Print Power: The Different Types of T-Shirt Prints Explained

Prints define personality. Whether you prefer bold graphics, photographic detail, or understated texture, the method behind the print shapes how it looks, feels, and wears. At Inkstyles we offer multiple printing techniques — each chosen to match the artwork and fabric for optimal results.

Screen Printing: Best for bold, simple colors. It produces saturated ink layers that are durable and vibrant. Screen printing suits logos, single-color art, and designs that benefit from punchy contrast. The tactile ink can be felt on the fabric and performs well across many washes.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Ideal for complex, full-color artwork and short runs. DTG prints ink directly onto cotton using precision heads, allowing for photographic detail and subtle gradients. It produces a soft hand when paired with water-based inks, but longevity depends on pre-treatment and ink quality.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Great for small batches and personalization. Vinyl cuts allow crisp edges and layered colors, making it a favorite for names, numbers, and specialty textures. HTV sits on top of fabric and offers sharp, consistent results for custom orders.

Sublimation: A dye-infusing process that only works on polyester or high-poly blends. Sublimation embeds ink into fibers, producing smooth, all-over prints that won’t peel or crack. It’s perfect for sportswear and edge-to-edge patterns but not suitable for natural cotton fabrics.

Choosing the right method depends on design complexity, fabric, and run size. Screen printing is excellent for bold, long-lasting designs and scales cost-effectively with quantity. DTG is flexible for colorful, one-off prints. HTV fits personalization and small runs, while sublimation is the technical choice for polyester performance wear.

At Inkstyles we match art to method intentionally. Our design team recommends the technique that preserves the artwork’s intent and the tee’s hand feel. We also consider sustainability — choosing water-based inks or discharge methods where possible to reduce environmental impact. The result is prints that look exactly like the artist intended and last as long as you love them.