Screen printed shirts remain one of the most popular custom apparel options for businesses, schools, events, and growing brands. Even with newer technologies like DTF transfers, UV DTF, and DTG, screen printing continues to dominate due to its durability, bold color saturation, and professional retail look.
At MAYA TX in Austin/Leander, Texas, we produce thousands of custom shirts every month using a full range of production methods. In this guide, we break down exactly what screen printing is, why it is so popular, and when you should choose screen printed shirts over other print methods for your next project.
What Exactly Are Screen Printed Shirts?
Screen printing is a traditional printing process where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil (screen) and cured onto the fabric. Each color requires its own screen, which makes the process ideal for designs with bold, solid colors.
Screen printing is known for:
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vibrant color output
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long-lasting wash durability
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professional retail-quality finish
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excellent pricing for bulk orders
Because each color requires setup, screen printing becomes extremely cost-effective for larger quantities.
Why Screen Printing Is Still the Industry Standard
Despite new printing technologies appearing every year, screen printing remains the foundation of professional apparel decoration. The quality is unmistakable—rich colors, clean edges, and a finish that feels integrated into the shirt rather than printed on top.
Key advantages include:
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perfect for business branding
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cost-efficient for 25–1,000+ shirts
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ideal for uniforms and merchandise
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strong color opacity on dark garments
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consistent quality across large runs
Whether you are outfitting employees or producing shirts to sell online, screen printing offers a consistent and professional result.
How Long Do Screen Printed Shirts Last?
Screen printed shirts are known for durability. When properly cured, screen printing can outlast the garment itself. Ink bonds permanently to the fibers, which means colors stay bold even after dozens of washes.
You can expect professionally screen-printed shirts to last years with normal wear and washing.
Best Fabric Types for Screen Printing
Screen printing works well on most materials, but performs especially well on:
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cotton
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cotton/poly blends
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heavyweight tees
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fleece
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hoodies
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long sleeves
At MAYA TX, we frequently screen print on popular brands such as:
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Gildan
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Bella + Canvas
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Comfort Colors
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Next Level
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Rabbit Skins
These blanks offer excellent print quality plus competitive pricing for bulk apparel.
Screen Printing vs DTF Transfers: Which Should You Choose?
One of the most common comparison questions we receive at MAYA TX is whether you should order screen printing or choose DTF transfers. While both have excellent applications, each is built for specific use cases.
Choose screen printing when:
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you need consistent bulk production
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you want the classic retail feel
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your design uses solid colors
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you are printing a high quantity
Choose DTF transfers when:
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you need fast turnaround
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you want full-color designs
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you need short-run quantities
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you want quick reorders without setup fees
Both options are available at MAYA TX, allowing you to pick the best method for your business, event, or brand.
How Much Do Screen Printed Shirts Cost?
Screen printing pricing depends on:
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number of colors
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quantity
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shirt brand
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print location(s)
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artwork complexity
The more shirts you order, the lower the unit price becomes. This makes screen printing one of the best choices for:
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corporate apparel
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schools and organizations
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event merch
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retail brands
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sports teams
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fundraisers
For businesses planning to resell shirts, screen printing provides strong margins and professional quality.
Local Screen Printing in Austin & Leander, Texas
MAYA TX offers fast, reliable apparel printing and decoration services for local customers across Central Texas. We serve:
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Austin
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Leander
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Cedar Park
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Round Rock
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Georgetown
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and nationwide shipping
If you need custom shirts for your organization, store, or event, you can place your order online or pick up locally.
Fast Turnaround and Bulk Ordering Options
Whether you need 25 shirts or several hundred, MAYA TX can help you plan your order. We offer:
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expert artwork preparation
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bulk pricing
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fast turnaround
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pickup or nationwide shipping
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multiple apparel brands and colors
If you are unsure what printing method is best, our team will review your artwork and recommend the most cost-effective option.
Order Screen Printed Shirts from MAYA TX
Screen printed shirts remain the best choice for bold, durable, professional-quality apparel. Whether you are launching merch or outfitting your employees, screen printing delivers long-lasting results and excellent value for larger orders.
Explore shirts, request a quote, or contact our team anytime to begin your project.
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