DTG vs DTF Printing: Which One’s For Your Print on Demand Business?

When I started my first print on demand business over 10 years ago I had one major problem: choosing the right printing method.

It’s a decision that affects everything from the quality of your products to how fast you can scale your business.

Two of the most popular methods right now are DTG (Direct to Garment) and DTF (Direct to Film). Both are good options but they serve very different purposes.

So, what’s the main difference between DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing?

DTG prints ink directly onto fabric, creating a soft and natural finish, but it’s limited to cotton fabrics and slower for bulk orders. DTF prints designs onto a special film, which is then transferred to almost any fabric, making it more versatile and durable for scaling a POD business.

So if you’re stuck trying to decide which one is for your business then let’s break it all down.

Confused which printing method is for your growing POD business? Let’s get into the details of DTG vs DTF printing so you can make a decision.

What is DTG Printing?

DTG stands for Direct to Garment. The process is simple: a special printer sprays ink directly onto the fabric, a vibrant high quality design that feels soft and natural.

The ink actually bonds with the fibers of the garment so it looks like the design is part of the fabric.

DTG Features

Soft finish: Since the ink goes into the fabric, DTG prints have no raised or plastic feel.
High quality prints: Good for designs with intricate details, gradients or lots of colours.
Best for cotton garments: DTG works great on 100% cotton or high cotton blends.

When to Use DTG

DTG is good for:

Small runs or one off designs: You can print one shirt at a time with no setup.
Premium custom T-shirts: If you’re offering high quality detailed prints, DTG gives a soft professional look.

DTG Limitations

Slower production: Each garment takes 3-5 minutes to print, so DTG is not scalable for large orders.
Limited fabric options: DTG only works on cotton or cotton blends. Forget about printing on polyester, nylon or other synthetic materials.
High costs: DTG printers are expensive (starting at $15,000) and the ink is one of the most expensive in the industry ($0.75-$1.50 per print).

What is DTF Printing?

DTF, or Direct to Film, works differently. Instead of printing directly on the fabric you print the design onto a special film.

Then you apply adhesive powder, cure it and then transfer the design onto the fabric using a heat press. It has more steps than DTG but makes up for it with versatility and durability.

DTF Features

Versatility for different fabrics: DTF can print on cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather and more.
Durable prints: The adhesive layer helps the design resist cracking or peeling over time.
Scalable production: You can print multiple designs on transfer films in bulk and apply later.

When to Use DTF

DTF is good for:

Bulk orders: Print transfer sheets in advance and apply later.
Diverse products: Print hats, tote bags, hoodies and even shoes.
Durable designs: If your customers need products that can withstand regular wear and washing, DTF is the way to go.

DTF Limitations

Thicker print feel: Unlike DTG’s soft finish, DTF prints sit on top of the fabric so it has a thicker sticker like texture.
More steps: Printing, curing and transferring takes more effort than DTG’s one step process.

DTG vs DTF Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of DTG and DTF based on what matters most to POD businesses:

Advertisment ⓘ

Feature	DTG Printing	DTF Printing
Fabric Types	Best on cotton/blends	Works on most fabrics
Print Durability	Fades after 20+ washes	Lasts 30+ washes
Feel	Soft, natural	Thicker, sticker-like
Setup Cost	$15k–$30k for printer	$8k–$15k for full setup
Scalability	Slower, one-off printing	Bulk transfer production
Print Speed	3–5 mins per shirt	1–2 mins per shirt
Cost per Print	$0.75–$1.50	$0.30–$0.50

Pros and Cons

DTG Printing Pros

High quality prints.
No transfers or extra steps – just load and print.
Good for custom one off designs or small runs.

DTG Printing Cons

Only works on cotton fabrics.
Slower production speeds makes it harder to scale.
Expensive equipment and high ink costs.

DTF Printing Pros

Works on almost all fabrics from cotton to polyester to leather.
Durable prints that resist cracking or peeling.
Scalable and cost effective for bulk production.

DTF Printing Cons

Prints feel thicker and less natural than DTG.
Requires extra materials like transfer films and adhesive powder.

What matters most to POD?

If you’re just starting out, DTF is more cost effective. The equipment cost is lower ($8,000–$15,000 vs $15,000–$30,000 for DTG) and the cost per print is much cheaper.

DTG’s higher ink costs and maintenance expenses can eat into your profits especially with larger orders.

2. Scalability

DTF is the clear winner here. You can print and store transfer sheets in bulk and handle large orders faster and more efficiently than DTG. DTG’s slower printing process makes it harder to scale without multiple printers.

3. Customization

If your business is custom one off designs, DTG is the way to go. The high quality output and soft finish is perfect for custom products like wedding or birthday T-shirts.

4. Profit Margins

DTF’s lower running costs (materials and labor) gives it an edge when it comes to profit margins. For POD businesses looking to scale and keep production costs low, DTF is the more profitable option.

Real-Life Use Cases

Example 1:

A POD shop that focuses on premium one off T-shirts would benefit more from DTG. The soft feel and detailed prints is perfect for high end custom apparel.

Example 2:

A POD store that offers a wide range of products—tote bags, hoodies, polyester activewear—would benefit from DTF. The versatility of fabrics and scalability is perfect for expanding product lines.

FAQs: DTG vs DTF

Which one lasts longer DTG or DTF?

DTF prints last over 30 washes, DTG prints fade after 20+ washes.

Can I use DTF to print on hats or shoes?

Yes! DTF works on many materials, hats, shoes, leather goods etc.

Is DTG better for eco-friendly brands?

Yes. DTG uses water based inks that are more eco friendly but it’s limited to cotton fabrics.

Which one is easier for beginners?

DTG is simpler to use with fewer steps but DTF is more cost effective for beginners who want to test different products.

Conclusion

Both DTG and DTF has its own strengths and the best one depends on your business. If you’re focused on custom, high end designs, DTG is the way to go.

But if you want versatility, scalability and lower costs, DTF is the way to go for most POD businesses.

I would choose DTF if I were to start a new POD business today. What about you?