PRINTING GUIDE

DTG vs DTF Printing: What’s the Difference?

DTG and DTF are two of the most popular ways to print custom clothing. Both can produce full-colour designs from just one item, but they suit different garments, designs and uses.

What is DTG printing?

DTG stands for Direct to Garment. The design is printed directly onto the fabric using specialised textile inks, a bit like an inkjet printer designed for clothing.

DTG works best on garments with a high cotton content and is a great choice for detailed, full-colour artwork and photographic designs.

What is DTF printing?

DTF stands for Direct to Film. The design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive and then heat pressed onto the garment.

DTF works on a wider range of fabrics, including cotton and many synthetic garments, and is particularly useful for items that are less suitable for DTG printing.

DTG vs DTF at a glance

	DTG	DTF
Best fabrics	High-cotton garments	Cotton, polyester and many blends
Minimum quantity	1 item	1 item
Full-colour designs	Yes	Yes
Photographic detail	Excellent	Excellent
Feel of the print	Softer and more breathable	More noticeable on the fabric
Good for synthetic garments	Limited	Yes
Sleeves and tricky print positions	More limited	Often a better option

When is DTG the better choice?

DTG is often the best option when:

your garment has a high cotton content
you want a softer, more breathable print
your design contains lots of colours, gradients or photographic detail
you only need a small quantity

When is DTF the better choice?

DTF is often better when:

your garment is polyester, a blend or another fabric that does not suit DTG
you want to print on sleeves or other more difficult positions
your garment has a heavier or trickier fabric
you need a durable full-colour print on a wider range of products

Which one lasts longer?

Both DTG and DTF can produce durable prints when printed and cared for properly. The best method depends more on the garment, artwork and intended use than simply choosing one method because it is “stronger”.

For the best results, wash printed garments inside out in cold water, avoid tumble drying and do not iron directly over the print.

Which printing method should I choose?

You do not always need to decide yourself. At Digitees, the right method depends on the product you choose, the fabric, your artwork and where the design is being printed.

If both methods are suitable, DTG is often preferred when a softer print is important, while DTF gives us more flexibility across different fabrics and print positions.