Textile printing in practice means four different methods that differ sharply in cost, durability and minimum quantity. Pick the wrong one and you either overpay or end up with artwork that will not survive the twentieth wash. This page explains which method fits when — and what to budget for in Switzerland.
The four methods compared
Screen printing is the classic route from roughly 25 pieces upwards. A screen is made per colour — a one-off cost, after which every further print is very cheap. For 200 T-shirts in two colours, screen printing is almost always the most economical option, and the colour lasts for years.
Digital printing (DTG) prints straight onto the textile like an inkjet. No setup cost, full colour depth, photographic artwork no problem — but a higher unit price that barely improves with quantity. Right for 1–30 pieces and multi-colour designs.
Transfer printing (flex/flock) cuts the design from a film and presses it on. Ideal for names, squad numbers and single-colour wordmarks — and the only practical option on technical fabrics and coated materials that cannot take a needle.
Embroidery is not printing, but it belongs in the comparison: it is the most durable finish there is, looks the most valuable and survives industrial laundry. In exchange it only suits moderately sized artwork and cannot do gradients.
What drives the price
Three factors, in this order: quantity (setup costs spread out), number of colours and positions, and the textile itself. A common mistake is to save on the garment and spend up on the print. Good artwork on a thin shirt still will not get worn.
Why finish in Switzerland
The price gap to overseas suppliers is smaller than it first looks once customs, import VAT, shipping and the cost of handling a complaint are added. What you get instead are short routes: a sample within days, questions answered in your own language, and a repeat order that does not sit three weeks in transit. After approval our lead time is typically 7 working days.
Common questions
Which method lasts longest?
Embroidery. The design is part of the fabric, so it cannot crack or fade — it survives 60-degree washing. Among print methods, properly cured screen print is the most durable.
From what quantity does screen printing pay off?
Roughly from 25 pieces for single-colour artwork. Below that, digital printing is cheaper because no screens have to be made. With several colours the threshold moves up.
What file format should I supply?
Vector is best (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG). If you only have a raster image it should be at least 1000 pixels wide and cut out from its background. We check the file before printing and get in touch if resolution is short.
Ready to get specific? Browse the T-shirts, polo shirts and jackets, or request a sample.