DTG Printing vs DTF Printing: Which Method is Most Profitable for Custom Apparel in 2026?
In the competitive custom apparel world, choosing between DTG (direct-to-garment) and DTF (direct-to-film) printing can make or break your profitability – with DTF often emerging as the winner. It has a blazing speed (100-300 transfers/hour), fabric versatility (cotton to poly-spandex blends), and low-maintenance edge that slashes costs on t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms, and promos.
While DTG delivers soft, vibrant results on natural fibers for short runs, its pretreatment hassles and slower output limit scalability; here's the full breakdown to help you decide.
After that, we’ll compare them side by side to understand their technical differences and how each one works.
Following this, we'll look at the different items and materials you can customize with these methods, and how durable and washable the prints are.
All this to answer a simple question: ‘’Which one's better?’’
To find an accurate answer, we’ll go over all the details-from our earlier points to labor requirements, costs, pros and cons, target markets, customer preferences, and which printing method is best for your business.
So strap in and buckle up for what should be an educational and insightful read.
DTF & DTG: What are They and When Do You Use Each?
Let’s refresh our memories and take a look back at what DTF and DTG are. What’s the difference between the two, and when do you use each? What are their primary uses and applications?
DTG: Basically, the acronym DTG is short for direct-to-garment printing. Just like the name hints, this printing method directly sprays your design (with water-based inks) onto textiles using specialized inkjet technology.
Now, we all know what that means: we no longer need transfer paper, films, or powder.
Hooray for you if you've already switched to this method and bought a printer like the DTG G4! It's ideal for short-run (up to 100 or more) garments with designs that contain multiple colors or variable data.
You can print on black or dark polyesters, cotton, and blends, as well as whites. It’s perfect for printing on the front, back, sleeves, collars, or shirt tags.
DTF: Two of the three letters in this printing method are identical to the previous, which can make it easy to mistake the two for one another.
However, the difference in DTF is that your design is first printed onto a special PET (polyethylene terephthalate) transfer film, which is then transferred onto the garment using timed heat and pressure.
That’s where the ‘direct-to-film’ name comes from.
This process requires only a few ingredients: the ink and a thin coating of powdered adhesive. This combination results in a soft-touch finish for DTF prints.
You can use DTF transfers on various types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. For instance, with a DigitalHeat FX DTF printer, you can produce between 100 and 300 large shirt front transfers per hour.
If you think about that, that's basically hundreds of garments that you can decorate or transfers that you can store for later use, or sell online.
That, in essence, explains what DTF and DTG printing are, their main technical differences, and when to use each method.
Now, let's go one layer deeper into how they work.
Looking for more information? Tap on the thumbnail image above to read another article.
Understanding How DTF and DTG Printing Works
We've created a detailed comparison of how DTF and DTG printing work to help you better understand the mechanics and workflow of these methods.
The video demonstrations below are just a few minutes each and take you behind the scenes, from design to print and to the final press.
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing Process
Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing Process
So, how was it? Did you watch the video demonstrations? Nearly everyone can learn something from them!
We hope you're keeping up with us. If you've taken in everything we've laid out, you should now know what DTF and DTG printing is, the difference between the two, and how and when to use each one.
So, let's just keep up this momentum and explore the range of materials and substrates that can be used with these printing methods.
A Compatibility Guide for Substrates & Materials
In this section, let’s run you through some of the substrates and materials that are compatible with each of the printing methods.
We’ll start with DTF first, and once you’ve gone through that, we’ll move on to DTG. The idea here is to give you a good understanding of which materials work best with each method and which ones you could select for your projects.
Besides, we hope to give you a few creative ideas for customization and show you the kinds of things you can create.
Substrates and Materials for Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing:
Fabrics:
- Combed Cotton
- Ring Spun Cotton
- Organic Cotton
- Polyesters
- Blended Fabrics
- Poly-Cottons
- Tri-Blends
- Polyester-Spandex
Ideas for Customization:
- T-Shirts
- Brand Tags
- Polos
- Sweatshirts & Sweatpants
- Backpacks
- Aprons
- Flags
- Sports Uniforms
- Company Dress Shirts
- Running Shorts
- Fishing & Boating Shirts
Substrates and Materials for Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing
Fabrics:
- 100% Cotton
- Cotton Blends
- Natural Fibers
- Light Polyester
- Rayon
- Bamboo and Hemp Fabrics
- Linen
- Lycra
Ideas for Customization:
- Shirt Tags
- Sleeve Prints
- Collar Prints
- Canvas
- T-Shirts
- Hoodies
- Jeans
- Sportswear
- Corporate Workwear
- Tote Bags
- Aprons
- Baby Clothes
- Pillowcases
- Towels
- Blankets
These (and not just these) are some of the textile items that work particularly well with both DTF and DTG printing.
