Screen Print

Screen printing (also called silk screening) is a printing technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric, with stencils blocking areas that shouldn't receive ink. Each color requires a separate screen, making multi-color designs more expensive but producing bold, opaque results. Screen printing has been streetwear's primary decoration method since the culture's origins—Stussy's early tees, Supreme's box logos, countless band shirts. Quality screen prints last for years, developing slight cracking that many consider desirable patina. The technique produces thicker ink deposits than digital methods, creating texture you can feel. Properly cured screen prints should withstand hundreds of washes. Streetwear brands choose screen printing for its durability, vibrancy, and historical authenticity. Understanding print quality involves examining ink coverage, color registration (alignment), and curing—undercooked prints wash out quickly. While digital printing has improved, serious streetwear enthusiasts often prefer the traditional screen-printed feel.