Decoration · Hoodie Encyclopedia
Screen Print vs DTF on Hoodies
Two decoration methods dominate hoodie decoration in 2026 — plastisol screen print (the streetwear reference) and DTF direct-to-film transfer (the newer, more flexible option). Both work on fleece. The right pick depends on run size, colour count and fabric.
Plastisol screen print
Plastisol ink squeegeed through a mesh screen, cured at 160°C. Each colour is one screen. Set-up is fabric-agnostic within the plastisol chemistry — soft-hand, discharge and puff bases all exist. Longevity is exceptional (50+ washes) and the surface can be built up with additive bases (high-density, gel, glitter).
- Best for: 150+ pcs runs, 1–4 spot colours, oversized chest hits.
- Fabric fit: cotton and cotton-poly fleece up to 500 GSM.
- Not for: tech fleece (bond damage), photo prints, single-piece runs.
DTF direct-to-film
Full-colour CMYK+W print onto a PET film with a hot-melt adhesive powder, then heat-pressed onto the garment. No screens, no colour count limit, no set-up cost per colour. The film sits on the fabric with a thin, slightly glossy hand.
- Best for: photo prints, gradients, small runs, single-piece MOQ.
- Fabric fit: cotton, poly-cotton, tech fleece (works on almost everything).
- Longevity: 30–50 washes at 40°C; hot wash shortens life.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Screen print | DTF |
|---|---|---|
| Colour count | Cost scales per colour | Full-colour flat fee |
| Set-up cost | $40–80 per screen | None |
| MOQ per design | 50–100 pcs | 1 pc |
| Hand-feel | Soft-hand base / thick puff | Slight film hand |
| Wash durability | 50–100+ washes | 30–50 washes |
| Tech fleece | Not recommended | Works well |
| Photo / gradient | Impossible (spot only) | Excellent |
| Streetwear read | Reference / premium | Contemporary / accessible |
How to pick
- One-hit, 1–4 spot colours, 200+ pcs → screen print.
- Photo, gradient, or under 100 pcs → DTF.
- Tech fleece / bonded fabric → DTF; screen print bases damage the bond.
- Puff or dimensional look → screen print with a high-density base; DTF stays flat.
Not sure which method fits your artwork?
Send the artwork — we'll return a strike-off in both methods within 10 days.