DTG Printing Explained: Complete Guide For 2025

Introduction

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is an innovative digital printing technology that enables printing high-quality, full-color designs directly onto fabric, most commonly T-shirts. Using specialized inkjet printers, DTG applies water-based inks straight onto the garment, allowing for vibrant, detailed prints without the limitations of traditional methods like screen printing.

With the increasing demand for personalized apparel and fast turnaround times, DTG printing has become a preferred choice for businesses, designers, and entrepreneurs in 2025. This method allows for small-batch orders, even single pieces, making it ideal for print-on-demand services and customized clothing businesses.

• The custom global T-shirt market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2023 but it is also projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.6%.
• Around 60% of small apparel businesses now use DTG or hybrid digital printing technologies.
• 72% of eCommerce clothing brands prefer DTG for print-on-demand service.
• DTG printers use water-based inks, reducing environmental impact by up to 40% as compared to traditional screen printing.
  
• A typical DTG printer can produce a custom t-shirt in under 5 minutes.

Why You Should Care About DTG Printing in 2025

The apparel and merchandise industry is evolving rapidly with technology enabling customization and sustainability. DTG printing fits perfectly into this trend by offering flexibility, eco-friendliness, and high-quality output. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about DTG printing — from its working process and benefits to business insights and future trends.

Key takeaways –

• DTG printing uses inkjet technology to print designs directly on garments.
  
• It's ideal for small batches, detailed, multi-color prints, and quick production.
  
• Eco-friendly water-based inks reduce environmental impact.
  
• Best suited for cotton or cotton-blend fabrics.
  
• This guide covers technical details, business tips, costs, and troubleshooting.
  

What is DTG Printing?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital printing method that allows ink to be applied directly onto fabric similar to how an inkjet printer works on paper. It enables detailed, vibrant, and full-color designs to be printed quickly and with precision.

DTG is rapidly becoming a favorite in the custom apparel world due to its ease of use, flexibility in small-batch orders, and ability to produce high-quality, photorealistic prints. Whether it’s for custom dtg printing  on t-shirts, branded merchandise, or one-off designs, DTG offers a fast and cost-effective solution for today’s print-on-demand needs.

The Rise of Personalized Products

In today’s fast-moving, experience-driven market, consumers are increasingly drawn to products that reflect their individuality. Mass production is no longer enough; modern buyers crave customization, self-expression, and a sense of ownership over what they wear or gift.

Consumer Trends

Personalization is no longer a luxury, it's an expectation. Shoppers want products that tell their story, match their style, or convey a personal message. Whether it's a favourite quote, a specific design, or a loved one’s name, personalization adds the emotional value that generic items lack.

Popular Examples of Personalized Products:

• Custom T-Shirts: Names, inside jokes, artwork, or personal quotes.
  
• Birthday or Anniversary Gifts: Printed photos, dates, or messages.
• Team Merchandise: Jerseys with individual names and numbers.
• Couple & Family Apparel: Coordinated prints for special occasions.
• Pet-Themed Shirts: Designs featuring pets’ names or portraits.

How Does DTG Printing Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how DTG printing works helps you appreciate why it’s so popular for custom apparel. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the entire process.

Step 1: Design Preparation

• A digital artwork file is created or uploaded, usually in PNG format with a transparent background.
  
• The design is optimized for print size, colors, and resolution (usually 300 DPI or higher).
  
• Color profiles are adjusted to ensure accurate ink representation.
  

Step 2: Pretreatment of Garment

• The garment is pretreated with a special solution to help ink adhere better, especially for dark or colored fabrics.
  
• Pretreatment enhances color vibrancy, prevents ink from bleeding, and ensures durability.

Step 3: Printing

• The pretreated garment is loaded onto the printer’s platen.
  
• The print head sprays micro-droplets of water-based ink onto the fabric.
  
• For dark garments, white ink is printed first as a base layer, then the color inks go on top.
  
• The printer precisely controls ink application to produce highly detailed, vibrant prints.
  

Step 4: Curing

• The printed garment goes through a heat press or conveyor dryer.
  
• Heat activates and sets the ink into the fabric fibers, ensuring durability through multiple washes.
  

Step 5: Quality Inspection

• Each garment is checked for color accuracy, print placement, and curing quality.
  
• Any inconsistencies or defects are addressed to maintain high-quality standards.
  

Advantages of DTG Printing

High-Resolution, Full-Color Printing:

DTG printing excels at producing intricate, multi-colour designs with exceptional detail and colour accuracy. Unlike traditional screen printing, which requires separate screens for each colour, DTG can replicate complex images, gradients, and photographs directly onto garments without additional setup.

