The low-down:

• DTG (Direct-to-Garment):

  • Prints designs directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet printers.

  • Works best on 100% cotton or cotton blends.

  • Produces a soft, natural feel, ideal for complex designs with many colors.

  • Requires pretreatment on dark fabrics.

• DTF (Direct-to-Film):

  • Prints designs onto a film, which is then heat-transferred to the fabric.

  • Works well on a wider variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

  • Provides vibrant colors and a slightly thicker, more durable finish.

  • No pretreatment needed, making it quicker and more versatile.

Both methods offer high-quality printing, but the choice depends on fabric type, durability, and design complexity.

Which method should I choose?

• Choose DTF if your artwork has less printing area and you are looking for a more vibrant look.

• Choose DTG if your artwork is larger and you are looking for a more comfortable feel.

Still not sure?  Order samples of each print technique to compare the difference!

Pros and Cons

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

 Pros:

• Versatility on Fabrics
• Durability
• Vibrant Colors

DTF can be applied on a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and more.  It works well on both light and dark fabrics without special pre-treatment (the box you typically see on non white shirts from DTG printing).  Transfers are more durable and more resistant to washing than DTG ink, making the prints last longer, especially with proper application. Colors have excellent color vibrancy, especially for darker fabrics.

Cons:

• Required heat press after printing
• Feel on fabric
• Equipment Cost

DTF requires an additional heat press step after printing the design onto the film, making it a bit more time-consuming compared to DTG’s direct approach.  The transfer can feel slightly thicker and less "natural" on the fabric compared to DTG. This can be less comfortable for some customers, particularly for larger prints.  Larger prints feel like a giant sticker on the shirt, preventing the material from breathing.  Considered less comfortable than DTG.  The film process requires a heat press in addition to the DTF printer and powder applicator, which adds to the overall equipment investment.

 

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

Pros:

• Soft Feel
• Ideal for low production runs
• Eco-Friendly

DTG prints directly onto the fabric, resulting in a softer and more natural feel.  The ink becomes part of the fabric, making it comfortable to wear.  Larger prints go un-noticed due to material breathability.  Great for small orders and custom designs, as it doesn't require as much set up as DTF.  Water-based inks are generally more environmentally friendly compared to plastisol inks used in other printing methods.

Cons:

• Limited Fabric Types
• Pretreatment Required
• Less Durable
• Higher Cost for Dark Garments
• Color saturation

Direct to garment works best on cotton or high-cotton content fabrics. It struggles with synthetic fabrics like polyester.  DTG requires pretreatment on dark fabrics, which adds time and costs to the process.  The pretreatment can be seen as a box when the customer gets the shirt, but this box will wash out on the first wash. The prints may not be as durable after multiple washes compared to other methods like DTF.  Printing on dark garments consumes more ink and requires pretreatment, which increases costs.  DTG prints may have less vibrancy on dark fabrics, and some colors can appear muted due to the base fabric fibers being exposed through the printed area after they setting and move.

 

Why Choose DTG Printing Over Screen Printing?

• Unlimited Color Options: DTG printing isn't limited by the number of colors in your design—so feel free to go all out with those vibrant, detailed graphics.
• No Minimum Order Quantity: Perfect for one-off prints or small batches, DTG printing allows you to order just one shirt if that’s all you need, without the high upfront costs.
• Affordable for Small Runs: With DTG, you can avoid the large upfront investment required for screen printing. Order only what you need—no unsold inventory taking up space!

DTG Printing is a newer method where your artwork is processed by a computer and then printed directly onto the fabric of your shirt. The ink is directly absorbed into the fibers of the garment, becoming a part of the fabric itself. This method allows for detailed, full-color designs and is great for smaller quantities or one-off pieces.

Screen Printing involves creating a stencil (called a "screen") and applying layers of ink through the stencil onto the shirt. Each color requires its own screen, which is applied one at a time to build the final design. This method is ideal for simple, high-volume orders due to its cost efficiency with large quantities but is limited in color and detail.