Why Creative Brands Still Choose Silkscreen Over Digital

The Guide to Quality Screen Printing

In an age dominated by digital production and on-demand printing, the term quality screen print still holds serious weight among creative professionals.We constantly hear that the digital printing market will skyrocket, but there’s still great quality and creative expression in silkscreen printing. Whether you’re a fashion designer, tour manager or cultural events brand, silkscreen remains the gold standard for producing premium, lasting apparel. But why, in 2025, are so many leading studios and independent brands returning to this traditional process? Why not follow the crowd and go digital? There’s benefits to both, but we’re looking at screen printing – our bread and butter here at Teesh.

The answer lies in control, finish and craftsmanship — all of which are hard to replicate with digital substitutes. Screen printing offers depth of rich colour, texture and precision that define the garments worn by high-end labels, limited-run merch lines, and wholesale fashion collections alike.

What makes a quality screen print?

A truly premium screen print isn’t just about sharp design. It’s the result of meticulous process and expertise. Each layer of ink is physically pushed through a fine mesh screen, creating a textured, durable finish that bonds with the garment rather than sitting on top of it.

Professional print studios like Teesh focus on three main variables to ensure consistency across bulk orders:

• Ink selection – Choosing between water-based, discharge or plastisol inks depending on fabric composition and desired finish.
• Mesh count and screen preparation – Higher mesh counts are ideal for intricate designs, while lower counts build thicker ink deposits for bold branding.
• Curing and finishing – Proper curing ensures the ink withstands countless washes and retains its original vibrancy.

This combination of technical control and artistry results in the kind of screen printing clothing brands rely on to communicate quality. In short, a premium screen print doesn’t just display your logo — it upholds and represents your brand’s reputation and story.

Silkscreen vs Digital: the creative brand perspective

The debate between silkscreen and digital methods continues to divide the industry, but for businesses producing at scale, silkscreen remains unmatched. It’s more cost-effective on larger runs, handles spot colours with unrivalled accuracy, and produces a tactile feel that high-end customers associate with authenticity.

Digital print methods like DTG (direct-to-garment) have advanced considerably, but their ink adhesion and colour opacity can vary across fabric types. Silkscreen, by contrast, excels on both natural and synthetic fibres, giving creative brands far greater freedom when selecting blank garments. That’s why wholesale screen printing still forms the backbone of professional apparel manufacturing.

According to Grand View Research, in the UK custom T‑shirt‑printing market screen‑printing stood out as the largest revenue‑generating printing technique in 2023 — a clear indication that silkscreen’s appeal isn’t fading any time soon.

Why creative industries still trust screen printing

For businesses in music, fashion, and design, the goal isn’t just merchandise — it’s meaningful brand expression. Screen printing allows for precision in ink density, layering, and placement that aligns perfectly with creative direction. When you’re developing a collection or launching an event drop, every detail matters.

Here’s why creative industries still rely on traditional screen printing companies:

• Consistency across bulk orders – Every garment looks identical, whether it’s 50 or 5,000 units.
• Long-lasting print quality – Silkscreen prints retain colour and structure far longer than digital transfers.
• Brand value – The texture and finish communicate authenticity and attention to detail that audiences notice.

At Teesh, we work closely with independent labels and established UK brands to produce consistent, high-volume screen printing apparel runs without compromise. Our in-house production team oversees every stage — from garment sourcing to final print inspection — ensuring that your brand’s quality standards never drop, even at scale.

How to achieve premium results with wholesale screen printing

Working with a trusted production partner is the most effective way to achieve retail-grade results on large-scale orders. When selecting a screen printing company, consider:

1. Material expertise – Choose a printer familiar with cotton, polyester and blended fabrics to ensure inks adhere properly.
2. Production capacity – If you’re ordering hundreds or thousands of pieces, ensure your partner has the infrastructure to deliver consistent outcomes.
3. Pre-production proofing – Always approve strike-offs or pre-production samples before committing to full runs.
4. In-house quality control – Ask about curing processes, inspection points, and packaging options for your final order.

By following these principles, creative businesses can combine the timeless quality of silkscreen print with the scalability of modern production.

Bringing your next print project to life

Whether you’re producing artist merch, workwear, or your own fashion label, choosing a partner who understands your creative goals is key. At Teesh, we specialise in screen printing for established and emerging UK brands — from small batch drops to nationwide retail runs.

If your business values craftsmanship, consistency and British-made quality, our team can help you deliver a finished product that looks and feels premium. Explore our garment printing services or get in touch for a custom quote tailored to your next production run. We also offer online ordering for Screen Printing clothing with instant pricing calculations via our bulk order tool.

Despite the rise of digital techniques, screen printing remains the defining process for brands that care about quality. The tactile finish, lasting durability and cost-efficiency for large orders make it the logical choice for creative businesses scaling up in 2025.

A quality screen print is more than ink on fabric — it’s a statement of professionalism and pride. If you’re ready to create your next collection or promotional project, speak with Teesh today and experience the difference of true silkscreen craftsmanship.