Direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) are two of the most popular methods for full-color custom apparel — and they're easy to mix up. Both let you print detailed, photo-quality artwork without the screens and setup of traditional screen printing. But they work differently, and the right choice depends on your garment, your design, and your quantity.
Here's a straight comparison from our team at French Press Custom, where we run both every day.
How DTG works
DTG printing works like a high-end inkjet printer for fabric. Water-based inks are sprayed directly into the fibers of the garment, so the design becomes part of the shirt rather than sitting on top of it. That gives DTG a very soft, "no feel" finish.
DTG shines on 100% cotton and cotton-rich blends, and it's perfect for complex, full-color, or photographic artwork with unlimited colors.
How DTF works
DTF prints your design onto a special film, applies a powder adhesive, then heat-presses it onto the garment. Because the design transfers as a thin, flexible layer, DTF works on a much wider range of fabrics — cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and tricky performance materials that DTG struggles with.
DTF colors are bold and opaque, and it holds up well on dark garments without a separate underbase step.
DTG vs DTF at a glance
| | DTG | DTF | |---|---|---| | Best fabrics | 100% cotton, cotton blends | Almost anything: cotton, poly, blends, nylon | | Feel | Ultra-soft, prints into the fabric | Slight raised layer on top | | Color & detail | Excellent for photos & gradients | Bold, opaque, great on darks | | Durability | Great with proper care | Excellent — very wash-resistant | | Best for | Soft cotton tees, detailed art | Performance wear, mixed fabrics, small runs |
Which should you choose?
- Choose DTG if you want the softest possible cotton tee with photo-level detail.
- Choose DTF if you're printing on polyester or mixed fabrics, need extra-vivid color on dark garments, or you're ordering a small, varied batch.
The good news: you don't have to figure it out alone. Send us your artwork and garment, and we'll recommend the method that gives you the best result — and a free, exact quote within 24 hours. Get a quote.
