Textile Finishing — Print, Embroidery and Transfer from Our Own EU Production

Why ShirtStore?

• From 1 piece — single units possible, volume discount from 3 pieces (3%).
• Made in EU — finishing in our own works, no third-country subcontractors.
• 24-48h dispatch — order by 2 PM on a working day, in production the next day.
• Trusted Shops verified — buyer protection and transparent pricing.

What does textile finishing mean?

Textile finishing covers any process in which a raw textile — a blank t-shirt, hoodie, polo or cap — is given a motif, logo or lettering. The terms textile printing, branding, embroidery and finishing are largely used as synonyms in practice, with "finishing" forming the umbrella term. At ShirtStore we master every common technique in a single in-house production site. That means short paths, transparent quality control and contact partners with real craftsmanship instead of anonymous third-party manufacturing.

A clear standard has emerged in Europe: large quantities are produced in screen print or transfer print, small quantities and photo motifs in digital print (DTG) or DTF, logos on polos and workwear in embroidery. Which method makes sense for your specific project depends on four factors: quantity, fabric, design complexity and durability requirements.

Overview of the seven finishing methods

We offer all seven relevant finishing techniques from one supplier. Each method has its own detail page with technical explanation, pricing table and use-case examples.

• Screen printing — The classic for medium to large runs from around 25-50 pieces. Brilliant solid colours, very high durability, lowest unit price for large quantities. Ideal for event shirts, club jerseys and merchandise.
• Digital print (DTG) — Inkjet directly onto cotton, possible from 1 piece. Photo quality, any number of colours, perfect for personalised single items and small series.
• DTF print — Direct-to-Film process on any fabric, including polyester and dark functional materials. Brilliant colours, good durability, ideal for sports jerseys and mixed runs.
• Embroidery — Machine embroidery with real thread. High-end appearance, very high durability over 100+ washes, boil-proof. Standard for polos, caps, workwear and fleece.
• Flex print — Plotted polyurethane foil applied with a heat press. Ideal for jersey numbers, names and simple logos on functional textiles.
• Flock print — Foil print with a velvety, slightly raised surface. Popular for school hoodies and high-end streetwear.
• Transfer print — Pre-printed motif applied via heat press. Versatile for complex designs, plastisol or sublimation transfer.

Comparison table — which method when?

The following overview shows the key data for the four main methods. Detailed values for flex, flock and transfer can be found on their respective detail pages.

Decision flowchart — which method fits?

Follow this short logic to identify the right method for your project — afterwards we verify the result in a free consultation.

1. Fewer than 10 pieces and a photo motif? → Digital print (DTG) on cotton or DTF on blends.
2. Over 50 pieces and a simple logo with 1-4 colours? → Screen print. Lowest unit cost, best durability.
3. Logo on polo, cap, fleece or workwear? → Embroidery. High-end finish, very high durability, boil-proof.
4. Functional fabric or dark polyester? → DTF print. Works on any fabric, brilliant colours.
5. Numbers and names on sports jerseys? → Flex print. Standard in club sports.
6. Complex design across many small runs? → Transfer print. Flexible, motif-true, medium durability.

When in doubt, our team helps. Through the bulk order enquiry form you receive a concrete method and price recommendation within 24 hours — usually significantly faster on working days.

How ShirtStore works

1. Choose your product — set brand, material, colour and cut in the configurator.
2. Choose size and quantity — more units mean a lower unit price.
3. Design your motif — upload your logo, add text or use a template. The file requirements help with preparation.
4. Order and have it finished — we produce within 5-10 working days, express on request.

What our customers say

"We order our club jerseys at ShirtStore every year. The advice was excellent, the screen print has lasted three seasons and the delivery arrived on time before the season started." — Andreas K., Sports Club 1907

Our customers range from small craft businesses through medium-sized industry firms to top-flight clubs, schools and streetwear brands. Bulk orders of 100+ pieces receive best conditions, business clients and clubs additionally benefit from a dedicated point of contact.

Print method overview — all 7 methods in direct comparison

Decision flowchart in 5 steps

Step 1 — Check fabric. Organic cotton (Stanley/Stella): DTG is optimal. Polyester (StormTech, hi-vis): transfer print or DTF. Blends (B&C ID.001, Gildan): DTF or embroidery.

Step 2 — Determine quantity. Under 25 pieces: DTG, DTF or embroidery. 25–100 pieces: DTF or embroidery. 100+ pieces: screen print (single-colour) or DTF (multi-colour). 500+ pieces: screen print.

Step 3 — Clarify motif type. Photo motif: DTG or DTF. Single-colour logo: screen print (high volumes) or embroidery (premium). Multi-colour logo: DTF. Jersey numbers: flex print.

Step 4 — Check care requirements. Hotel/restaurant industrial wash (60–95 °C): embroidery. Normal household wash (30–40 °C): all methods OK. Very frequent wash (sports club): embroidery or screen print.

Step 5 — Match budget. Premium budget (employee gifts, hotel crews): embroidery. Mid budget (club jerseys, tech crews): DTF. Low budget (mass-market promo): screen print.

Volume discount ladder — applies to all 7 finishing methods

Volume ladder applies cross-brand and cross-product (e.g. 100 tees + 50 hoodies + 20 polos = 170 total, 25 % ladder on all pieces).

What we do better than competitors

• All 7 methods under one roof — many finishers only offer 3–4 methods. We provide screen print, DTG, DTF, embroidery, flex print, flock print and transfer print from our own EU production.
• Free method advice — we advise on the suitable method for your specific fabric/quantity/motif combination. Recommendations are honest, even if that's against our more expensive methods.
• Pre-press samples for colour-critical orders — Pantone match service for sponsoring crews, hotel brands, tech brands. Sample cost €20–80 (credited against main order).
• Plate-fee waiver for screen-print follow-up orders — first-order plate fees are waived on follow-up orders within 12 months. Important for clubs and schools with annual runs.
• GOTS certificate PDF automatically included — organic orders (Stanley/Stella, B&C Inspire, FOTL Iconic) get the current certificate with delivery. Important for wholesale partners and eco-brand audits.

Ready for your project?

Design now → · Request consultation →

ShirtStore is your partner for professional textile finishing in Germany and Europe. In our own EU production site we master every common print and embroidery method: screen print, digital print (DTG), DTF print, embroidery, flex print, flock print and transfer print. We print and embroider t-shirts, hoodies, polos, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, bags and workwear from brands such as Stanley/Stella, Fruit of the Loom, B&C Collection, Hakro and many more. From a personalised single item through a club team to a bulk order with several thousand pieces, we deliver Made-in-EU quality with transparent pricing. Volume discounts start from 25 pieces, bulk orders of 100+ pieces receive best conditions. Whether promotional items, crew wear, workwear branding or sports jerseys, our advisory team helps with the choice of finishing method, checks your file and produces in 5-10 working days. Benefit from Trusted Shops security, personal advice within 24 hours and a production site you can visit at any time. ShirtStore.de — textile finishing from one supplier.