Fabric Printing Technologies
No single printing technology is the best choice for every case — each technique has its own strengths in minimum quantity, durability, color detail, and per-piece cost. Startee offers all eight, so every order gets the right one.
Quick comparison
| Technology | Best for quantity | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| DTG | Small–medium | Unlimited colors, photo-level detail |
| DTF | Small–large | Prints on many fabrics, including dark colors |
| Screen printing | Medium–very large | Lowest per-piece cost at high volume |
| Heat transfer | Small–medium | Vivid color, crisp detail |
| Computerized embroidery | Small–large | Durable, premium look, ideal for logos |
| Tie-Dye | Small–medium | Every piece is a one-of-a-kind pattern |
| Heat-transfer vinyl | Small–medium | Wide range of surface finishes (metallic, reflective...) |
| Patch embroidery | Small–large | Flexible, not limited by hard-to-embroider surfaces |
What we run in Hanoi
One order can combine techniques (say, DTG on the front and an embroidered chest logo) and still be coordinated by Startee and delivered on a single schedule. DTG runs on a Brother GTX with Innobella ink certified to OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT — safe on skin and suitable for children’s wear — while heat-transfer vinyl uses film imported from Korea and the US for adhesion through repeated washing. There is no rigid minimum order: DTG and heat transfer are cost-effective from a single piece, while screen printing reaches its lowest per-piece price from a few hundred pieces of one design. Small print runs typically ship in 3–5 working days.
How to choose a method
- Photos, gradients or many colors on cotton → DTG.
- Bulk uniforms in 1–6 colors at the lowest per-piece price → screen printing.
- Not ideal: screen printing for a one-off, or DTG on 100% polyester — match the method to fabric and quantity first.
For a bulk or export order, see custom uniform manufacturing and the Vietnam sourcing guide for MOQ, lead times and certifications.
See each technology in detail on the sub-pages below.