This is a practical question I get a lot from people who care about print quality:
“Are Hellstar graphics screen printed, or are they some cheaper digital print?”
I’ve worked with garment printing methods for streetwear brands, and Hellstar’s look is strongly tied to traditional screen printing, not fast-fashion transfers.
Here’s the clear answer, plus how to tell what print method you’re actually getting.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- What Print Methods Hellstar Uses
- How to Tell Screen Print vs DTG or Heat Transfer
- Why Hellstar Favors Screen Printing
- Print Durability: What to Expect Over Time
- Screen Print vs Other Methods (Comparison Table)
- Care Tips to Make Hellstar Prints Last
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Internal Reference
Quick Answer
Yes—Hellstar graphics are primarily screen printed, often with high-density or layered ink for texture and durability.
This is one reason Hellstar prints feel thicker and more tactile than cheap fast-fashion prints.
What Print Methods Hellstar Uses
From inspection of multiple drops and production patterns, Hellstar typically uses:
- Traditional screen printing
- High-density plastisol ink
- Occasional layered or puff effects
You won’t usually see:
- Cheap heat-transfer vinyl
- Thin DTG prints that fade quickly

The brand leans toward craft methods that match its heavy garment feel.
How to Tell Screen Print vs DTG or Heat Transfer
Use these simple checks:
- Screen print: You can feel raised ink; edges are crisp
- DTG: Ink sinks into fabric; surface feels flat
- Heat transfer: Plastic-like layer; edges may lift
Most authentic Hellstar pieces have a noticeable ink layer you can feel with your fingers.
Why Hellstar Favors Screen Printing
From a brand perspective, screen printing offers:
- Strong color saturation
- Better durability on heavyweight fabrics
- More control over texture and contrast
- A handcrafted feel that suits Hellstar’s aesthetic
Streetwear coverage from Hypebeast and Highsnobiety often notes that premium streetwear brands stick to screen printing for impact and longevity.
Print Durability: What to Expect Over Time
With proper care, Hellstar screen prints:
- Crack slowly over time (a natural patina)
- Fade less than DTG prints
- Retain boldness longer

Improper washing (hot water, high heat drying) accelerates cracking.
Screen Print vs Other Methods (Comparison Table)
| Method | Feel | Durability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen print | Raised, tactile | High | Hellstar, premium streetwear |
| DTG | Flat, soft | Medium | Fast fashion, photo prints |
| Heat transfer | Plastic layer | Low–Medium | Cheap merch |
Care Tips to Make Hellstar Prints Last
- Wash inside out
- Use cold water
- Avoid high heat drying
- Don’t iron directly on prints
These steps preserve ink elasticity and color.
FAQ
Do all Hellstar pieces use screen printing?
Most do, though special effects may vary by drop.
Is screen printing better than DTG?
For bold streetwear graphics and durability, yes.
Can fake Hellstar also be screen printed?
Sometimes—but print texture and ink quality are often poorer.
Conclusion
So—is Hellstar screen printed?
Yes. Hellstar primarily uses screen printing to achieve its bold, durable graphics.
That print method is part of why the brand’s visuals feel heavy, intentional, and long-lasting.
Internal Reference
If you’re producing streetwear and choosing between DTG, heat transfer, and screen printing, understanding how each method affects feel and durability matters.
Explore how professional print techniques are selected at
👉 fukiapparel
Because in streetwear,
print quality is part of the brand identity.
