Screen printing is the default for most school merch—and for good reason. It’s affordable, fast, and looks decent out of the box. But if you want merch that actually gets worn, washed, and loved long-term, screen printing might not be the best option.

1. It Doesn’t Age Well

After a few washes, cheap screen prints crack, fade, or peel. That’s fine for a one-time event tee, but not for merch you want students or staff to wear weekly. If your merch looks worn out in a month, it stops being a billboard for your brand.

2. Texture Can Be a Dealbreaker

Big plasticky prints across the chest don’t feel great—especially in warmer months. Students tend to avoid wearing shirts that feel stiff, sweaty, or heavy. If comfort matters (and it does), you need to think beyond standard ink.

3. There Are Better Alternatives

• Tone-on-tone embroidery – Clean, subtle, and upscale. Think navy thread on navy fabric.
• Woven patches – Adds dimension without bulk.
• Heat-pressed vinyl or direct-to-garment (DTG) – For small runs or detailed artwork

4. The Perception of Quality Matters

When someone puts on your hoodie or tee, they make a subconscious judgment: “Does this feel like something I’d choose to wear?” If the print looks cheap or the design feels loud, it’s getting passed over. Premium details = longer wear time.

Want to know how to avoid these pitfalls from the start? Read Don’t Just Slap a Logo on It: How to Create Branded Merch People Actually Want.

Need help picking the right decoration method for your next merch run? Let’s talk through your options.