Buyer guide
When heat transfer and screen print belong on a uniform program, what each needs in the tech pack, and why polyester changes the conversation.
In short
Screen print lays ink on the fabric through mesh; heat transfer applies a prepared graphic with heat and pressure. Both can be right for uniforms. Screen print usually wins on large solid areas and industrial wash durability when the ink system matches the fibre. Heat transfer wins on fine detail, photographic art and short runs — but must be qualified on the bulk cloth, especially polyester, because heat can move dye.
6 min read
Reviewed by AHM International product development team
Last reviewed August 2026
Side by side for buyers
| Attribute | Screen print | Heat transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large solids, simple brand marks, volume | Fine detail, multi-colour art, shorter runs |
| Setup | Screens per colour | Film / transfer preparation |
| Hand | Can sit on the surface; ink system matters | Film hand varies — test on bulk fabric |
| Wash risk | Ink adhesion and cure | Edge lift, cracking, dye migration on polyester |
| Tech pack must name | Ink type, colours, placement, wash method | Transfer type, placement, temperature/time if known, wash method |
Polyester is the trap
A heat transfer that looks perfect on a cotton tee sample can mark or dull a polyester polo when the same press hits disperse dye. Qualify decoration on the bulk fibre content, under the wash the program will see.
If embroidery is also on the table, read the embroidery versus screen guide — the three routes answer different artwork and durability questions.
What to send before sampling
- Vector or high-res artwork
- With colour breaks named, not only a JPEG of a logo on a shirt.
- Placement
- Measured from seams or centre front — not “left chest-ish”.
- Fibre and fabric
- Cotton, poly-cotton or polyester changes ink and transfer choice.
- Wash method
- Domestic or industrial; temperature if you know it.
- Reference garment
- A physical example of the hand and durability you want beats a verbal preference.
Do not leave the route unnamed on a quotation
“Logo included” without naming embroidery, screen or transfer is how two FOB prices stop being comparable. Name the route in the brief and in the quote.
Related questions
Often on short runs and high colour counts; often not on large solids at volume. Ask both routes against the same artwork and quantity.
Yes, and many uniform programs do. Spec each decoration separately — placement, route and colour standard — so sampling does not invent the combination.
We can recommend against artwork, fabric and wash. The commercial quote still names the route we priced.
Send one specification and we will apply exactly this thinking to your style. Construction, materials and commercial FOB costing.