DTF vs sublimation vs heat transfer vinyl: what is the difference?
Sublimation dyes the design into light-colored polyester and has no feel at all, but cannot print on cotton or dark shirts. Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is cut from solid-color sheets — great for names and numbers, poor for detailed art. DTF prints full color on almost any fabric and color, which is why it is the default for small custom orders.
Side by side
| DTF | Sublimation | Heat transfer vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabrics | Cotton, poly, blends, nylon | Polyester (high-poly blends) | Cotton, poly, blends |
| Shirt colors | Any, including black | White and light only | Any |
| Artwork | Full color, photos, gradients | Full color, all-over prints | Solid colors, simple shapes |
| Feel | Thin flexible film | None — dye is in the fiber | Smooth layer on top |
| Durability | 50–80+ washes with care | Very long; may fade in sun | Good; edges can lift over time |
| Best for | Small runs of any design | Sports jerseys, all-over prints | Names, numbers, one-offs |
How each works, briefly
- Sublimation: special ink is printed on paper; heat turns it into a gas that bonds with polyester fibers. White ink does not exist in sublimation, so the shirt color shows through.
- HTV: a cutter slices the design from colored vinyl; the extra is weeded away by hand and the rest is pressed on. Every color is a separate layer.
- DTF: the design is printed on film with a white backing, coated with adhesive and pressed on — so it shows on dark and light fabric alike.
Which should you pick?
- White polyester jerseys with all-over color: sublimation.
- Individual player names and numbers on a few shirts: vinyl is traditional.
- A logo or full-color design on cotton tees, hoodies or dark shirts: DTF — or screen printing at 24+ pieces of a simple design.
What we print
We run DTF, screen printing and embroidery in-house; we do not offer sublimation or vinyl. DTF is priced like screen printing — $12 a shirt at 12, $10 at 24 on a Gildan 5000 — with no setup and no charge per color.
Questions people ask
Can you sublimate on cotton?
Not directly — sublimation bonds only with polyester. On cotton, use DTF or screen printing.
Is DTF better than vinyl?
For detailed or multi-color art, yes: DTF prints it in one pass. For a single-color name or number, vinyl works well.
Which lasts longest?
Sublimation (it is dyed into the fiber) and screen printing. DTF lasts 50–80+ washes with care; vinyl edges can lift over time.
Can I sublimate on a black shirt?
No — sublimation has no white ink and needs a white or light polyester garment.
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.