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Custom t-shirts are one of the most effective ways to showcase your brand, create team spirit, or design something unique for personal use. Whether you’re designing uniforms, event shirts, or a fashion collection, selecting the right t-shirt printing method in Malaysia is crucial. It plays a significant role in determining the quality, cost, and durability of the final product.
At AKA Tee Shirt Printing, we provide a wide range of printing services to help businesses, schools, and individuals find the best solution. In this guide, we’ll first walk you through the most popular printing methods. Then, we’ll explain those method ‘s pros and cons, and finally, highlight what you should consider before placing an order.
1. Silkscreen Printing (Screen Printing)
Best for: Bulk orders, uniforms, event t-shirts
How it works: Ink is pressed through a stencil screen onto the fabric.
Pros:
Long-lasting and durable
Bright, vibrant colors
Most affordable for large quantities
Cons:
Not cost-effective for small runs
Limited detail for complex or gradient designs
💡 Example: Printing 100 pcs of marathon t-shirts or school sports day uniforms.
2. Heat Transfer Printing / Direct to Film (DTF) Printing
Best for: Small batches, full-color logos, personalized designs
How it works: Your design is printed on transfer film and pressed onto the t-shirt with heat.
Pros:
Excellent for multi-color or photo designs
Ideal for small orders, even one piece
Easy to customize with names or numbers
Cons:
However, heat transfer prints may peel or fade faster than silkscreen. To extend their lifespan, you should wash with care and avoid using a dryer.
Less breathable for large print areas
💡 Example: Customized couple tees or sports jerseys with player names or class t-shirt
3. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Best for: Detailed artwork, fashion designs, small runs
How it works: Inkjet-style printers spray ink directly onto the t-shirt.
Pros:
High detail with gradients and complex art
Soft finish as the ink absorbs into the fabric
No setup cost, great for low quantities
Cons:
Slower compared to silkscreen
Works best on 100% cotton fabrics
💡 Example: Artistic fashion t-shirts with detailed graphics.
4. Embroidery
Best for: Polo shirts, uniforms, premium apparel
How it works: Designs are stitched directly onto fabric using embroidery machines.
Pros:
Professional, premium appearance
Extremely durable, won’t fade
Perfect for logos on polos, caps, jackets
Cons:
Higher cost compared to printing
Not suitable for large or detailed designs
💡 Example: Embroidered company logos on polo uniforms.
5. Sublimation Printing
Best for: Sports jerseys, polyester shirts, all-over prints
How it works: Sublimation uses heat to transfer dye directly into polyester fabric. The ink becomes part of the fibers, creating vibrant, long-lasting prints.
Pros:
Extremely durable (won’t crack or peel)
Lightweight and breathable (no extra print layer)
Allows full-color, edge-to-edge designs
Cons:
Works only on polyester fabrics
Not suitable for cotton t-shirts
Best for white or light-colored shirts (dark fabrics not ideal)
💡 Example: Sublimation is the top choice for custom sports jerseys, teamwear, and promotional polyester tees.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right t-shirt printing method in Malaysia depends on your budget, order size, and purpose.
At AKA Tee Shirt Printing, we not only provide all major printing options under one roof but also ensure professional guidance – so you can focus on your design while we handle the production.
📞 Need a free consultation? Contact our sales team today.
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