DTF vs DTG printing: which is better for custom shirts?
DTF is the better all-rounder: it prints vivid full color on cotton, polyester and blends, light or dark, and holds up for 50–80+ washes. DTG wins on feel on light-colored 100% cotton, where the ink soaks into the fabric and you can barely feel it. We print DTF (plus screen printing and embroidery), not DTG — this is why.
How each one works
DTG (direct-to-garment) is an inkjet printer for shirts: water-based ink is sprayed straight into the fabric. Dark shirts need a pretreatment and a white underlayer first. DTF (direct-to-film) prints the design onto a film with a white backing, bonds an adhesive powder to it, and heat-presses it onto the garment.
Side by side
| DTF | DTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester, blends, nylon | Best on 100% cotton; weak on polyester |
| Dark shirts | Vivid — white layer is built in | Needs pretreatment; can look duller |
| Feel | Thin, flexible film you can feel | Softest — ink is in the fabric |
| Durability | 50–80+ washes with care | Good on cotton; fades sooner on darks |
| Fine detail and photos | Excellent | Excellent |
| Small runs | Yes — no setup | Yes — no setup |
| Hats, bags, sleeves | Yes | Limited |
Which to choose
- Light cotton tee, photo or watercolor art, softest possible feel: DTG.
- Dark shirts, polyester, performance wear, hoodies, mixed garments in one order: DTF.
- 24+ pieces of a 1–4 color logo: neither — screen printing is more durable and the price per shirt drops furthest. See screen print vs. DTF.
What DTF costs here
DTF is priced on the same ladder as screen printing — $20 a shirt for 1–5 down to $7 at 250+ on a Gildan 5000 — with no setup and no per-color charge, so a full-color photo costs the same as a one-color logo. Ten full-color shirts are $14 each.
Questions people ask
Is DTF better than DTG?
For most orders, yes: DTF works on more fabrics and stays vivid on dark shirts. DTG feels softer on light cotton.
Does DTF crack or peel?
A well-pressed DTF print stays flexible for 50–80+ washes when washed cold and dried low. High dryer heat is what shortens it.
Can DTF print on polyester?
Yes — it is one of the best ways to print on polyester and performance fabric.
Which is cheaper for one shirt?
Both have no setup, so one shirt is affordable either way. Here one printed tee is $20 plus shipping under $50.
Prices are our live checkout prices on October 7, 2026 for the garments named; garment prices follow the supplier and every product page shows today's price. No setup fees, no quantity minimum, free shipping over $50.