What is the difference between DTF and flock?

Flock (flex) is a vinyl sheet that is cut and then pressed: ideal for text and solid-colour logos, but limited to 1-2 colours and no gradients. DTF is printed: unlimited colours, gradients, photos and fine details, with a softer hand feel.

Is DTF better than screen printing?

For small and medium runs, yes: DTF has no setup fees and allows unlimited colours from 1 piece. Screen printing remains relevant for very large runs (500+) with few colours, where its unit cost becomes very low.

Which technique should I choose for sublimated polyester sports jerseys?

DTF with anti-sublimation (subli-stop) adhesive: it blocks colour migration from the sublimated fabric into the print, which standard flex or screen printing do not handle well.

What is the most economical technique for a short run?

DTF: no minimum and no screen preparation costs. At DTF Swiss, a 55 × 50 cm sheet costs CHF 12.– excl. VAT and can hold several designs grouped together.

DTF, flock or screen printing: which to choose?

Every textile decoration technique has its own playing field. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose based on your design, your quantity and your budget.

Quick comparison

Criterion	DTF	Flock (flex)	Screen printing
Colours	Unlimited + gradients + photos	1-2 solid colours	1 screen per colour
Ideal quantity	1 to ~500 pieces	1 to ~50 pieces	500+ pieces
Fixed costs	None	None	Setup + screens (high)
Fine details	Excellent	Limited (cut)	Good
Hand feel	Soft, thin	Thicker, plastic-like	Very soft (ink in the fibre)
Dark fabrics	✅ (white underbase)	✅	✅ (underlayer)
Sublimated polyester	✅ anti-sublimation adhesive	⚠️ special flex required	❌ colour migration
Wash resistance	Very good	Very good	Excellent

Choose DTF if…

• Multicolour design, gradients or photo
• Small/medium runs (1-500)
• Several different fabrics (cotton, polyester, blends)
• Sublimated jerseys (subli-stop adhesive)
• Need stock: transfers can be pressed later

Choose flock if…

• Text or logo in 1 solid colour (jersey name + number)
• Special finishes: velvet, glitter, reflective
• Very small quantities with a plotter already in place

Choose screen printing if…

• Very large runs (500+) of the same design
• Few colours (1-3 spot colours, e.g. Pantone)
• The lowest possible unit cost is your priority

What about sublimation or embroidery?

Sublimation: the ink penetrates the fibre — no hand feel at all and perfect durability, but only on light/white polyester. Impossible on cotton or dark fabrics, which is exactly where DTF excels.

Embroidery: a premium, very durable finish for company logos (polos, caps), but expensive, limited in fine detail and unsuitable for photos or gradients.

In practice: DTF has become the most versatile technique — the one that covers the most cases with the fewest constraints, especially for short runs.

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Go further: What is DTF? • DTF transfers in Switzerland • Price list • FAQ