Direct-to-garment printing, better known as DTG printing, is a digital way to put full-color artwork on apparel. Instead of pushing ink through screens or pressing a transfer, a DTG printer applies ink straight onto the garment, much like an inkjet printer prints on paper. If you’ve ever wondered what DTG printing is and whether it’s right for your shirts, this guide covers the basics.
A Quick History of DTG Printing
Direct-to-garment printing first emerged in the 1990s and became commercially available around 2005. Since then, printers, inks and pretreatments have improved dramatically, turning DTG into a mainstream option for custom apparel, online shops and short production runs.
How DTG Printing Works
- Artwork preparation. Your design is prepared as a high-resolution digital file and sized for the garment.
- Pretreatment. Dark garments are pretreated so the ink bonds properly and a white underbase can sit beneath the colors.
- Printing. The garment is loaded onto a platen, and the printer applies water-based inks directly into the fabric.
- Curing. Heat cures the ink, setting the print so it’s ready to wear and wash.
Because the ink soaks into the fibers, a DTG print feels soft and you barely notice it when you touch the fabric. That makes DTG ideal for crisp, detailed designs, logos and even photographs.
What Fabrics Work Best for DTG?
DTG performs best on natural fibers, especially 100% cotton and high-cotton blends. The water-based inks are designed to bond with cotton, which gives the brightest colors and the softest feel. Polyester, nylon and other synthetics are a poor match for DTG, so for those fabrics, DTF transfers or screen printing are usually the better choice.
The Benefits of DTG Printing
- Unlimited colors and fine detail. Screen printing needs a separate screen for every color, while DTG prints the full design in one pass, so gradients, shading and photographs reproduce well.
- Cost-effective for small quantities. With very little setup, DTG makes sense for one-offs, samples and short runs where screen printing setup costs would be hard to justify.
- Works on light and dark garments. With pretreatment and a white underbase, DTG prints on black and colored shirts as well as white ones.
- Easy personalization. Every shirt can carry a different design, which is perfect for names, limited drops and one-of-a-kind gifts.
- A soft, breathable print. Water-based inks become part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Large runs: each shirt takes time on the printer, so for big orders of a simple design, screen printing is usually more economical.
- Fabric choice: results are best on cotton, and synthetics are better served by other methods.
- Specialty effects: metallic, puff and glow-in-the-dark looks are better handled by screen printing with specialty inks.
- Care: DTG prints last longest when washed inside out in cold water and dried on low heat.
How to Prepare Artwork for DTG
Great DTG prints start with great files. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Use high resolution. Aim for 300 DPI at the final print size so details stay sharp.
- Send a PNG with a transparent background. Anything that isn’t transparent, including a white box around your design, may print.
- Watch your contrast. Very dark artwork on a dark shirt can get lost, so add outlines or brighter tones where needed.
- Size it for the shirt. A full-front print on an adult tee is usually about 10 to 12 inches wide, and a left-chest logo about 3 to 4 inches.
How to Care for DTG-Printed Garments
- Turn the garment inside out and wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can dull the print.
- Tumble dry on low or hang to dry.
- Never iron directly on the print. If you need to iron, turn the garment inside out.
DTG vs. DTF: Which Digital Method Should You Choose?
DTG and DTF (direct-to-film) are both digital, full-color methods, but they work differently. DTF prints your design onto a transfer film first and then heat presses it onto the garment, so it isn’t limited to cotton and handles polyester, blends and accessories too. Ninja Stitch’s DTF printing in Los Angeles comes on 23″ x 36″ gang sheets with no minimums, and orders in by 1 PM can be printed the same day. For a side-by-side look, read DTF vs. DTG vs. screen printing.
Who Uses DTG Printing?
DTG is popular with online stores that print on demand, artists and photographers who want their work on apparel, small businesses testing new designs, and event organizers who need a short run of highly detailed shirts. If your project involves lots of colors and modest quantities, DTG is worth a look. Curious why so many brands have switched? Here is why DTG printing has taken off.
What Can You Print with DTG?
DTG is most commonly used for T-shirts and sweatshirts, but it also works well on tote bags and other cotton items. Local businesses can also see what our Los Angeles DTG team offers. Popular projects include:
- Custom T-shirts with photos, illustrations or detailed artwork
- Small-batch merch for creators, bands and pop-up shops
- Personalized gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces
- Samples and test runs before a larger order
DTG Printing FAQs
Is DTG printing durable?
Yes, when the garment is properly pretreated, printed and cured. Washing inside out in cold water and avoiding high dryer heat helps the colors stay vibrant over time.
Is DTG good for a single shirt?
It’s one of the best options for single pieces and small batches, because there are no screens to set up. Share your design and quantity with our team for a quote.
Can DTG print on hoodies and tote bags?
Yes, as long as the item is cotton or a high-cotton blend and can lie flat on the printer. Thick seams, zippers and pockets can limit where a design is placed.
Can DTG print photographs?
Yes. Because it prints in full color with fine detail, DTG can reproduce photographs and complex artwork that would be impractical to screen print.
Ready to print your next design? Explore our DTG printing services or contact Ninja Stitch to talk through your project.
Related reading: