Which Shirt Printing Method Saves the Most Money?

When it comes to custom shirts, cost is always one of the first questions customers ask. With so many printing methods available such as silkscreen, DTF, sublimation, and embroidery, the answer isn’t always straightforward. The cheapest option really depends on your order size, design, and purpose.

In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of each method so you can make the smartest choice for your budget.

What Affects the Cost of Shirt Printing? 

Quantity – Bulk orders are usually cheaper per piece.

Design complexity – More colors, finer details, or larger print areas increase costs.

Material – Cotton, polyester, or blends may require different printing processes.

 

Cost Breakdown by Printing Method

Silkscreen Printing

Best for large orders and simple designs with few colors.

Cost drivers include high setup cost from making screens, but the price per piece becomes very affordable in bulk.

For example, 50 shirts with a one-color logo can be very cost-effective per shirt.

✅ Pros: Durable, vibrant colors, very cost-effective in bulk

❌ Cons: Expensive for small runs, costs rise with multiple colors

Direct-to-Film (DTF)

Best for small to medium orders with full-color designs.

Cost drivers include film and ink usage, but there are no setup fees.

For example, 10 shirts with a colorful logo are usually cheaper with DTF than silkscreen.

✅ Pros: Works on many fabrics, detailed designs possible

❌ Cons: Slightly less durable than embroidery in the long run

Sublimation Printing

Best for polyester fabrics, sportswear, and all-over prints.

Cost drivers depend on fabric choice since it only works on polyester or light fabrics, and full-coverage printing uses more ink.

For example, sublimation is perfect for custom jerseys or vibrant festival tees.

✅ Pros: Long-lasting, colors do not peel or fade easily

❌ Cons: Limited fabric choice, not suitable for cotton

Embroidery

Best for logos, uniforms, and premium looks.

Cost drivers depend on the number of stitches, so larger and more detailed logos cost more.

For example, embroidered polo shirts are commonly used for staff uniforms.

✅ Pros: Professional finish, extremely durable

❌ Cons: Higher cost per piece, not suitable for complex images

 

Want a closer look at each method? Read our full breakdown here.

 

 

So, Which Method Saves the Most Money?

Small orders of around one to twenty pieces are most cost-effective with DTF.

Large orders of fifty or more pieces are cheapest with silkscreen.

Premium uniforms or merchandise work best with embroidery which is pricier but pays off with durability.

Sportswear and all-over designs are best handled with sublimation.

The cheapest option really depends on your goals. If you want a quick batch of fun event shirts, DTF is a great choice. If you are outfitting a whole team, silkscreen wins every time.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shirt printing method is not just about cost. It is also about purpose, design, and how long you want the shirts to last. At Memory Drip, we help our customers find the most cost-effective option that still delivers on quality.

Have a design in mind? Contact us today for a free quote and we’ll recommend the printing method that saves you the most.