WHAT IS DTG?

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing is a digital printing technique where designs are printed directly onto the fabric using inkjet technology. Think of it as a large inkjet printer designed specifically for clothing. This method allows for high quality, full colour prints directly on the garment, making it ideal for detailed and complex designs.

WHY CHOOSE DTG PRINTING?

Ideal For Small Orders: DTG printing is perfect for small orders, especially those that don’t meet the minimum quantity requirements for screen printing. It's a cost-effective choice for producing low-quantity, high-colour designs.

Perfect For Complex Designs: DTG printing is great for intricate designs, especially those with many colours or photographic elements. The precision of DTG allows for a wide range of colours and fine details and is particularly effective for designs that blend or fade into the fabric, like smoke or soft edges.

HOW DOES DTG PRINTING LOOK & FEEL?

Appearance: DTG prints have a matte finish on white garments and look as if they are part of the fabric. On coloured garments, a white ink base is used, which can result in a slightly thicker print with a finish ranging from matte to satin, depending on the fabric type.

How It Feels: The feel of DTG prints can vary depending on the garment colour. On white fabric, the prints are incredibly soft, you can barely feel them. On coloured fabrics, where a white ink base is needed, the print may feel slightly thicker but remains soft and light.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Cost-Effective For Small Runs: DTG is more economical for small orders compared to screen printing, which often requires large minimum quantities, especially for multi-colour artwork.

High Detail & Unlimited Colours: The digital nature of DTG printing allows for intricate designs with a wide range of colours, including gradients and photographic images, making it ideal for complex designs.

Soft & Lightweight Finish: DTG prints are softer and lighter to the touch compared to other digital methods, such as DTF, providing a comfortable feel for everyday wear.

CONS

Limited Fabric Options: DTG works best on 100% cotton. It’s not as effective on synthetic materials, which can limit the choice of garments.

Limited Garment Colour Choices: Some garment colours may react poorly with the pre-treatment used in DTG printing, resulting in staining or poor print quality. Our quick order page has a filter to exclude incompatible colours, and we are always available to advise during quoting.

Special Care Needed: Extra care is required when washing DTG printed garments. We recommend washing inside out at 30 degrees or lower and hanging to dry. High heat from tumble drying can cause the print to fade or crack sooner.

CONCLUSION

DTG printing is a flexible and cost-effective option for custom apparel, & is especially suited for small orders or detailed designs. While it does require more care when laundering and has some limitations in garment choice, its ability to produce high-quality, detailed prints makes it an excellent choice for many projects. If you're considering DTG for your next print job, we're here to help! You can easily order custom-printed DTG clothing online using our Quick Order page, or contact us to get a custom quote or learn more about our DTG printing services.