Soft and Comfortable Prints:

The water-based inks used in direct to garment custom printing are absorbed into the fabric fibers, resulting in a soft hand feel that is comfortable to wear. This contrasts with some other printing methods that can leave a heavier or more textured finish.

Minimal Setup and Quick Turnaround:

DTG printing requires minimal setup, making it ideal for small orders and quick turnarounds. There's no need for creating screens or extensive preparation, allowing businesses to fulfil custom orders efficiently. 

Eco-Friendly Process:

DTG uses water-based inks that are less harmful to the environment compared to plastisol inks used in some other methods. Additionally, the on-demand nature of DTG printing reduces waste by eliminating excess inventory and overproduction.

Ideal for On-Demand and Custom Orders:

The flexibility of DTG printing makes it well-suited for on-demand production and personalized apparel. Businesses can offer a wide range of designs without the need for a large inventory, catering to niche markets and individual customer preferences.

Disadvantages of DTG Printing

Limited Fabric Compatibility:

DTG works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends. Printing on synthetic fabrics like polyester can result in poor ink adhesion and reduced print quality.

High Initial Investment:

The cost of DTG printers and necessary equipment (e.g., pre-treatment machines, and heat presses) can be substantial, which may be a barrier for small businesses.

Maintenance Requirements:

DTG printers require regular maintenance to prevent issues like ink clogging, especially if not used frequently.

Slower for Large Orders:

While great for small runs, DTG is less efficient for large-volume orders compared to screen printing, which can produce bulk orders more quickly and cost-effectively.

Learning Curve for Pre-Treatment:

Proper pre-treatment of garments is crucial for optimal print quality, and mastering this process can take time and practice.

Types of DTG Printers: Which One is Right for You?

When diving into Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, it’s essential to understand the different types of DTG printers available in the market. Each type varies in terms of print size, speed, price, and features, which influence your business capabilities and costs.

1. Entry-Level DTG Printers

Ideal For: Small startups, hobbyists, and low-volume printing.

• These printers are typically compact, affordable (ranging from $5,000 to $10,000), and easy to operate.
  
• They often have smaller platen sizes, usually suitable for printing standard T-shirt sizes.
  
• Entry-level models focus on usability rather than high speed or industrial throughput.
  
• Ink capacity tends to be lower, requiring frequent refills, and they may have less advanced pretreatment options.
  
• Examples: Epson SureColor F2100 (basic models), Brother GTX.

Pros:

• Low upfront investment
  
• Simple workflow
  
• Good print quality for small runs

Cons:

• Slower print speed
  
• Limited platen sizes
  
• May require more maintenance
  

2. Mid-Range DTG Printers

Ideal For: Growing businesses, small to medium print shops, and those wanting faster production with moderate volumes.

• These printers offer larger platen sizes (up to 16”x20” or more), higher print speeds, and improved color management.
  
• They typically support multiple garment types and sizes, including hoodies and bags.
  
• Ink systems often have larger cartridges, reducing downtime.
  
• Advanced pretreatment and curing setups may be integrated or recommended.
  
• Examples: Brother GTX Pro, Epson SureColor F3070.
  

Pros:

• Faster printing speeds
  
• Better color accuracy and consistency
  
• More durable print output
  
• Suitable for moderate order volumes

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost ($10,000 to $20,000+)
  
• Requires more technical knowledge for maintenance
  

3. Industrial DTG Printers

Ideal For: High-volume commercial printing, large apparel manufacturers, and professional print shops.

• Designed for mass production with automated loading/unloading systems and multiple platens for continuous printing.
  
• Supports printing on various garment types and materials—even thicker fabrics like sweatshirts and hoodies.
• Feature cutting-edge print heads, high-resolution output (up to 1200 DPI or more), and eco-friendly inks.
  
• Often integrated with pretreatment machines and conveyor dryers for streamlined workflow.
  
• Examples: Kornit Avalanche HD6, Aeoon Kyo, Brother GTX Pro BULK.
  

Pros:

• Extremely fast throughput (dozens to hundreds of prints per hour)
  
• Superior print quality and durability
  
• Automated processes reduce labor costs
  
• Built for 24/7 operation
  

Cons:

• Very high investment ($30,000 to $100,000+)
  
• Requires trained operators and dedicated workspace
  
• Maintenance can be complex and costly
  

Best fabrics for DTG printing

100% Cotton:

Cotton is the most recommended fabric for DTG printing due to its high absorbency, allowing water-based inks to bond effectively. This results in vibrant and durable prints. It's widely used for apparel like t-shirts and hoodies.

Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton:

Combed cotton undergoes a process that removes shorter fibers, resulting in a smoother and stronger fabric. Ring-spun cotton involves twisting and thinning the cotton strands to create a finer, softer yarn. Together, they provide a premium base for DTG printing, offering a soft feel and enhanced durability.

Cotton Blends (50/50 Cotton/Polyester):

Blended fabrics combine cotton's softness with polyester's durability and wrinkle resistance. While they can be suitable for DTG printing, the presence of polyester may affect ink adhesion, requiring adjustments in pretreatment and printing settings.

Tri-Blend Fabrics (Cotton/Polyester/Rayon):

Tri-blends offer a lightweight, soft texture with a vintage feel. However, their mixed composition can pose challenges for DTG printing, potentially leading to less vibrant colors and requiring careful pretreatment.

Hemp:

Hemp is a durable, eco-friendly fabric with natural antimicrobial properties. Its high absorbency makes it suitable for DTG printing, though its rough texture may result in a more rustic appearance and slightly less sharp prints.

Bamboo:

Bamboo fabric is soft, breathable, and naturally antimicrobial. It offers good ink absorption, leading to vibrant prints. However, its smooth texture may require adjustments in pretreatment to achieve optimal results.

DTG vs screen printing- which one is better?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing offers a modern approach to textile printing, particularly advantageous for businesses focusing on custom, small-batch, or on-demand apparel.

When compared to traditional methods, DTG allows for high-resolution images and full color designs directly onto garments and makes it multicolored artwork. Here in this article, we will also help you to determine or compare DTG with other printing methods and benefits associated with them.

DTG vs. Screen Printing:

Choose DTG if you're focusing on small batches, customized designs, or highly detailed artwork. It's perfect for on-demand printing and e-commerce businesses offering personalized products.

Opt for Screen Printing when dealing with large orders, simpler designs, or when maximum durability is required, such as for uniforms or promotional merchandise.

But what’s more that makes them different from each other? Below is the mentioned comparison to help you understand about DTG vs screen printing.

 

Feature	Direct-to-Garment (DTG)	Screen Printing
Print Quality	Excellent for detailed, full-color, and gradient designs; ideal for complex artwork and photographs.	Best for bold, vibrant designs with solid colors; less suited for intricate details.
Durability	Good durability with proper care; typically lasts through 50+ washes.	Highly durable; prints can last the garment's lifetime with minimal fading.
Setup Time	Minimal setup; design is printed directly from a digital file.	Requires creating individual screens for each color; longer initial setup.
Cost Efficiency	More cost-effective for small batches or one-off designs due to low setup costs.	More economical for large orders; setup costs are offset by volume.
Production Speed	Slower; prints one garment at a time, making it less suitable for bulk orders.	Faster for large quantities once setup is complete; can produce hundreds of garments quickly.
Fabric Compatibility	Best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends; struggles with synthetic fabrics.	Versatile; works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
Color Vibrancy	Excellent for light garments; may require pre-treatment for dark fabrics to achieve vibrant colors.	Consistently vibrant colors on both light and dark garments without additional treatment.
Eco-Friendliness	Uses water-based inks; more environmentally friendly with less waste.	Uses plastisol inks; can be less eco-friendly due to chemical usage and waste.
Feel of print	Soft to the touch; ink absorbs into the fabric, maintaining garment flexibility.	Thicker feel; ink sits on top of the fabric, which can be noticeable to the touch.

 

It would be hard to differentiate between disclosing which is better DTG or screen printing. As each one of those have different benefits and can be adopted upon the different business needs.

Sum-up

DTG printing has revolutionized the custom apparel industry by providing an efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile method to produce high-quality, full-color prints. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur launching a print-on-demand brand or an established business exploring new production methods, DTG printing offers unmatched flexibility and potential.
With growing demand and technological advancements expected to continue in 2025 and beyond, mastering DTG printing is a smart move for anyone looking to thrive in the custom apparel market.

FAQ

What types of designs can be printed with DTG?

DTG printing can handle detailed, full-colour designs, including photographs, gradients, and complex artwork.

Is DTG printing cost-effective for small orders?

Yes, DTG is ideal for small batches and on-demand printing, as it doesn't require setup of screens or plates, making it more economical for short runs.

How does the DTG printing process work?

The process involves preparing a high-resolution digital design, pretreating the garment (especially for dark-coloured fabrics), printing the design directly onto the fabric using a DTG printer, and then curing the ink to ensure durability.

What types of garments are suitable for screen printing?

Screen printing is versatile and can be used on various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Which method is more eco-friendly?

Both DTF and DTG printing methods use water-based inks, making them environmentally friendly. The eco-friendliness also depends on the specific inks and materials used in the printing process.