DTG vs DTF Printing: Which is Right for Your Business?

DTG vs DTF Printing: Which Is Right for Your Business?

If you are launching a clothing brand or scaling production, choosing between DTG and DTF printing is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Both offer incredible quality, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you pick the right one.

What Is DTG Printing?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) uses water-based inks sprayed directly into the fibres of the garment.

Why choose DTG?

• Ultra-soft feel

• Photorealistic detail

• Perfect for cotton

• Fast for small batches or one-off prints

Limitations

• Best on cotton (not great on polyester)

• Requires pretreatment

• White ink increases cost

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints onto PET film, applies adhesive powder, cures it, and then heat-presses the design onto virtually any fabric.

Why choose DTF?

• Works on any fabric: cotton, poly, nylon, blends

• Tough, durable, stretch-resistant prints

• No pretreatment

• Great for bulk orders and selling transfers

Limitations

• Thicker feel compared to DTG

• More consumables (film + powder)

• Slightly more technical workflow

Cost Comparison: DTG vs DTF

Quality Comparison

DTG Quality

• Ultra-soft feel

• Best for gradients and detail

• Ideal for retail fashion

DTF Quality

• Extremely durable

• Perfect on poly, nylon, workwear

• Vibrant colours with high stretch resistance

Best Use Cases

Choose DTG for:

• Premium cotton fashion

• Photorealistic prints

• On-demand orders

• Small batch production

Choose DTF for:

• Polyester, activewear, uniforms

• Bulk print runs

• Selling heat transfers

• Hard-to-print items like caps and bags

Which Should You Choose?

Both systems shine in different ways.

• Want the softest print on cotton? → DTG

• Want maximum durability and versatility? → DTF

• Want to print on every fabric and expand your market? → DTF

• Want on-demand fashion-grade prints? → DTG

The strongest print shops in 2025 run both.
DTG handles your high-end cotton retail.
DTF handles everything else.

Explore DTG and DTF Printers at Machines Plus

👉 DTG Printers Collection

https://machinesplus.com.au/collections/dtg-printers

👉 DTF Printers Collection

https://machinesplus.com.au/collections/direct-to-film-dtf

If you want help choosing the right setup, Machines Plus can guide you based on volume, garments, and business model.