Looking for Los Angeles DTG printing for custom tees, merch or one-of-a-kind gifts? At Ninja Stitch, our Downtown LA shop offers direct-to-garment printing alongside our other printing and embroidery services, so we can match every project with the right method. Here’s how DTG works, where it shines and what to expect when you order.
What Is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-garment printing, or DTG, is a type of printing method in which ink is sprayed onto the garment. Ink goes through and soaks into the fibers of the garment, much like printing on paper.
Because the printer works from a digital file, there are no screens or plates to make, and the design can even change from one garment to the next. Dark garments are pretreated first so a white underbase can keep the colors bright.
Advantages of DTG Over Screen Printing
DTG printing offers a number of advantages over other methods, such as screen printing. First, DTG printing is less labor-intensive, as there is no need to set up and tear down screens for each print job. Second, DTG printing allows for more color variations and gradations, as each garment can be individually printed with different colors. Finally, DTG printing generally results in a softer feel on the garment, as the ink soaks into the material fibers instead of sitting on top of them. Here’s more on how DTG delivers vibrant, soft, detailed prints.
If you are searching for a printing method that involves less labor and fewer set-ups, direct to garment printing, or DTG, may be the best option for you. With DTG, there is no need to set up screens for each print job as each garment can be individually printed with different colors. This printing method also allows for more color variations and gradations. DTG is generally best suited for small batches and one-off prints, while screen printing is often more cost-effective for larger orders. At Ninja Stitch in LA, we offer both, so we can recommend the method that saves you the most on each order.
What We Print with DTG in Los Angeles
DTG is at its best on cotton garments and colorful, detailed artwork. Around LA, customers use it for:
- Custom T-shirts: full-color designs on soft cotton tees, from one-offs to short runs.
- Photo and art prints: photographs, illustrations and paintings with smooth gradients.
- Small-batch merch: limited drops for creators, bands, studios and local brands.
- Personalized gifts: names, dates and photos for birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations.
- Event and reunion shirts: full-color designs for small groups, family reunions and milestone parties.
- Restaurant and café merch: short runs of full-color tees to sell at the counter.
- Clothing line samples: prototypes for photo shoots, buyers and pop-ups before a bigger production run.
How to Order DTG Printing
- Send your artwork: a high-resolution PNG, ideally 300 DPI at print size with a transparent background.
- Choose your garment: 100% cotton gives the brightest, softest results.
- Approve your proof: you’ll see a digital proof of the design and placement before anything is printed.
- Printing and curing: the garment is pretreated if needed, printed, and heat pressed to cure the ink.
Why Choose Ninja Stitch for DTG in Los Angeles
- Every method under one roof: DTG, DTF, screen printing and embroidery, so we can recommend what actually fits your design, fabric and budget.
- Help choosing blanks: we’ll point you to cotton garments that print beautifully and fit your budget.
- Design help when you need it: our graphic design team can prepare or refine your artwork.
- Honest recommendations: if another method will look better or cost less, we’ll tell you.
- Local and trusted: we’re based in Downtown LA, and our customers rate us highly on Google.
Caring for DTG-Printed Apparel
A few simple habits keep DTG prints bright and soft for the long haul:
- Wash inside out in cold water: this protects the print from friction and fading.
- Use a mild detergent: skip bleach and harsh additives.
- Dry low or hang dry: high heat is one of the biggest threats to a long-lasting print.
- Don’t iron the print: if the shirt needs pressing, iron it inside out.
DTG or DTF? Choosing the Right Method
DTG and DTF both handle full-color artwork, but they suit different jobs. DTG gives the softest feel on cotton tees, while DTF printing in Los Angeles covers polyester, blends and accessories, packs many designs onto one 23″ x 36″ gang sheet and produces ready-to-press transfers. DTF has no minimums, and orders in by 1 PM can be printed the same day. See our DTF vs. DTG vs. screen printing comparison for the full picture.
Direct-to-Garment Printing FAQs
What are some benefits of direct to garment printing?
Some benefits of direct to garment (DTG) printing include a quicker turnaround time, less labor intensive set-up, ability to print with more color variations and gradations, and often resulting in a softer feel on the garment.
How does direct to garment printing work?
Ink is sprayed onto the garment in direct to garment (DTG) printing. The ink then soaks into the fibers of the garment, much like printing on paper. This type of printing method is often used for printing one-offs as there is very little setup time required.
What are the major differences between DTG and screen printing?
The main difference between DTG and screen printing is that DTG printing is less labor intensive, as there is no need to set up and tear down screens for each print job. Screen printing generally requires greater setup time but may be more cost effective for large orders.
What are some disadvantages of direct to garment printing?
Some disadvantages of direct to garment printing include the potential for ink runs and smudges, as well as the possibility of colors fading over time. Additionally, DTG prints may not be as durable as those from other methods such as screen printing. But these issues are not typical from modern machines such as the ones we use at Ninja Stitch.
Ready to bring your design to life? Request a DTG printing quote and our team will help you choose the right garment and print method for your project.
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