DTF vs DTG: Which Print Method Is Better for Custom Apparel?

When you’re creating custom shirts, hoodies, or merch, one of the biggest questions is: Should you choose DTF or DTG?
Both are popular printing methods, but they’re built for very different needs. Here’s the real breakdown so you can make the best choice for your orders.

What Is DTF?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing uses a specialty printer to print your design onto a film, apply powder adhesive, and then press it onto your garment.

Why people love DTF:

Prints on any fabric (cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, spandex, etc.)

Vibrant colors and sharp details

Amazing durability — no cracking, no peeling

Great for small or big orders

No pretreating needed

Super consistent results

DTF is the most flexible and scalable print method right now, especially for businesses. You can create DTF Gang Sheets of all of your designs

What Is DTG?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) works like a giant inkjet printer, printing directly into the fabric. It’s great technology, but it does have very real limitations.

What to know about DTG:

Best on 100% cotton

Requires pretreating for dark shirts

Fades faster than DTF

Colors aren’t as vibrant

Expensive for large runs

Doesn’t work well on polyester or textured fabrics

DTG shines for soft, vintage-style prints — but it struggles with consistency.

DTF vs DTG: Side-by-Side Comparison

1. Print Quality & Color

DTF: Bold, saturated colors. Works great for high-detail artwork.
DTG: More muted. Sometimes “washed-out,” especially on dark garments.

Winner: DTF

2. Fabric Compatibility

DTF: Cotton, poly, blends, tri-blends, nylon, canvas, leather — basically anything.
DTG: Mostly cotton. Polyester and dark blends are tricky and often look dull.

Winner: DTF

3. Durability

DTF: Extremely durable — doesn’t crack, peel, or fade easily.
DTG: Can fade after multiple washes, especially if under-pretreated or washed wrong.

Winner: DTF

4. Feel on the Garment

DTF: Light, flexible film feel. Soft after first wash.
DTG: Feels like ink soaked into the shirt — very soft when done correctly.

Winner: Tie
(DTG wins on softness only if the print is small and cotton-based.)

5. Production Speed

DTF: Faster. No pretreat. No curing issues.
DTG: Pretreat → Dry → Print → Cure → Hope nothing stains.

Winner: DTF

6. Small vs Large Orders

DTF: Perfect for both — easy for 1 shirt or 1,000.
DTG: Best for 1–10 shirts. Gets slow and expensive for big batches.

Winner: DTF

When Should You Choose DTG Instead?

Even though DTF wins for most jobs, DTG has a few sweet spots:

Vintage, soft-hand prints on 100% cotton

Watercolor or faded-style artwork

Huge prints where you want the ink to breathe into the fabric

Eco-focused brands that prefer water-based ink absorption

If a client wants that “printed into the fabric” feel, DTG can still make sense.

Final Verdict: DTF Is the Most Versatile Option

DTF gives you the best combination of:

Fabric flexibility

Vibrant colors

Durability

Speed

Consistency

Lower cost

And easy scaling for businesses

It’s no surprise that more print shops and clothing brands are switching from DTG to DTF every year. If you want reliable, durable, high-quality prints that work on everything, DTF is the clear winner.