Screen print, DTF or embroidery

Screen print

Ink pushed through a mesh screen into the fabric. With water-based inks the design sits in the fabric rather than on it, which gives a flush, no-feel finish.

Best for simple designs at volume. A well cured screen print can outlast the garment.

The cost sits in the screens. There is a one-off origination per colour per design, and that set-up is spread across the run, so the per-garment price falls sharply as the quantity rises. On a small run the set-up is most of the cost, which is why screen print suits larger orders.

Printing onto black or navy needs a base white beneath the ink, which counts as an extra colour. We quote every job with it included, so the price holds whatever colourway you choose.

Screen print runs through a long-standing trade partner, specified, checked and delivered by us.

DTF

The design is printed onto film, coated with adhesive and heat-pressed onto the garment. Produced in house on our own machines in Bradford.

Best for full colour, gradients, photographic artwork and small runs. No screens, no set-up and no colour limits, so six different designs cost no more than one.

DTF is a film layer bonded to the fabric. It is thin, soft and flexible, but it sits on the surface rather than in the fibres. Correctly pressed it holds up to around 40 to 50 washes.

Embroidery

Stitched directly into the garment on our own Tajima machines in Bradford.

Best for chest logos, caps and premium positioning. The most durable option and the one that reads as most expensive. 3D puff gives a raised, retail finish on caps.

Embroidery has a practical floor on detail. Below around 40mm, fine elements start to merge. Small icons need designing as embroidery, with bold silhouettes and minimal internal detail, rather than drawn as illustrations and shrunk down.