DTF vs DTG: Which Printing Method Is Right for Your Order?

DTF and DTG are the two methods we reach for most when a design has more colours than screen printing can handle economically. They look similar in a photo, but they are built on completely different processes — and that difference decides which one suits your order.

How each one works

DTG (Direct to Garment) prints water-based ink straight onto the fabric, much like an inkjet printer prints onto paper. The ink soaks into the fibres, so the design becomes part of the garment.

DTF (Direct to Film) prints the design onto a transfer film, coats it with adhesive powder, cures it, and then heat-presses it onto the garment. The design sits as a very thin layer on top of the fabric.

Where DTG wins

• Softness. Because the ink sinks into the fibres, there is almost nothing to feel. On a premium cotton tee, a DTG print is the closest thing to no print at all.
• Photographic detail. Fine gradients, skin tones and soft shadows reproduce beautifully.
• Breathability. Nothing blocks the weave, which matters for large prints on summer garments.

The catch is fabric. DTG needs cotton — ideally 100%, and at minimum a high-cotton blend. On polyester it simply will not hold properly.

Where DTF wins

• Any fabric. Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, canvas bags, caps — if it survives a heat press, DTF will stick to it.
• Dark garments. The white ink layer is printed and cured on film, so colours stay bright on black without the pre-treatment DTG needs.
• Mixed orders. One sheet of transfers can cover different garment types and colours in the same run.
• Small quantities. There are no screens to make, so a single piece costs the same to set up as fifty.

The trade-off is feel. A DTF print has a slight film-like surface, most noticeable on a large solid block of colour.

A simple way to choose

• 100% cotton tees, photographic artwork, softest possible finish → DTG
• Polyester or blended sportswear → DTF
• Dark garments with bright colours → DTF
• Bags, caps or mixed fabric types in one order → DTF
• Very large front print on a light cotton shirt → DTG

Still not sure?

Send us the artwork and tell us the garment you have in mind. We will tell you honestly which method suits it — and if a different method would give you a better result for the same budget, we will say so.