Best printing methods for band tour t-shirts

Introduction

Band T-shirts are a crucial part of any musician’s merchandise lineup. They not only help promote your music but also serve as a reliable source of income. However, choosing the right printing method for band t-shirts is essential to ensuring high-quality results that fit your budget, design, and fan expectations.

In this guide, we’ll focus on three of the main printing methods for band tees... screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and embroidery. Hopefully, it'll help you decide which one is right for your band’s tour merch.

For high-quality band t-shirt printing, check out All About the Merch, where you can explore different printing options, including screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and embroidery

Screen printing: The classic choice for band t-shirts

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is the industry-standard method for band T-shirts. It involves pushing ink through a stencil (screen) onto the fabric. Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, making it ideal for simple yet bold designs.

Why screen printing works for band merch

✅ Durable & long-lasting – Ink sits on top of the fabric, making the design withstand multiple washes.
✅ Bold, vibrant colours – Ideal for high-contrast, striking band logos and artwork.
✅ Cost-effective for bulk orders – The more shirts you print, the lower the cost per unit.
✅ Great for cotton shirts – Works best on 100% cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.

Things to consider

❌ Not ideal for small orders – The setup costs make it not as cost effective for small batches.
❌ Limited by screens – Each colour requires a new screen, increasing costs for complex designs.
❌ Less detail for intricate artwork – Small, fine details may not print as sharply as DTG.

Best For:

• Bands printing 25+ items in one design.
• Less complex, bold design and high-contrast artwork.
• Artists looking for long-lasting, high-quality merch at a great bulk price.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing: Best for small orders & complex designs

What is DTG printing?

DTG (direct-to-garment) printing uses inkjet technology to print designs directly onto the fabric. Unlike screen printing, it doesn’t require separate screens for each colour, allowing for more detailed and colourful prints.

Why DTG works for band merch

✅ Unlimited colours & gradients – Perfect for intricate, photo-realistic designs.
✅ No minimum order – Print one shirt at a time with no extra setup costs.
✅ Quick turnaround – No screen setup, so can mean faster production.

Things to consider

❌ Not as durable as screen printing – DTG prints may fade slightly over time, especially on dark fabrics.
❌ Higher cost per shirt – More expensive for large bulk orders compared to screen printing.
❌ Best on cotton fabrics – Works best on 100% cotton, as polyester fabrics may not absorb the ink well.

Best for:

• Small batch orders or one-off prints.
• Highly detailed, colourful designs that require fine gradients or shading.
• Bands looking for a quick turnaround without bulk commitments.

Embroidery: A premium option for small, stitched designs

What is garment embroidery?

Embroidery is a stitching method where thread is used to sew designs onto fabric, creating a raised, textured look. While not commonly used for tour merchandise tees, it can be a fantastic choice for hats, beanies, gloves, and jackets.

Why embroidery works for band merch

✅ Extremely durable – Embroidered designs won’t fade, crack, or peel.
✅ Professional, premium look – Adds a high-end feel to your merch.
✅ Works on various garments – Ideal for beanies, hats, hoodies, and other thicker materials.
✅ Great for simple logos and motifs – Perfect for small, clean logos and text-based designs.

Things to consider

❌ Not ideal for intricate designs – Best for small, simple graphics rather than detailed images.
❌ Higher cost per item – More expensive than traditional printing methods.
❌ Limited colour choices – Thread colours are more restricted than printed ink.

Best for:

• Hats, beanies, gloves, and hoodies with small embroidered logos or motifs.
• Limited-edition, high-quality merch items.
• Bands looking to offer premium merch at a higher price point.

Which printing method should your band choose?

Conclusion

Choosing the right band t-shirt printing method depends on your band’s tour design, order size, and budget:

✅ Screen Printing – Best for large bulk orders (25+ items) and bold, high-contrast designs.
✅ DTG Printing – Perfect for small batch orders with intricate, full-colour designs.
✅ Embroidery – A premium option for hats, beanies, and small stitched logos.

For examples of effective tour merch, check out band merch printing, as well as the dedicated pages for screen printing, DTG printing and embroidery