I Saw DTG Killing DTF

Let me make it easy. DTG, or Direct-to-Garment, is like a huge inkjet printer that puts ink right on a T-shirt. No intermediary, no stickers, no transfers. The ink goes right into the fabric fibres, especially cotton, so the design feels like it's part of the garment.

When I first touched a DTG print, it felt velvety, like the shirt had that design on it from the start. No artificial feel, no rough patch, just art and fabric that have melted together.

After crying over bills and ink clogs, I learnt this:

It works best on cotton or mixtures of cotton.

The ink is water-based, which is healthy for the environment and doesn't smell like death.

It generates prints that are sharp and full of detail, like a photo.

It's great for making small batches and bespoke designs that are only made once.

But wow, is it slow. Preparing, curing, and waiting... Every clothing seems to want to be part of a wedding.

What about the machine? Costly. Very pricey, like "sell your car" expensive. When you add in the cost of upkeep, ink, and special sprays, it's like having a pet that needs a lot of money.

I still loved it for the softness, detail, and eco-friendliness that I could brag about to consumers.

Then the DTF Temptation Came

I heard rumours of DTF (Direct-to-Film) while DTG was making me poor but joyful.

It seems like DTF was a renegade. You don't just spray ink on the shirt; you print on a special film first. After that, you powder it, heat it, and then press it onto the shirt.

You can think of it as converting your design into a sticker and then putting it on fabric, but it's much stronger than a sticker.

Here it is:

It will stick to just about anything. Cotton, polyester, mixes, leather, and even some hard surfaces.

What about the colours? Very brilliant. Brave. Very loud. Prints that are right in your face.

For big orders, it's quick. You can print a lot of designs on film and then merely press them.

How much does it cost to start? A lot less expensive than DTG. You can start with a heat press and a film printer.

How long will it last? Good. Washing machines can't handle DTF prints.

But there is always a "but" when it comes to DTF prints. The design is on top of the cloth, so it feels a little elevated or like plastic. Some folks don't care. Some others, including me at first, wanted to wear a sticker.

DTF wins every time if you're printing jerseys, hoodies, or other things for folks who care more about brilliant colours than softness.

The Bare-Knuckle Comparison: DTG vs. DTF

Let me explain the differences in a way that I wish someone had told me before I spent money.

1. Compatibility of materials

The ideal fabric for DTG is cotton. Has trouble with polyester unless it's treated.

DTF is a monster on practically any fabric, even leather and mixes.

2. Quality and feel of the print

DTG is soft, silky, and looks like a snapshot. You can't feel the print.

DTF is bold and sharp, but it feels like plastic with a raised texture.

3. Quickness and Effectiveness

DTG is slow. One shirt at a time, including a pre-treatment.

DTF is quick. Print a lot of designs on film, then bulk press them later.

4. Long-lasting

DTG works well on cotton but not as well on other textiles.

DTF is stronger after washing and wearing every day.

5. Price

DTG costs a lot to start up (printer, pretreatment, and curing). Also, the expense of ink and upkeep is significant.

DTF is cheaper to start and costs less each shirt.

6. Best Use

DTG is for people who like cotton, want tiny, personalised orders, and want creative details.

DTF means big orders, different fabrics, bold designs, and runs that don't cost too much.

When to Pick DTG (From My Painful Lessons)

Choose DTG if:

• You typically print on cotton, like T-shirts, athletic clothing, and linens.
• You want prints that are really delicate and seem like photos.
• You do tiny custom batches or orders that people ask for.
• You don't mind spending extra up front and taking your time.
• You care about inks that are good for the environment and water-based.

I utilised DTG to make birthday shirts, memorial shirts, and really artsy designs where being soft was more important than being fast.

When to Pick DTF (From My Smarter Choices Later)

Go DTF if

• You need to print on a variety of fabrics, such as polyester, mixes, accessories, and even bags.
• You want colours that are vibrant and stay a long time.
• You're making medium to large batches.
• You want to start for less money and make things faster.
• It's okay if prints feel a little stiffer.

When I first started designing sweatshirts, sports jerseys, tote bags, and runners for events where nobody cared about "soft touch," I used DTF. They just wanted something big and strong.

People Always Ask Me Dirty Questions

Which way is preferable for making bespoke T-shirts?

If you want silky, photo-like detail on cotton, use DTG.

DTF is better if you need to be flexible, want a lot of colours, and want to make things cheaper.

Does DTF last longer than DTG?

Yes, especially on garments that are made of different materials. But it feels thicker.

Is there a large variation in price?

Of course. Starting and running a DTG business is expensive. Overall, DTF is less expensive.

What is best for tiny runs?

Both can handle it, but DTG is best for detailed, soft cotton prints. DTF is faster and cheaper per shirt, especially if you don't care how it feels.

My Final Thoughts (After Almost Going Bankrupt)

DTG and DTF are both strong. Both can make your designs appear great. But the best one for you depends on what you need:

If you're an artist who sells personalised cotton shirts one at a time, go with DTG.

If you need to print on a lot of different kinds of materials, or if you run a business that prints a lot of things, go for DTF.

I wish someone had told me this sooner. Instead, I learnt by wasting thousands of dollars, spoiling clothing, and fighting equipment that beeped more than my microwave.

DTG is like dating an artist: it's beautiful, delicate, and costs a lot. DTF is like dating a hustler: it's bold, reliable, and inexpensive, but it may be a little rough around the edges.

Choose wisely. It matters for your bank account and your mental health.