Guides
November 4, 2025
Choosing between DTF and DTG printing for your business? Discover which method delivers better results for detailed designs and small orders.
Share:
Summary:
Direct-to-garment printing works exactly like your office inkjet printer, except it prints directly onto fabric using specialized water-based inks. The printer applies ink straight to the garment, where natural fibers absorb it for a soft, integrated feel.
DTG shines when you need highly detailed designs with multiple colors or photographic elements. Think intricate logos with gradients, employee headshots, or complex artwork that would be impossible to recreate with traditional screen printing on shirts. The technology excels at reproducing fine details that other methods struggle with.
This method works best on 100% cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. The natural fibers absorb the water-based inks effectively, creating prints that feel like part of the shirt rather than sitting on top of it.
DTG printing cost per shirt varies significantly based on garment color and design complexity. Light-colored shirts typically cost 10-20 cents in ink per print, while dark garments require a white underbase layer that increases ink costs to 75-85 cents per shirt. Add pretreatment costs of about 50 cents per shirt for dark colors.
Manhattan, NY’s premium market allows for higher pricing. While custom DTG printing Long Island shirts might sell for $15-20 in smaller markets, Manhattan, NY businesses can charge $25-50 or more, especially for corporate clients and events.
Production speed depends on design complexity and garment preparation. Simple designs on light shirts print in about 2-3 minutes, while complex designs on dark shirts requiring pretreatment can take 8-10 minutes per piece. We can produce 6-12 shirts per hour depending on the job requirements.
The real advantage comes with no setup costs and no minimum orders. You can profitably print a single shirt or handle rush orders of 10-20 pieces without the overhead that makes small screen printing jobs uneconomical. This flexibility makes DTG perfect for last-minute corporate events, personalized gifts, or testing new designs before larger production runs.
DTG prints integrate directly into fabric fibers, creating an incredibly soft feel that’s comfortable against skin. The water-based inks become part of the garment rather than sitting on top, which means no thick, plasticky layer that some printing methods create.
Print quality excels with detailed designs and photographic images. DTG can reproduce subtle color gradients, fine text, and intricate artwork that would be impossible or extremely expensive with screen printing on shirts. The CMYK color process allows for unlimited colors in a single design without additional costs.
Durability varies based on fabric type and care. DTG prints on 100% cotton typically last 30-50 wash cycles before showing noticeable fading. Proper care—washing inside out in cold water and avoiding harsh detergents—can extend print life significantly.
However, DTG generally doesn’t match the longevity of screen printing or DTF for high-wear applications. The soft hand feel comes with trade-offs. While prints feel great initially, they may not withstand the same level of abuse as other methods. For corporate uniforms or items that see heavy daily use, consider whether the superior comfort justifies potentially shorter lifespan compared to more durable alternatives.
Want live answers?
Connect with a L1 Print expert for fast, friendly support.
Direct-to-film printing takes a different approach by printing designs onto special transfer films, then using heat and pressure to transfer the complete design onto garments. This two-step process allows for printing on virtually any fabric type, from cotton to polyester, nylon, fleece, and even leather.
DTF tshirt printing excels where DTG struggles—synthetic fabrics, dark garments, and high-volume production. The process creates vibrant prints with excellent color saturation because the design transfers as a complete unit rather than soaking into fibers. This makes DTF ideal for athletic wear, promotional products, and any application requiring versatility across fabric types.
The technology has rapidly gained popularity because it combines the flexibility of digital printing with the durability traditionally associated with screen printing.
DTF t shirt printing costs include film, powder adhesive, and ink, typically running higher per unit than DTG but offering better economies of scale. While DTG ink costs remain consistent regardless of quantity, DTF becomes more cost-effective as order sizes increase due to more efficient production workflows.
Production speed gives DTF a significant advantage. Industry reports suggest DTF can be 200-400% more productive than DTG because it eliminates time-consuming pretreatment steps and allows for batch processing. Roll-to-roll DTF systems can print continuously without operator intervention, while DTG requires loading and unloading each garment individually.
The efficiency gains compound with larger orders. A DTF setup can produce hundreds of transfers in the time it takes DTG to print dozens of individual garments. Multiple heat presses can then apply transfers simultaneously, creating a production line that scales much better than DTG for volume work.
Cost per shirt varies based on design size and complexity, but DTF typically ranges from $1-3 in materials per transfer. The initial investment in DTF equipment is often lower than DTG, making it accessible for smaller shops wanting to offer diverse fabric options without major capital expenditure.
DTF prints create a slight layer on fabric surface rather than integrating into fibers like DTG. This can result in a slightly different hand feel—some describe it as having more body or structure compared to DTG’s seamless integration. However, modern DTF films and powders have significantly improved, with many transfers feeling nearly as soft as direct printing.
Color vibrancy often surpasses DTG because the complete design transfers as a unit with white ink base layer enhancing color saturation. This makes DTF particularly effective for bright colors on dark garments, where DTG sometimes struggles with color accuracy and vibrancy.
Durability represents DTF’s strongest advantage. Quality DTF transfers can withstand 50-100+ wash cycles without significant fading, cracking, or peeling. The complete transfer bonds mechanically and chemically with fabric, creating prints that often outlast DTG and sometimes rival screen printing longevity.
Wash performance depends heavily on proper application and film quality. Well-applied DTF transfers stretch with fabric and resist the common failure modes that plague other transfer methods. This makes DTF excellent for athletic wear, work uniforms, and any application where durability matters more than the absolute softest hand feel.
The choice between DTF and DTG comes down to your specific needs, timeline, and budget. DTG works best for detailed designs on cotton garments, small batches, and when the softest possible hand feel matters most. DTF excels with synthetic fabrics, larger quantities, dark garments, and applications requiring maximum durability.
Consider your fabric types, expected wash performance, and production volume. If you’re printing corporate polo shirts that need to withstand daily wear, DTF likely delivers better long-term value. For premium cotton tees with photographic designs where comfort matters most, DTG might be the better choice.
Don’t let technical details overwhelm your decision. Focus on what matters for your specific application, and work with experienced local providers who understand both technologies. We combine expertise in both methods with the flexibility to recommend the best approach for your Manhattan, NY business needs.
Continue learning:
