Start Small. Print Fast. Scale Smart.

Screen Printing – Custom T-Shirts, Hoodies & Bulk Apparel Printing

Looking for screen printing in China? We deliver high-quality custom apparel and merchandise with years of experience, professional results, and a reliable turnaround to meet all your printing needs.

Scale your brand with durable, cost-efficient printing.

Custom Screen Printing Made in China

Screen printing is one of the most widely used methods in apparel manufacturing.
It’s ideal for brands that have already validated their design and want to produce in larger quantities at a lower unit cost.

If DTG is for testing ideas, screen printing is for scaling them.

Limit of 5 colors
Best for 50+ pcs production
Printing size limit: 50 x 40 cm

Lower cost per unit at scale
Highly durable and long-lasting prints
Works best for simple to medium-complex designs

Start small, without compromising on quality.

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a traditional printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil (screen) onto fabric.

Each color in a design requires a separate screen, which makes setup more complex—but highly efficient once production scales.

Unlike DTG printing, our screen printing involves both manual craftsmanship and automated production equipment depending on the order size, artwork complexity, and production stage.

For smaller or specialty runs, manual printing allows greater flexibility and close control over details such as ink texture, placement, and specialty effects. For larger-scale production, automatic screen printing machines improve consistency, speed, and efficiency across hundreds of garments.

This combination allows brands to start small, refine designs, and later scale production without changing suppliers or production standards.

Because of its durability and scalability, screen printing remains one of the most trusted printing methods in the apparel industry. This is why established clothing brands widely use screen printing.

Want a Precise Quote?

Get Accurate Pricing Faster

To provide an accurate quote, we recommend sharing your design files, mockups, or reference images in advance.
This helps our team evaluate your project quickly and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

Pro Tip: When sending your artwork make sure that the file is at a minimum 300 DPI, the sooner we can get the correct file the quicker we can be in delivering your dream merch. Low-quality files will directly affect print quality.

Fast & Transparent

Why Screen Printing Works at Scale

Once production volume increases, screen printing becomes significantly more cost-efficient because:

Setup cost is distributed across units
Ink application is faster than digital printing
Consistent quality across large batches

This is why most retail streetwear brands rely on screen printing for core collections.

Eco-friendly Inks
Wholesale Pricing
Max Screen Print Sizes: 50 x 40 cm

The Devil is In the Details

Types of Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most versatile apparel decoration methods because it supports a wide range of specialty ink effects and textures.

Different screen printing techniques create completely different visual and tactile results—from soft vintage finishes to raised 3D textures and reflective effects.

At AKCN, we provide both standard and specialty screen printing services for streetwear brands, fashion labels, and custom apparel production.

Soft Raised Texture

Puff Print

A heat-reactive ink that expands during curing to create a rounded, marshmallow-like 3D effect. Not advised for extremely thin lines.

Best For: Retro streetwear logos, bold typography, and heavyweight hoodies. Best on thick fabrics (300gsm+).

Maximum Durability

Plastisol Printing

The most versatile streetwear ink. It offers excellent color opacity and high durability, ensuring your graphics stay sharp after countless washes.

Best For: High-contrast graphics, dark-colored garments, and classic skate-brand aesthetics.

Soft Hand Feel

Water-Based Printing

Eco-friendly inks that soak directly into the fabric fibers. It results in an ultra-soft "no-hand" feel that is breathable and sophisticated. Works best on light-colored 100% cotton fabrics.

Best For: Vintage-wash tees, large oversized prints, and luxury loungewear.

Velvet-Like Texture

Flocking Print

Uses tiny synthetic fibers to create a soft, fuzzy, suede-like texture. As an alternative to towel embroidery, it adds a high-end tactile element that separates your brand from the basics.

Best For: Varsity-style lettering, luxury branding, and winter collections.

Reflective Effect

Reflective Printing

Inks containing glass microspheres that reflect light back to the source. Subtle grey in daylight, brilliant white/silver under camera flashes or headlights.

Best For: Functional techwear, night-run gear, and "viral" social media designs.

3D or Embossed Effect

High Density Printing

Unlike Puff, High Density has sharp, squared-off edges and a flat top. It creates a clean, rubber-like 3D effect that looks structured and expensive.

Best For: Minimalist branding, technical streetwear, and geometric patterns.

Metallic Shine with Luxury Visual Effect

Foil Printing

A process that applies a thin layer of metallic foil onto the fabric. It provides a level of shine and reflection that standard metallic inks cannot match.

Best For: Luxury streetwear, limited "drops," and accentuating small details.

Beyond the Ordinary

Specialty Inks

From "Glow-in-the-Dark" to temperature-sensitive color-changing inks. This is where we help you push the boundaries of traditional apparel.

Best For: Experimental drops, event-specific merch, and interactive designs.

Puff Print

Puff printing uses a special additive mixed into the ink. During the curing process, the ink expands under heat, creating a soft, marshmallow-like 3D effect that literally stands out from the garment.

Special Features:

Soft-touch 3D texture
Retro streetwear aesthetic
Popular for bold logos on hoodies and heavyweight tees

AKCN Advice: Best for simple, thick lines; avoid ultra-fine details for maximum "pop."

Plastisol Printing

Plastisol is the most commonly used screen printing ink because of its strong opacity and durability.

Unlike water-based ink, plastisol sits on top of the fabric, creating vibrant and solid prints.

Special Features:

Bright color output
Long-lasting durability
Excellent color consistency

AKCN Advice: Best for classic graphic tees where color accuracy is your top priority.

Water-Based Printing

Unlike standard inks, water-based printing absorbs into the fabric rather than sitting on top. This results in a "no-hand" feel, creating a softer, more breathable feel.

Many premium streetwear brands prefer water-based inks because the print feels more natural.

Special Features:

Soft touch
Breathable finish
Eco-friendlier than plastisol

AKCN Advice: Best on 100% cotton and light-colored fabrics for a premium, natural finish.

Flocking Print

Flocking involves applying short, dyed fibers to an adhesive-coated surfaces to create a fuzzy, velvet-like texture on the garment.

This technique creates strong visual contrast and tactile depth.

Special Features:

Velvety, fuzzy 3D texture
High-end, premium hand-feel
Great alternative to embroidery for complex shapes

AKCN Advice: Perfect for adding a "luxury" touch to varsity jackets or heavy fleece.

Reflective Printing (3M Reflective)

Reflective printing uses special reflective materials. Engineered with thousands of tiny glass beads, this ink reflects light directly back to its source. It appears as a subtle matte grey in normal light but glows brilliantly white under camera flashes or headlights.

This effect is widely used in modern streetwear and functional apparel.

Special Features:

High-visibility "flash" effect
Essential for techwear and safety aesthetics
High social-media engagement (looks great in photos)

AKCN Advice: Keep designs geometric and clean to ensure consistent reflectivity.

High Density Printing

High-Density (HD) print is a layered process that creates a sharp-edged, rubber-like 3D effect. Unlike the rounded edges of Puff print, HD print has vertical walls and a flat, structured top.

Special Features:

Architectural, sharp 3D edges
Premium, matte rubberized finish
Strong depth effect

AKCN Advice: Ideal for minimalist branding and tech-focused streetwear logos.

Foil Printing

Foil printing applies metallic foil onto garments using adhesive and heat transfer techniques combined with screen printing processes. It provides a level of metallic shine that standard metallic inks simply cannot replicate.

Gold, silver, and holographic finishes are commonly used.

Special Features:

Genuine metallic, mirror-like reflection
High visual impact for limited edition drops
Available in Gold, Silver, and Holographic finishes

AKCN Advice: Hand-wash recommended; best used for accent details rather than massive blocks.

Specialty Inks

Some designs need more than basic ink. At AKCN, we support a wide range of specialty screen printing effects for brands looking to create stronger visual identity and texture.

Push the boundaries of design with our range of experimental inks. Whether it’s "Glow-in-the-Dark" for night drops or temperature-sensitive "Photochromic" ink, we help you create interactive garments.

For water-activated hidden graphics, see how hydrochromic ink is screen printed on fabric.

Our production services include both manual and automatic screen printing, catering to projects ranging from small-batch testing to large-scale brand production.

Streatwear Manufacturer | 20+ Years of Experience

Choose Your Printing Style

Select from a range of ready-to-customize blank clothing designed for different styles and markets.

👉 We help you choose the right blank based on your brand positioning.

Custom T-Shirts

Basic T-shirts, oversized T-shirts, heavyweight T-shirts, vintage washed T-shirts, etc. (230–320 gsm cotton)

View Custom T-shirts

Custom Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Hooded sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies, fleece-lined hoodies, premium French terry hoodies, etc. (320–430 gsm 100% cotton or blended fabrics)

View Custom Hoodies

Custom Sweatpants

Straight Leg Sweatpants, Jogger Sweatpants, Heavyweight Fleece Sweatpants. You can also customize a full tracksuit set with a hoodie.

View Custom T-shirts

Screen Printing Real Production Example

AKCN does custom clothing screen printing, all made in China, with a 50-piece minimum order and a standard turnaround of 10–14 days.

We offer wholesale jumbo and all-over screen printing, as well as offer the wholesale products to our B2B customers.

Start Your Custom Hoodie or Sweatshirt Order Today

Get Quote Now

If you have already tested your designs using DTG, screen printing is your next step.

The more you produce, the cheaper each unit becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing

Whether you’re creating your first sample or launching your next drop, we’re here to help you turn your ideas into real products.

What is the minimum order quantity for screen printing?

Our in-stock blank apparel starts from just 10 pieces, and for small-batch graphic customization, we usually recommend DTG printing because it has no setup cost and has a shorter production cycle—typically 5–10 days faster than screen printing.

If you specifically prefer screen printing, we can absolutely support smaller quantities as well. However, since screen printing requires screen setup for each color, very low quantities will naturally result in higher cost per piece.

For this reason, we generally recommend:

DTG printing → best for 10–20 pcs
Screen printing → best for 50+ pcs

This allows brands to keep costs more reasonable while choosing the right production method for their stage.

Can I provide a tech pack without using stock garments?

Yes. In addition to stock blank customization, we also support full custom production based on your tech pack or design specifications.

This is one of AKCN’s core strengths.

Our full custom manufacturing starts from 50 pcs per style, making it a practical option for brands ready to move beyond blank apparel and build fully original products.

How long does screen printing last?

High-quality screen printing can last 50+ washes when properly produced and cared for. Plastisol inks are especially known for strong durability and color retention.

Is screen printing better than DTG?

These two services are so different that it is not possible to say which is better.

DTG is better for small quantities and complex artwork
Screen printing is better for larger runs and lower unit costs

Most brands start with DTG and later scale with screen printing.

Can screen printing be done on hoodies and sweatpants?

Yes. Screen printing works well on:

T-shirts
Hoodies
Sweatshirts
Sweatpants
Shorts
Hats

Different garments may require different ink types or curing settings.

Can I combine screen printing with embroidery or labels?

Yes. Many brands use screen printing for graphics and add embroidery or custom labels for branding.

What is the difference between water-based and plastisol ink?

Water-based ink feels softer and absorbs into the fabric
Plastisol ink creates brighter and more solid prints

Streetwear brands often choose based on the desired aesthetic and garment style.

Can oversized prints be produced with screen printing?

Yes. Our standard maximum screen printing size is 50 × 40 cm, suitable for most oversized front prints, back graphics, and large-format streetwear designs.

For special layouts or extended print areas, manual production setups may allow additional flexibility depending on the garment and artwork.