Screen printing
THE FINISH
From a soft print to a more substantial finish, depending on the ink, fabric and coverage.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Colors, setup, locations and quantity.
THE BIG BEAR GUIDE TO PRINT & THREAD
The right method.
A better finish.
Ink, transfers or thread. The best choice starts with your garment, your artwork and how it needs to wear.
CUSTOM APPAREL / MINIMUM 72 GARMENTS PER DESIGN
GET TO KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Printing, embroidery.
And the finishing details.
You don’t need to choose a process before requesting a quote. Explore the options, or send your brief and let us recommend a suitable finish.
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Screen printing
bold designs / bulk runs
Direct-to-film
full color / sharp detail
Direct-to-garment
tonal artwork / cotton-rich tees
Vinyl & specialty transfers
names / numbers / selected finishes
Dye sublimation
light polyester / fabric-level color
Embroidery
thread / texture / company identity
Printed neck labels
brand details / inside neck
01 / BOLD DESIGNS / BULK RUNS
Screen printing
A classic for a reason.
Ink is pushed through a fine mesh stencil onto the garment, then cured. Each color needs its own preparation.
- Works well for
- Crew shirts, event tees, volunteer apparel and repeated designs across a larger run.
- The finish
- From a soft print to a more substantial finish, depending on the ink, fabric and coverage.
- What we consider
- The number of colors and print locations affects setup. Performance fabrics need a suitable ink system.
02 / FULL COLOR / SHARP DETAIL
Direct-to-filmDTF
Your artwork, in full color.
The design is printed onto transfer film, prepared with an adhesive system, then applied to the garment using heat and pressure.
- Works well for
- Colorful graphics, small details and designs where a transfer suits the garment and the intended use.
- The finish
- A smooth layer on top of the fabric. Larger solid graphics can feel more noticeable.
- What we consider
- The fabric must tolerate the application process. We consider coverage, stretch and the feel you want.
03 / TONAL ARTWORK / COTTON-RICH TEES
Direct-to-garmentDTG
Detail, printed directly.
A garment printer applies ink directly to prepared fabric. The print is then cured using the appropriate process.
- Works well for
- Detailed, tonal or photographic artwork on a compatible garment, often a cotton-rich T-shirt.
- The finish
- The result varies with the fabric, preparation and whether a white ink base is needed.
- What we consider
- Fabric composition and preparation matter. The same artwork can look different on different garments.
04 / NAMES / NUMBERS / SELECTED FINISHES
Vinyl & specialty transfers
Make the detail count.
A cut or printed transfer is placed on the garment and bonded with controlled heat and pressure. Different transfer materials create different finishes.
- Works well for
- Names, numbers, simple shapes and selected finishes for team or company apparel.
- The finish
- A defined surface finish; thickness, stretch and texture depend on the transfer material.
- What we consider
- Fine details, fabric stretch and heat sensitivity all affect which material is suitable.
05 / LIGHT POLYESTER / FABRIC-LEVEL COLOR
Dye sublimation
Color that becomes part of the fabric.
Heat transfers sublimation dye into suitable polyester material, rather than adding a conventional surface layer of ink.
- Works well for
- Compatible light-colored polyester garments and sportswear, where the design and construction suit the process.
- The finish
- The fabric texture remains, without a conventional thick surface print.
- What we consider
- There is no white ink to cover a dark base. Fabric color and polyester compatibility are essential.
06 / THREAD / TEXTURE / COMPANY IDENTITY
Embroidery
A finish you can feel.
Your artwork is converted into stitch instructions, then the design is built in thread on a suitably supported garment.
- Works well for
- Polos, caps, jackets, knit cuffs and company logos that suit a stitched finish.
- The finish
- A textured, raised finish made from thread.
- What we consider
- Tiny lettering and very fine detail may need simplifying. The garment, backing and stitch density need to work together.
07 / BRAND DETAILS / INSIDE NECK
Printed neck labels
Your brand, inside and out.
A printed inside-neck label can add your brand identity and size information to suitable garments. It is a finishing option alongside your main print, not a separate garment-printing method.
- Works well for
- Retail merchandise, brand collections and coordinated apparel ranges.
- The finish
- A low-profile printed finish inside the neckline; coverage and feel depend on the garment and chosen process.
- What we consider
- Fabric, removable-label construction, ink or transfer suitability, placement and any required fiber, origin and care information. Existing labels are not removed without reviewing the replacement information.
THE SHORT VERSION
Compare the methods.
These are starting points. We confirm fabric compatibility, artwork requirements and the agreed method in your quote.
Direct-to-film
THE FINISH
A smooth layer on top of the fabric. Larger solid graphics can feel more noticeable.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Design size, coverage, locations and quantity.
Direct-to-garment
THE FINISH
The result varies with the fabric, preparation and whether a white ink base is needed.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Print size, preparation, ink coverage and quantity.
Vinyl & specialty transfers
THE FINISH
A defined surface finish; thickness, stretch and texture depend on the transfer material.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Artwork complexity, preparation, locations and application time.
Dye sublimation
THE FINISH
The fabric texture remains, without a conventional thick surface print.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Coverage, garment type, preparation and quantity.
Embroidery
THE FINISH
A textured, raised finish made from thread.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Digitizing, stitch count, logo size, locations and quantity.
Printed neck labels
THE FINISH
A low-profile printed finish inside the neckline; coverage and feel depend on the garment and chosen process.
WHAT AFFECTS COST
Artwork preparation, label colors, quantity and additional handling.
GOOD QUESTIONS. STRAIGHT ANSWERS.
Know what
you’re choosing.
Which apparel printing method is best?
There is no single best method for every job. The right choice depends on the garment, artwork, quantity, budget, intended use and desired feel. Big Bear reviews those details before specifying the print or embroidery method in your quote.
Is a transfer always a lower-quality print?
No. The transfer material, fabric compatibility, application and care all affect performance. A suitable transfer can be the right option; the term alone does not establish quality or lifespan.
Do I need to choose the print process before asking for a quote?
No. Send your artwork, garment ideas, quantity per design, deadline and optional target budget. Choose Help me choose on the quote form if you want a recommendation.
Can every logo be embroidered?
Many logos can be adapted for embroidery, but very fine lines, small text and dense detail may need revision. The garment and placement also need to suit the stitch design.
Will the decoration last for years?
Lifespan depends on the garment, decoration system, working conditions and care. We match the method to the intended use and provide relevant care guidance, rather than promising the same lifespan for every order.
YOUR JOB. THE RIGHT APPROACH.
Tell us what
you’re making.
Share the design, garment ideas, quantity, deadline and target budget if you have one. We’ll help you put the right combination together.
Get a recommendation & quote