DTG Printing Explained: Complete Guide For 2025

Introduction

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has emerged as a game-changer. This method prints designs directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology delivering vibrant, full-color prints with impressive detail and durability.

DTG is especially loved by small businesses, creatives, and print-on-demand brands for its low setup costs, ability to handle one-off orders, and unmatched design flexibility. Whether you're launching a clothing line or offering personalized merchandise, DTG printing offers a modern solution that meets the demand for speed, quality, and customization.

• 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.

Key takeaways –

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 DTG Printing Works?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a method where designs are printed directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology. There are mainly four steps that are included in DTG printing process and here we have mentioned them below-

1. Design Preparation: Create or select a digital image or graphic you wish to print. This design is then loaded into a computer connected to the DTG printer.
2. Garment Pre-Treatment: Before printing, the garment (typically a t-shirt) undergoes a pre-treatment process. This involves applying a special solution that helps the ink adhere properly and ensures vibrant colors.
3. Printing the Design: The pre-treated garment is placed onto the printer's platen. The DTG printer then sprays the ink directly onto the fabric, reproducing the digital design with precision.
4. Curing the Ink: After printing, the garment is heat-pressed or placed in a dryer to cure the ink. This step ensures the design is set, making it durable and washable.

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.

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

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has revolutionized the custom apparel industry by offering a seamless blend of quality, efficiency, and flexibility. By enabling high-resolution, full-color designs to be printed directly onto garments, DTG  printing services eliminates the need for traditional setup processes like screen creation, making it ideal for small-batch and on-demand production.

Businesses benefit from DTG's ability to produce intricate designs with vibrant colours, catering to the growing demand for personalized apparel. The eco-friendly nature of water-based inks and the waste reduction further enhance its appeal to environmentally conscious brands.

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.