Choosing the Right Production Method

When starting a clothing brand or ordering merch, the biggest decision is often between **Print on Demand (POD)** and **Traditional Screen Printing**. Here's the breakdown to help you choose.

What is Print on Demand (POD)?

POD is a digital printing technology (usually Direct-to-Garment or DTG) where items are printed *only when an order is placed*.

**Pros:**

• **No Minimums:** Order 1 item or 100.
• **No Inventory:** You don't need a garage full of boxes.
• **Unlimited Colors:** DTG prints complex photos and gradients easily.

**Cons:**

• **Higher Unit Cost:** You pay more per shirt than bulk orders.

What is Traditional Screen Printing?

Screen printing involves creating a stencil (screen) for each color in your design and pushing ink through it onto the fabric.

**Pros:**

• **Lower Cost at Scale:** Cheap for 50+ items of the same design.
• **Durability:** Thick ink deposits last a long time.

**Cons:**

• **High Setup Fees:** Paying for screens makes small runs expensive.
• **Color Limits:** Each color adds cost.

The Verdict

• **Choose POD (like Print Brawl)** if: You are testing new designs, selling online, or ordering for small groups (under 20).
• **Choose Screen Printing** if: You need 50+ of the exact same shirt for an event and have a simple 1-2 color design.