However, keep in mind that each material may have its own unique properties, so there are many variables at play when it comes to achieving optimal results. Factors such as fabric composition, weave, weight, and any pretreatment applied can significantly impact the final outcome.
Additionally, the settings used on your DTG or DTF printer and the curing process play crucial roles in determining the quality and durability of the print.
Understanding these variables and how they interact with one another is key to mastering the art of textile printing.
Now that we've covered the basics of different materials and explained how DTF (Direct-to-Film) and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing work—along with their key differences and best uses—let’s focus on how long these prints last and the quality you can expect from each method.
Durability and Washability of DTG Prints & DTF Transfers
Previously, we discussed which substrates and materials are ideal for DTF and DTG printing and gave a few customization ideas.
While we're here, let's take a look at the real-world durability (and washability) of DTG and DTF prints.
DTG Prints
Durability & Washability: With proper care, direct-to-garment (DTG) prints can last for many years and numerous wash cycles without significant fading, cracking, or noticeable wear.
To keep your prints looking fresh and vibrant, start by selecting a fabric that holds prints well. Always turn your garments inside out before washing to protect the print.
If ironing is needed, make sure to iron the garment inside out and use low heat. Avoid folding directly over the print to prevent creases that can cause cracking. When storing your garments, keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and heat damage.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your DTG prints remain in great condition for a long time.
DTF Prints
Durability & Washability: Generally speaking, DTF prints can handle a wider range of fabrics and they are less sensitive to fabric type variations.
What does this mean for durability and washability?
It means DTF prints are more durable because the ink and adhesive used create a strong bond with the fabric. This strong bond helps the print endure multiple washes without significant fading, peeling, or cracking.
In fact, DTF prints often outlast DTG (direct-to-garment) prints in everyday use.
If you have any more questions, you might find answers in this top 10 questions about DTG article.
Cost Analysis: DTF vs. DTG Printing—Which Method Offers Better Value and Profitability?
It's time to pull all the facts together and form our final opinion: Which is better, DTF or DTG? Which method offers better value and profitability?
Answering this isn’t straightforward, as it raises several questions. There are a few key factors to consider before deciding on one method over the other.
So, let’s take a look at them:
1. Cost of Equipment and Supplies
DTG Printing: Prices can vary significantly depending on the brand, make, model, and how the kit is sold. Generally, DTG printers range from $10,000 to over $50,000. However, you might find better deals during major sales or holiday seasons.
DTF Printing: Prices for DTF printers, like those for DTG printers, can vary significantly depending on the model. For an entry-level option, you can find the DigitalHeat FX DTF-12H2 priced at around $14,995. A mid-range model usually costs about $21,495, while a premium model like the DTF 24H4 is priced at $31,495 as of this article’s publication.
2. Production Speed and Efficiency
DTG Printing: Each garment needs to be printed individually, which can be slower compared to DTF, especially for complex designs.
DTF Printing: Often faster for production since you can pre-print designs on film and apply them as needed. This can be advantageous for bulk orders. Additionally, you can store the DTF transfers for later use or sell them online.
3. Product Type and Material
DTG Printing: Best suited for 100% cotton fabrics. While it can work on blends and natural fibers, the results may not be as vibrant or durable.
DTF Printing: Works well on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
4. Print Feel and Texture
DTG Printing: The ink is absorbed into the fabric, resulting in a softer and more natural feel that blends well with the material.
DTF Printing: The film used in DTF printing can create a slightly heavier and more textured feel on the garment. Some people prefer this, while others might find it less desirable.
5. Maintenance and Operation
DTG Printing: Requires regular maintenance to keep the printer in good working condition. Ink clogs and print head maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.
DTF Printing: Typically requires less maintenance compared to DTG printers. The process involves less frequent cleaning and fewer issues with clogging.
> Ready to Upgrade? Buy DTF & DTG Printers Here! <
For one-on-one help, simply call 877-793-3278 or live chat with one of our pros!
