Comparing Direct to Film with Embroidered Customisation
Here at Fifth Column we’ve been printing t-shirts in London for many years. Since the 1970s in fact. And our roots are firmly based in screen printing. But nowadays we offer a variety of customisation services. With direct to film printing and embroidery included amongst them. This article, DTF vs embroidery, takes a look at these two options. That’s to say, the pros and cons for each if you’re considering them for your custom clothing project. Because it’s not always easy to decide on a method of decoration. Even when you have stunning artwork sorted or your logo is red hot and ready to go. How that design is added to a garment can be a game changer for the finished product. Either enhancing it, doing full justice to the concept. Or taking away some of its impact.
Is DTF better than embroidery?
Okay, this is a question that ought to be tackled before we go any further. In many ways, it’s not the right thing to ask because a straight yes or no is too simple an answer. Take DTF vs embroidery t shirts for example. You can’t flatly say that either is a better way of decorating a t-shirt. And that’s because both are excellent in their own right. The best custom tee, and how it’s created, is the one that’s most appropriate for your needs. Below, you’ll find the info needed to determine that in terms of DTF vs embroidery.
Basic differences between DTF & embroidery.
Clearly, these two forms of customising merchandise are very different. With DTF your design is ink transferred onto fabric via film and a heat press. Whereas with embroidery the design is created using thread which is stitched through fabric. And this difference in itself can be a decisive factor when we’re comparing DTF with embroidering clothes. That is, it may not be possible to embroider the garment that you want to use. For example, some t-shirts won’t have the weight to carry embroidery but will be perfectly fine with DTF print. We have a separate Resources article on this subject which will be helpful: the best clothes to embroider.
Pros and cons of DTF and embroidery.
So, let’s look at the things that people like and don’t like about these types of customisation. After all, one specific feature may swing the argument in favour of one or the other for you.
Positives and negatives of DTF printing
Advantages of DTF.
- There is no minimum order restriction with DTF. Which makes it an attractive choice if you only want a small number of items customised.
- DTF is very versatile in so far as it will print a wide variety of fabrics. Often working on those pieces which are difficult to print.
- You can print highly detailed artwork and complex designs with DTF.
- Turnaround times are relatively quick with DTF orders owing to the nature of the printing process.
- It’s a ‘comfortable’ sort of decoration. That’s to say, DTF doesn’t produce a scratchy underside on the printed area of the garment. Or feel excessively heavy.
What are the disadvantages of DTF printing?
- DTF is not usually the most cost effective choice for large print runs. There is no economy of scale because the process remains the same for every garment. Unlike a technique such as screen printing where set up cost is initially higher and gets progressively less (up to a point) with each item printed.
- On something like a t-shirt, DTF prints can at first feel a little stiff. However, this does go away with washing.
Pros and cons of embroidery
Positives with embroidery.
- An expertly embroidered logo has an air of quality to it. Maybe it’s the tradition associated with this ancient art. Maybe it’s simply how it appears. Whatever the reason, it brings a ‘premium’ feeling to apparel.
- It’s a favourite form of customisation for company logos. Especially with uniforms and workwear clothing such as polo shirts.
- Embroidery is regularly used on certain garments like jackets that are not suitable for print.
- The unique texture of embroidery, that almost three dimensional aspect, brings a special quality to designs.
Negatives with embroidery.
- It varies from one customisation company to another but it’s not unusual for embroidery to have a minimum order requirement.
- Designs with a high level of detail and complexity are generally ruled out if you intend embroidering.
- It can be a costly way to embellish clothes.
- Timescales tend to be longer. If for no other reason than there are more steps to the process. Such as having to very carefully digitise artwork in order for the embroidery machine to achieve the desired effect.
DTF vs embroidery comparison.
| Area | DTF | Embroidery |
| Fabric compatibility | Accommodates a wide range of fabrics. | Is limited and only works with some materials. |
| Cost | Very competitive, especially for smaller orders. | In general, more expensive due to what’s involved. |
| Turnaround times | Relatively fast and straightforward. | Slower and more complicated. |
| Design | Works with all sorts graphics and complex images. | On the whole, restricted to simpler types of artwork. |
| Size/print area | Versatile and delivers good results with larger designs. | Bigger graphics are costly with a narrower choice of garments. |
| Durability | Wears well but can be subject to cracking and fading over time. | Extremely hard wearing and long lasting with proper garment care. |
| Minimum order | No minimum requirement. | Sometimes has a minimum. |
| Prestige | The same as with any printed garment. | Premium in terms of customisation. |
Which is better, DTF or embroidery?
In truth, there aren’t really that many negatives with DTF printing. Perhaps the most salient point about it with DTF vs embroidery is the very fact that it is print. And the character of embroidery is essentially different to print. DTF is better on a lot of direct comparisons as you can see from the above table. But, however well executed, it’s never going to have those distinctive characteristics that are only found with embroidered adornment.
And it’s those qualities that you have to look at closely when making a judgement about whether it’s the best option for your project. Because your decision is made if they’re more important than the other considerations. Basically, everything else become secondary. On the other hand, if you don’t have an overriding priority, all factors need to be weighed up before you have an answer. But it’ll be time well spent even if it does take a bit of head scratching. And you can always talk to experts like ourselves if you can’t decide. We offer both services here at Fifth Column. So, we’re well placed to offer advice if you’re still unsure.