Your choice of screen printed or digital transfers should be based on the material of the item being printed, what the item will be used for, and the type and colors of design being used.
Screen printed transfers apply to cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends, while digital transfers can be applied to virtually any fabric, including nylon, leather, and spandex.
If you're decorating T-shirts, sweatshirts, sportswear, or fashion wear, plastisol transfers offer a great look with a soft feel. Screen printed transfers are also an easy and cost-effective way to print names and numbers on sports uniforms. Digital transfers are great for stretchable athletic wear, such as wrestling singlets and dance uniforms, and are also perfect for a variety of non-apparel items, such as bags, koozies, and umbrellas.
Screen printed transfers offer the classic look of traditional screen printing and are best used when printing one to three colors or with a large design. Digital transfers are printed in full color and are great for highly detailed or photo-realistic designs. They can also employ image and color effects, such as shading and color transitions. Screen printed transfers may provide a price advantage with high volume orders, while digital prints are great for high-color, low-quantity orders.