Where to Order Custom Shirts Without Screen Printing

Custom shirts don’t have to mean screen printing. If you want full-color designs, fast turnaround, and the freedom to print one shirt or hundreds without paying for screens, DTF transfers are one of the easiest ways to order custom shirts without screen printing. Instead of creating screens and running long print setups, you order press-ready transfers, apply them with a heat press, and start selling or distributing shirts right away.

At Express DTF Supply, we specialize in DTF gang sheets that make custom shirt production simple for small businesses, brands, events, and creators. You can either build your gang sheet online or upload a print-ready file—then press your shirts without the screen printing delays, minimums, and setup costs.

Why businesses are moving away from screen printing for custom shirts

Screen printing can be a great option for large, simple designs in massive quantities—but it’s not always the best solution when you need flexibility.

Here are the most common reasons people look for custom shirts without screen printing:

No screen setup fees

DTF doesn’t require screens. That means you can print small runs without paying extra setup costs.

Better for small orders and fast reorders

Need 10 shirts today and 20 more next week? DTF is perfect for small batches and repeat orders.

Full-color and detailed artwork

DTF handles gradients, photo-style designs, fine lines, and complex logos with ease.

More flexibility for multiple designs

Screen printing gets expensive when you add more colors or multiple designs. With DTF, you can put many designs on one gang sheet.

Faster production workflow

When you order press-ready transfers, you skip the time-consuming setup and go straight to pressing shirts.

The best way to order custom shirts without screen printing: DTF transfers

DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are printed designs that you apply to shirts using a heat press. You don’t need screens, and you don’t need to own a full printing setup.

This is ideal for:

  • clothing brands printing weekly drops

  • small businesses selling custom shirts

  • schools and teams ordering spirit wear

  • events, fundraisers, and promo shirts

  • creators and makers who need professional results

Instead of ordering finished shirts from a screen printer and waiting on their production schedule, you can order transfers, press shirts as needed, and stay in control.

Two easy ways to order DTF transfers for custom shirts

Express DTF Supply offers two ordering options depending on your workflow:

1) Build your own gang sheet online (best for multiple designs)

If you want to place several designs on one sheet—fronts, backs, sleeves, labels—use the builder. This is perfect for maximizing space and lowering your cost per print.

Build Your Own Gang Sheet (DTF):
https://expressdtfsupply.com/products/build-your-own-gang-sheet-22-all-sizes

Use this option when:

  • you have multiple designs in one order

  • you need different sizes for youth/adult

  • you want to maximize sheet space for batch runs

2) Upload a print-ready gang sheet (fastest checkout)

Already created your gang sheet in your design software? Upload it and check out fast—perfect for reorders and production templates.

Upload Ready Gang Sheet (DTF):
https://expressdtfsupply.com/products/upload-ready-gang-sheet

Use this option when:

  • your file is print-ready and sized correctly

  • you want quick reorders

  • you run the same designs often

What you need to press custom shirts without screen printing

To apply DTF transfers, you typically need:

  • a heat press

  • blank shirts (cotton, blends, and many other fabrics)

  • press-ready DTF transfers

That’s it. No screens, no ink mixing, no large minimums.

For pressing guidance, Express DTF Supply’s FAQ includes:

  • 305°F

  • medium–high pressure

  • 10–12 seconds

  • peel hot or cold

  • optional re-press about 5 seconds with parchment for a smooth finish

See the full instructions:
https://expressdtfsupply.com/pages/faqs

File setup tips for professional-looking custom shirts

The sharpest prints come from production-ready artwork. For the best results:

  • use 300 DPI designs

  • upload a transparent background PNG when possible

  • avoid screenshots or low-resolution images

  • vector logos are ideal when available

For file tips and common questions:

When DTF is better than screen printing (real-world examples)

If you’re deciding between methods, DTF is usually the better choice when:

  • you need small batches (1–50 shirts)

  • you want multiple designs (front + back + sleeves)

  • you’re doing full-color artwork or photo prints

  • you need fast restocks and easy reorders

  • you want to avoid setup fees and long lead times

For many small businesses, DTF transfers are the easiest way to produce custom shirts on demand.

Want to expand beyond shirts? Add UV DTF for hard-surface products

If you also sell tumblers, cups, glass, acrylic, phone cases, or other hard goods, UV DTF transfers are peel-and-stick and don’t require a heat press.

This is a great add-on for businesses that want more products without adding complicated equipment.

Ready to order custom shirts without screen printing?

Start by ordering the transfers you’ll press onto your shirts:

DTF Transfers for Shirts (Heat Press)

Need help choosing the best option or confirming your file?

Back to blog

Leave a comment