CHOOSING BETWEEN SCREEN PRINTING AND DTG FOR 30 CUSTOM CLUB T-SHIRTS

How to Choose Between Screen Printing and DTG for 30 Custom Club T-Shirts

Ordering custom shirts for your club is an exciting way to build team spirit and create a unified look for your group. When you need about 30 custom shirts, deciding between screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment printing) can feel overwhelming. Here at Underground Printing, we want to help you make the best choice for your order by explaining the benefits and considerations of each method.

Understanding the Basics of Screen Printing and DTG

Screen printing is a traditional printing method where ink is pushed through a stencil screen onto the fabric. This technique offers vibrant colors and durability, especially for bulk orders.

DTG printing

Factors to Consider When Ordering 30 Custom Shirts

• Design Complexity: Screen printing works best for designs with fewer colors and larger solid areas, while DTG is ideal for detailed, full-color images or photographs.
• Color Count: Screen printing can become more expensive with many colors due to multiple screens, while DTG handles unlimited colors without extra cost.
• Order Size: For 30 shirts, both methods are viable, but screen printing often offers better bulk pricing for larger orders. DTG is great for smaller batches or when each shirt is unique.
• Fabric Type: Most fabric types work with both methods, but DTG performs best on 100% cotton shirts. For other fabrics, screen printing might be preferable.
• Durability: Screen printing inks, like plastisol or water-based, provide long-lasting prints that hold up well to washing. DTG prints have a softer feel but may fade faster over time.
• Turnaround Time: DTG printing requires minimal setup and offers a quicker turnaround, especially helpful if you need a rush order. Screen printing setup can take longer but is efficient for repeated prints.

When Screen Printing is the Better Choice

If your club has a design with two to four colors and you want a durable, vibrant finish that lasts, screen printing is a strong option. It is especially cost-effective if you choose bulk orders and plan for consistent shirt color and style.

When DTG Printing Shines

Choose DTG printing if your design has many colors, gradients, or photographic elements. It’s perfect for custom t-shirts that require a soft hand-feel and precise detail on a small batch like 30 shirts. DTG also allows you to print each shirt uniquely if needed.

Consider Your Shirt Style and Fabric

At Underground Printing, we offer a wide range of apparel options like short sleeve t-shirts, soft t-shirts, and performance dri-fit tees. For DTG, 100% cotton shirts provide the best print results, whereas screen printing can adapt more easily to blended or synthetic fabrics.

Pricing and Budget Considerations

Screen printing usually has a setup fee due to creating the screens, which is spread over the print run, making it less expensive per shirt for orders over 20-30 shirts. DTG has little to no setup cost but a higher print cost per shirt, so it’s competitive for smaller runs or designs with many colors.

Turnaround Time and Rush Orders

If your club needs the shirts quickly, DTG printing can be faster because it doesn’t require screen setup. We also offer a 2-day rush delivery option for faster turnaround when time is tight.

Samples and Proofs

Before placing your full order, you can ask us to provide a digital proof or sample to ensure the design looks perfect. This is helpful regardless of printing method.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I mix printing methods for different shirt sizes? It’s best to keep the printing method consistent for uniform appearance, but ask us about options if needed.
• What is the minimum order quantity? We accommodate orders as small as one shirt, but 30 shirts is ideal for good pricing.
• Are there color limitations? Screen printing may have some color restrictions; DTG allows full spectrum colors.
• Which method provides softer prints? DTG inks penetrate fibers, resulting in a softer feel.
• Do you offer advice on design preparation? Yes, our team can guide you to submit the best files for your chosen method.

Get Started with Your Club’s Custom Shirts

Ready to create your custom club apparel? Visit our custom college & club apparel options to explore styles. For 30 shirts, both screen printing and DTG printing are excellent choices depending on your design and priorities. Contact us to get a quote and see what works best for you. We also have multiple locations near you if you'd like to visit in person or discuss your order directly.

At Underground Printing, we’re here to bring your club's vision to life with quality custom apparel tailored to your needs.