or numbers.

4. Dye Sublimation: For All-Over Print Perfection

Sublimation printing uses dye to print directly on synthetic fabric using heat. Sublimation printing creates full-color, high-resolution images that become a permanent feature of the fabric.
The good news: unlike other options, sublimation doesn't leave any texture, so you won't be able to feel the print whatsoever.

Why Choose It:

• Vibrant, full-color prints with zero fading
• Soft, airy finish
• Supports edge-to-edge or "all-over" designs

Limitations:

• Exclusive to polyester or polyester-blend fabrics
• Incompatible with cotton
• More costly for small quantities

Best for: sportswear, fashion collections, or corporate products that require a wow effect.

5. Embroidery: Classic Meets Class

Though not strictly a print process, embroidery is a great choice for polo tee logos and business attire. It's a process of actually sewing a pattern into fabric with high-end threads. The result? A sleek, textured look that screams professionalism.

Why Use It:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Feels professional and high-end
• Creates depth and texture

Drawbacks:

• Expensive for large, intricate artwork
• Restricted to simpler designs (such as logos or initials)
• Not ideal for large, bright prints

Best for: Bulk orders of corporate polo tee uniforms, hospitality staff, school blazers, and high-end branding.

Comparing the 5 Methods at a Glance

Making the Right Choice with Active Cool Fashion

Each project is unique, and so is each print method. Need 500 event shirts printed immediately, or want to introduce a trendy, limited-edition merchandise? Active Cool Fashion, your one-stop Singapore Tshirt supplier, possesses the experience and facilities to do it.

Why Choose Us?

• Experience: We have served clients across a diverse range of industries, including education, hospitality, retail, and technology.
• Customization: It begins with selecting the shirt material and concludes with printing the ideal design.
• Speed & Reliability: Fast turnaround without sacrificing quality.
• Fabric Options: Dry-fit, polyblend, cotton; we do it all.

We produce shirt printing in Singapore for schools, companies, events, and fashion labels. What we offer covers custom polo tee printing, promotional t-shirts, and premium embroidered clothes.

Let's Make Your Vision Wearable

If you're designing your next t-shirt project, don't rely on guesswork. The proper technique can enhance your brand image, comfort, and the longevity of your garment, whether you're using screen printing for durability or DTG for vibrant art prints. Active Cool Fashion is your partner for high-quality t-shirt printing Singapore.
Our in-house staff is here to assist you every step of the way, from concept to delivery. So why wait?

Reach out to Active Cool Fashion Today

• Check out www.activecoolfashion.com
• Get an Online Quote
• Speak with our custom shirt printing Specialists
• Browse Our Catalog of polo tee, dri-fit, and custom apparel solutions

Active Cool Fashion, your reliable Singapore Tshirt Supplier, making ideas wearable art.

Conclusion: The Right Print, The Right Impact

There is no one-size-fits-all in t-shirt printing. Your selection is based on your design, budget, quantity, and the message you want to convey. If you're designing team uniforms, opening a fashion line, or customizing polo tee designs for company branding, knowing each printing process gives you the confidence to make the right choice.

At Active Cool Fashion, we're not simply a Singapore Tshirt supplier; we're your design partner for custom tees. From t-shirt design printing Singapore to providing full-service t-shirt design and printing support, we deliver detail, dedication, and excellence with every project.

Let us help you create a lasting impression, tee by tee. Explore more about our services today at www.activecoolfashion.com and let your dreams come alive.