DTG – DIRECT TO GARMENT

DTG – DIRECT TO GARMENT

DTG printing is a technique for printing directly onto clothing – primarily cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts – using a special inkjet printer. A DTG printer works similarly to a home printer, but uses fabric as the substrate instead of paper.

What makes DTG printing unique?

  • direct-to-fabric printing – ink penetrates the fabric structure
  • eco-friendly
  • ideal for multi-color graphics – ideal for printing photos, tonal transitions, and shaded element
  • no need to prepare a matrix – can print from just one piece
  • soft to the touch – the print is not “thick” like with foil or screen printing

Advantages of DTG printing

  • excellent quality, high resolution
  • personalization possible – printing single pieces
  • eco-friendly water-based inks
  • no color restrictions

Disadvantages of DTG printing

  • works best on 100% cotton
  • less durable than screen printing when washed frequently
  • less cost-effective for large quantities

COMPARISON: DTG VS. SCREEN PRINTING VS. DTF

PRINTING TECHNIQUE
DTG
(DIRECT TO GARMENT)
SILKPRINTING
DTF
(DIRECT TO FILM)
minimum quantiy
1 piece
minimum 100 pieces
1 piece
unit cost
higher for smaller quantities
lower for higher quantities
medium
quality of the colours
Very good, photographic
very good, vivid colours
very good, high sharpness
print durability
average- good
very durable (washing resistant)
good- very good
trinting time
fast
longer ( preparation of the screens)
fast ( after preparation of the film)