DTG vs DTF: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

If you're dipping your toes into the world of printing, it's easy for all the acronyms and techniques to sound like alphabet soup. DTG, DTF, sublimation, vinyl...the list goes on! And the real question is...where do you even begin?

The great news is we are here to help you break it all down in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at it for a while, knowing the difference between popular print methods like DTG (Direct to Garment) and DTF (Direct to Film) can really help you make the best choice for your business or hobby.

Let’s take a closer look at DTG, how it works, and how it compares to DTF. Plus, we’re answering some of the questions we hear all the time from people just trying to figure out which print method actually works best for their setup.

What Is DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing?

DTG stands for Direct to Garment, and the name says it all: your design is printed directly onto the fabric using a specialty inkjet printer and water-based inks.

Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

• You create your digital design.
• The fabric is pre-treated (more on that later).
• The printer sprays the design right onto the garment, kind of like how a regular inkjet printer works, but on a t-shirt instead of paper.
• The garment is heat-cured to set the ink.

The result? A super soft finish that feels like it’s part of the fabric, not sitting on top of it.

How Is DTG Different from DTF?

If you’re familiar with DTF (Direct to Film), it might seem similar at first—but the processes are quite different.

DTG uses water-based inks that soak into the fabric. It’s ideal for cotton garments because the fibers absorb the ink and give a clean, vibrant look. On the other hand, DTF prints onto a film and then uses a heat press to transfer the design to the fabric, which can work better for synthetic materials or items that DTG doesn’t love (like polyester).

DTG Printing Pros and Cons

Like any print method, DTG has its pros and cons.

✅ Pros:

• Soft Feel: Since the ink soaks into the fabric, there’s no raised or plasticky texture.
• High Detail: Great for complex, full-color designs and photo-quality images.
• No Transfer Needed: It’s a one step print and cure process (no peeling film required).

❌ Cons:

• Fabric Limitation: Works best on 100% cotton or cotton-heavy blends.
• Upfront Investment: DTG printers can be pricey, and maintenance is a must.
• Slower Production: Not ideal for large-scale runs unless you have commercial equipment.

FAQs About DTG Printing

Let’s answer some common questions we get from creators looking to figure out if DTG is their best option.

1. What kind of garments work best for DTG printing?

DTG shines on 100% cotton t-shirts, hoodies, and fabric-based items. You can sometimes get away with a cotton/poly blend, but you’ll want a higher cotton percentage (like 80/20) for the best results. Synthetic fabrics like polyester don’t absorb water-based inks as well, which means dull colors and poor wash durability.

2. Do I need to pre-treat garments for DTG printing?

Yes—pretreatment is crucial for most DTG jobs, especially when printing on darker garments. It helps the ink bond with the fabric and keeps white ink from soaking in or bleeding. Without pretreat, the colors won’t pop, and the design might not hold up in the wash.

3. Is DTG printing beginner-friendly?

Kind of! The concept is simple, but DTG equipment requires maintenance and proper technique. You’ll need to know how to pretreat garments, manage color profiles, and keep your printer in top shape. If you’re brand new to apparel printing, DTF might be a bit more forgiving to start with.

4. How does DTG printing hold up in the wash?

Pretty well—as long as the garment is pre-treated properly and cured correctly. DTG prints won’t peel or crack like vinyl might. Since the ink is absorbed into the fabric, it can last through dozens of washes, especially on cotton.

5. Can I do DTG printing at home?

You can—but you’ll need a dedicated setup. DTG printers are a big investment and often require controlled temperature and humidity for best results. It’s totally doable, especially if you’re looking to scale a business, but you’ll want to research the equipment thoroughly.

Is DTG Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to tell if DTG printing might be your jam:

Choose DTG if:

• You’re printing on cotton and want a super soft feel.
• You love printing detailed, colorful artwork.
• You’re aiming to start or scale a business and want professional results.

Skip DTG for now if:

• You mostly print on polyester or non-fabric items.
• You want a low-maintenance, starter-friendly option.
• You’re not quite ready to commit to the cost of a commercial DTG printer.

So, What Do We Use at Colorisse?

At Colorisse, we focus on DTF printing supplies because they offer flexibility for a wide range of creators. We love that you can apply DTF transfers to cotton, blends, and even polyester—without the high-maintenance gear that DTG requires. And sublimation? It’s a rockstar for mugs, tumblers, and anything coated for heat printing.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not cheering on our DTG community. It’s a beautiful method when done right, and if you're already in the DTG game, we’re here to support you with other creative supplies to keep your projects flowing.

Still unsure what’s right for your project? Reach out—we love chatting with makers and helping you find the supplies and solutions that keep your creativity rolling.