Which is better, Screen Printing, DTF, Embroidery, or Patches? When you’re getting started designing the ultimate custom hat, one of the first questions you’ll come across is which printing method you should use. This can affect the cost and durability of your hat, and plays a major role in your custom hat’s aesthetics.
We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of the most popular logo printing methods, including:
- Screen Printing
- DTF/Heat Transfer
- Embroidery
- Patches
Screen Printing and Custom Hats
The most traditional fabric printing method, screen printing is an effective technique and the baseline against which most other methods are measured. After the manufacturer creates a pattern in a mesh screen, it is pushed through the screen onto the fabric, imparting the pattern.
Screen Printing Pros:
- Fairly durable
- Cost-effective for bulk orders
- Handles simple designs well
Screen Printing Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Other methods may be more efficient for small orders
- Unable to hand precise details
DTF/Heat Transfer for Custom Hats
Direct-to-film (DTF) transfer, aka heat transfer, is a process in which a print of your design is made on a special DTF film, glue is applied to the print, and then the print is attached to your hat using heat and pressure. It’s a bit like an iron-on patch, but custom-made for you.
DTF/Heat Transfer Pros:
- Low entry cost
- Works well for small orders
- Offers special finishes that screen printing can’t do
DTF/Heat Transfer Cons:
- May be a less efficient option for large orders
- Not very breathable
- Not very durable if not properly cared for
Embroidery on Custom Hats
Embroidery is when fabric is woven into the fabric of your custom hat, creating a unique, stylish, textured look. This literally makes the logo a part of the hat itself, instead of an external piece that’s been added on.
Embroidery Pros:
- A look that is both professional and classic
- Tremendous durability
- Can add a 3D element to your design
Embroidery Cons:
- Cost is generally higher for embroidery
- Production times are generally longer
- Fine detail in a design can be lost
Patches and Custom Hats
Coming in a variety of options, patches are customizable pieces that you can attach to your custom hat. They can be made of leather, PVC, or a special embroidery method.
Patch Pros:
- The most customizable option
- Normally a middle-ground pricewise, not as much as embroidery
- Can be highly durable
Patch Cons:
- Higher cost than printing
- Can fall off if attached improperly
- Potentially limited colors, depending on the patch type.
How to Pick a Print Method for Your Custom Hat
Now that you have an overview of the pros and cons of different logo printing methods, you can decide what’s best for your needs. Here are some steps on how to figure out what’s best for your situation:
- Step 1: Decide how many custom hats you want to order.
- Step 2: Figure out your budget per hat.
- Step 3: Design your custom logo, and evaluate its level of detail.
- Step 4: Get a quote from a manufacturer for your top picks.
For example, let’s say you are ordering a small number of premium, long-lasting hats for a family gathering. You’re probably willing to spend a high amount per hat for something of good quality. With a simple logo, either embroidery or patches would be good fits.
Now that you have your top choices, you can reach out to a manufacturer. They can help you envision how your logo will look in each print method and provide a price for the project.
Contact Hat.Co Today for Any Printing Method on Your Custom Hat!
Hat.Co offers all of the above printing options for attaching your logo to your custom hat. You have the flexibility to pick what works best for you, and we have the expertise to bring it to life.
If you have any questions on print methods or are ready to create your custom hat, call us at (636) 926-2777 or request a quote online today.