Written By: Zach Dewhurst
(April 17, 2025)
Read Time: 9 Minutes
The world of custom apparel printing has experienced an exciting transformation over the last decade, as technological advancements continue to shape the way businesses approach print-on-demand services. One of the most notable shifts has been the evolution from Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing to Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, which has made high-quality, full-color printing more accessible to businesses of all sizes—without the need for minimum order quantities.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing became a game-changer for custom apparel, especially for small businesses looking to offer intricate, high-quality designs with minimal setup costs. DTG works by directly printing the design onto the garment using specialized inkjet technology, resulting in sharp details and vibrant colors.
However, while DTG has numerous benefits, it does come with certain limitations. For one, it works best on cotton fabrics, which means polyester or blended fabrics can be a challenge for DTG printers. Additionally, DTG printers can struggle with darker fabrics, especially when trying to achieve vibrant, full-color prints. As a result, businesses that wanted to print on a variety of materials or create vibrant designs on dark apparel often found themselves limited.
DTF printing has quickly gained popularity and is changing the landscape of the custom apparel industry. Unlike DTG, which prints directly onto fabric, DTF printing works by printing a design onto a special film that is then transferred onto the garment. The process uses heat and pressure to adhere the ink from the film to the fabric, making it suitable for a much wider variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even more challenging fabrics such as nylon.
One of the most significant advantages of DTF printing is its ability to print vibrant designs on both light and dark fabrics. DTF transfers are versatile, providing a bold, durable finish that is perfect for intricate designs or multi-colored graphics. This adaptability makes it an ideal solution for businesses that want to cater to a wider range of customer needs, from basic t-shirts to sportswear and even promotional products.
The evolution from DTG to DTF printing also introduces a crucial benefit for businesses—no minimum order requirements. Traditionally, screen printing, DTG, and other printing methods would require businesses to meet a minimum order threshold to justify setup costs and achieve cost efficiency. DTF printing, however, removes this barrier entirely.
Thanks to DTF’s simplified transfer process and the ability to print on various substrates without significant setup, even small runs of custom prints are highly affordable. This creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to thrive by offering no-minimum, full-color custom apparel. With DTF technology, businesses can print orders of any size, ranging from single orders for personal customers to bulk orders for corporate clients or events—without incurring high setup fees or production costs.
This affordability and flexibility are especially advantageous for businesses offering personalized or one-off customizations, where each customer may request a unique design. Whether you're creating custom t-shirts for a sports team, personalized gifts for special events, or promotional products for a business, DTF printing makes it easier and more cost-effective to bring creative ideas to life.
In addition to affordability and versatility, DTF printing has proven to be faster than traditional screen printing methods. With a streamlined process and the ability to print on a wide range of fabrics, DTF printers can produce high-quality prints quickly—making them a valuable asset to businesses looking to fulfill orders on tight deadlines.
The speed and efficiency of DTF also make it an excellent option for businesses looking to scale operations. Unlike DTG, which requires extensive setup for each job, DTF prints are ready to go with minimal preparation time, allowing businesses to fulfill more orders in less time. This makes DTF printing ideal for e-commerce businesses, retail shops, and even print-on-demand services that need to produce a high volume of products while maintaining quality.
As DTF technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that this printing method is here to stay. With advancements in printer technology, ink formulations, and transfer film, the quality and capabilities of DTF printing are only getting better. For businesses looking to stay competitive in a fast-paced industry, DTF printing offers the ability to produce high-quality, full-color designs with no minimum order requirements—opening up new possibilities for custom apparel production.
In conclusion, the transition from DTG to DTF printing has provided businesses with greater flexibility, affordability, and speed in the custom apparel industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing business, DTF printing allows you to offer vibrant, full-color designs with minimal setup, all while eliminating the constraints of traditional minimum order requirements. With DTF technology, the future of custom printing is brighter and more accessible than ever before.
If you're looking for a reliable partner to help with your DTF printing needs, Print Phase offers expert DTF services and can help you get started with your custom apparel projects.
