Custom apparel services: which method fits your order?
Fresh Prints Supply Co. prints and embroiders custom apparel in-house in Surrey, BC for businesses, schools, sports teams and events across the Lower Mainland. Below: a short summary of each method, a side-by-side comparison and a quick way to pick one.
Pick a method to learn more
Screen printing
The lowest price per piece on larger runs of one design, with a soft print that holds up wash after wash.
12 pieces per designLearn moreEmbroidery
Thread instead of ink, stitched into the fabric for a raised logo on polos, caps and jackets.
No minimumLearn moreDTF & heat press
Full colour with no screens, so small runs, photo artwork and individual names stay practical.
No minimumLearn moreDesign assistance
A blurry logo or a rough sketch becomes print-ready artwork before your mockup.
Before your mockupLearn moreScreen printing vs embroidery vs DTF, side by side
The minimums and turnaround below match what we quote.
| Compare | Screen printing | Embroidery | DTF & heat press |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | 12 pieces per design | No minimum (1 piece is fine) | No minimum (1 piece is fine) |
| Standard turnaround | 2–7 business days | 2–7 business days | 2–7 business days |
| Cost as the run grows | Falls per piece as the quantity goes up | Depends on stitch count and logo size | No screens to make, so small runs stay practical |
| Colours | Each ink colour needs its own screen | Thread colours chosen to suit your logo | Full colour, including gradients and photos |
| Feel and wear | Soft and flexible, and it stays that way through washing | Raised and textured, stitched into the fabric | Smooth full-colour finish with a slight surface feel |
| Best for | One or two solid colours across a bigger run | Polos, caps and jackets that face customers | Small runs, photo artwork, names and numbers |
| Learn more | Screen printing | Embroidery | DTF printing |
Which method should I choose?
Tell us what you're making and we'll point you to the right method. Or compare all three below.
Select what you are making to see our recommendation.
Screen printing
Lowest price per piece on bigger runs of one design.
- One design in one to a few colours
- Large or matching orders, event shirts
- Soft print that holds up wash after wash
Embroidery
A raised, long-lasting stitched logo.
- Polos, caps and jackets
- Premium uniforms that face customers
- Stitched into the fabric for hard wear
DTF & heat press
Full colour with no screens, so small runs stay practical.
- Photos, gradients and detailed artwork
- Quantities below the screen print minimum
- A different name on every shirt
The right method for your kind of order
Each page covers methods, minimums and timing for one type of customer.
Corporate teamsStaff apparel and client gifts, with methods matched to each garment.→
Schools and fundraisersSpirit wear and fundraiser orders for groups.→
Sports teams and clubsTeamwear, caps and fan gear in team quantities.→
Real estate teamsBranded team wear and open-house apparel.→
Event organizersEvent apparel and giveaways, ready for your date.→
Restaurants and hospitalityFront-of-house, back-of-house and manager kits that survive the wash.→
- Not listed? See everyone we make apparel for.
- Planning event shirts? Read the screen printing vs DTF event example.
- Need the numbers? Check minimums, turnaround and delivery on the ordering info page.
What is the minimum order for each method?
Screen printing: 12 pieces per design. Embroidery: no minimum (1 piece is fine). DTF: no minimum (1 piece is fine). If your quantity sits between two methods, we will tell you which fits the design.
How long does each method take?
Screen printing: 2–7 business days. Embroidery: 2–7 business days. DTF: 2–7 business days. Counted from the day you approve your mockup.
Which method lasts longest?
Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, so it holds up well through hard wear. Screen printing stays soft and flexible through repeated washing. DTF gives a smooth, full-colour finish with a slight surface feel.
Can one order mix methods?
Yes. A team kit can combine embroidered polos, screen printed tees and DTF names in one order, and we mock up each garment before production. Our guide to pricing explained shows how each choice affects the cost per piece.
Still not sure which method fits?
Tell us what you are making and we will recommend one. Free digital mockups, no obligation.
Rated 5.0 on Google by 56 customers
We had our company logo printed on T-shirts by Fresh Print Supply, and we're very happy with the results. The price was great, the quality was excellent, and the finished product looks really professional. Great service and great value. Highly recommended!
I can't recommend Fresh Prints Supply Co enough! Rajan is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about delivering top-quality work. From the very beginning, communication was excellent…
After going through multiple shops I've had the best experience working with Fresh Prints Supply. The custom apparel quality is second to none and the turnaround times are great. They kept me in the loop throughout the entire process…
- Turnaround time 17
- Pricing 8
- Knowledgeable team 7
- Print quality 6
- Responsiveness 6
- Shirt quality 5
Prefer to talk it through?
Call or visit the shop. Tell us what you are making, how many, and when you need it.
- Reply within one business day
- Free digital mockup before production
- No hidden fees