How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Printing Method

A Practical Guide Based on Real Experience
Let’s talk honestly.
Most people don’t get T-shirt printing wrong because the printer is bad.
They get it wrong because they don’t really know what they’re asking for.

We see this all the time.
Someone comes in with a design.
Looks great on the screen.
Mockup looks perfect.
The order arrives. Everyone’s happy.

Then after a few wears…
the print feels stiff,
or it doesn’t age well,
or it’s just not what they imagined.

And suddenly the question comes up:
“Is this normal?”
Usually, yes.
Because the wrong printing method was chosen at the start.

Choosing the best T shirt printing isn’t about what’s trending online.
It’s about understanding how printing actually behaves in real life.
This guide isn’t theory.
It’s based on real printing work in Canada.

At Gozero Print, we handle custom orders almost every day—and the same problems repeat for the same reasons.
So let’s slow this down and explain it properly.

Start With One Simple Question

Before thinking about price or quantity, ask yourself this:
Why are these T-shirts being printed?
Seriously. Just that.
Are they:

• For a small custom order?
• For business branding?
• For resale or merch?
• For staff or uniforms?
• For an event or team?

This one answer decides everything else.
Different uses need different printing approaches.
Skipping this step is where most mistakes start.

Fabric Matters More Than People Think

Here’s the part most blogs skip.
Printing doesn’t live on its own.
It sits on fabric.
And fabric behaves differently.

Cotton

Cotton is comfortable and breathable. People love how it feels.
But not every printing method reacts the same way on cotton.
Some look great at first, but don’t age well if the method isn’t right.

Polyester

Polyester is common in sportswear and performance T-shirts.
It’s light. It dries fast.
But it doesn’t absorb ink the way cotton does.
So the printing method really matters here.

Blended Fabrics

Cotton-poly blends exist because they balance comfort and durability.
They work well—but only if the printing method matches the fabric.
This is where many orders go wrong.

Printing Methods (What Actually Works in Real Life)

Instead of complicated explanations, let’s talk about how people actually use these methods.

DTF Printing

DTF is popular for one simple reason—it’s flexible.
It works on:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Blends

That’s a big deal.
It’s a good choice when:

• Fabric types vary
• Designs have detail
• Orders aren’t huge
• You want consistent results

The print does sit on top of the fabric, so you can feel it slightly.
But when done properly, it lasts well and holds color.
At Gozero Print, DTF is often the safest option for mixed or custom orders.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation works very differently.
Instead of sitting on top, the ink becomes part of the fabric.
That means:

• No cracking
• No peeling
• No heavy feel

But there’s a catch.
It only works on polyester, and usually on light colors, mostly white.

When those conditions are right, sublimation is one of the cleanest and longest-lasting options—especially for sportswear and uniforms.
When they’re not, it simply won’t work.

A Simple Way to Decide

If you’re confused, here’s a quick way to think about it:

• Mixed fabrics or custom designs → DTF
• Performance wear or sports T-shirts → Sublimation
• Light polyester garments → Sublimation

No hype. Just what works.

Ink Quality Is a Bigger Deal Than Washing

People often blame washing for fading.
Most of the time, that’s not the real reason.
Fading usually happens because:

• The wrong ink was used
• The method didn’t suit the fabric
• Corners were cut during printing

Better inks stretch better, age better, and hold color longer.
Eco-friendly inks are also becoming more common in Canada, especially for brands that care about sustainability.

Design Issues That Cause Printing Problems

This happens a lot.
The printing method is fine.
The fabric is fine.
The file isn’t.
Common problems include:

• Low-resolution images
• Colors that look different in print than on screen
• Bad placement
• Incorrect file formats

This is why experienced printers check artwork before printing.
At Gozero Print, this step alone saves people from reprints and wasted money.

Why Prices Can Look So Different

If T-shirt printing prices ever felt confusing, here’s why:

• Quantity changes the cost
• Fabric quality matters
• Design complexity matters
• Printing method matters

The cheapest quote often skips something important.
And that cost shows up later.

Choosing the Right Printing Partner

The method matters.
But the printer matters just as much.
Look for someone who:

• Explains options clearly
• Doesn’t rush you
• Checks files before printing
• Is honest about what will and won’t work

Gozero Print works with Canadian businesses and individuals who want reliable results—not shortcuts.

Mistakes We See Again and Again

• Choosing price first
• Ignoring fabric compatibility
• Rushing without samples
• Assuming all printing methods are the same

Most printing regrets come from rushing decisions.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” T-shirt printing method.
There’s only the right method for how the T-shirt will actually be used.
Once you’re clear on:

• Why you’re printing
• What fabric you’re using
• How the shirts will be worn

Everything else becomes easier.
And if you’re unsure, working with an experienced printer like Gozero Print can save you time, money, and frustration—while delivering results that actually last.