What is direct-to-garment printing and should you use it?

If you’re printing a design onto custom T-shirts or apparel, you’re probably wondering what the best printing method is. Today, there are more printing options than ever available. But there’s one method that’s particularly efficient, sustainable and produces high-quality prints. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing! But what is direct-to-garment printing exactly and is it the right choice for your project? 

In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of DTG printing — what it is, why it’s great, when to use it and what is better: direct-to-garment or screen printing. Whether you’re running a small apparel business, launching a new merch line or simply printing a few customized T-shirts, we’ll break down the benefits, compare it with screen printing and ultimately help you figure out if direct-to-garment printing is right for you.

Table of contents:

• What is direct-to-garment printing?
• Pros and cons of direct-to-garment printing
• When should you choose direct-to-garment printing?
• What is better: Direct-to-garment or screen printing?
• Is direct-to-garment printing right for your project?

What is direct-to-garment printing?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a modern printing method that uses specialized inkjet technology to print designs directly onto fabric.

Source: Custom hoodie via VistaPrint

Unlike older methods that require stencils or screens, the direct-to-garment printing method prints images straight from a digital file onto the fabric — much like your home printer does with paper, except it’s designed for textiles. This process allows for detailed, full-color prints that feel soft to the touch. 

How does DTG printing work?

At its core, direct-to-garment printing is all about using inkjet technology to apply ink directly onto fabric. Here’s how it works:

1. The fabric is pre-treated to ensure the ink bonds properly with the material, which helps improve the vibrancy and longevity of the printed design.
2. Once treated, the fabric is placed flat inside the printer, ready for the design to be applied.
3. Using advanced inkjet technology, the printer sprays water-based inks directly onto the fabric. The inks bond with the fibers, printing a detailed, full-color image.
4. The ink is applied in thin layers, making it possible to print intricate designs, gradients and even photorealistic images with precision.
5. After printing, the fabric undergoes a curing process, either through heat or air, to set the ink, ensuring the print is durable, vibrant and long-lasting.

Source: Direct-to-garment printing via DepositPhotos

Since the design is printed directly from a digital file, there’s no need for lengthy preparation, making direct-to-garment printing perfect for short runs or one-off projects.

The equipment needed for DTG printing and the costs involved

If you’re considering jumping into DIY direct-to-garment printing, you’ll need to invest in specialized equipment. 

Commercial direct-to-garment printers range in cost, but they generally start anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $70,000 for high-end models. 

Beyond the printer itself, you’ll also need to factor in costs for pre-treatment solutions (used to prepare the fabric for printing), maintenance and ink refills, which can quickly add up.

For most small businesses or individuals, the steep cost of equipment and learning curve make it difficult to do direct-to-garment printing at home yourself. That’s why partnering with professional printing services like VistaPrint is often the smarter choice.

Tip

Read our ultimate comparison guide to custom printing for the best online printing services.

With the necessary equipment and expertise, printing services ensure your print project looks sharp and professional without you having to invest thousands upfront. Additional services, such as design templates, bulk printing or helping fine-tune designs, can also make the process smoother, more efficient and higher quality.

Source: Professional T-shirt screen printing by HayDmitriy via DepositPhotos

Pros and cons of direct-to-garment printing

DTG printing has its shining moments, but like everything, it also has its limitations. Let’s break down the good, the bad and the fabric-friendly.

Pros of direct-to-garment printing

• Efficient for small orders: Ideal for small-batch, on-demand projects or one-off custom prints.
• Lower costs for small orders: When printing smaller quantities, DTG printing is more cost-effective
• Fast setup and quick results: No screens or plates needed — just your design, ready to print.
• Unlimited color choices: Use as many colors as you want with no extra costs for complex designs.
• Sustainable: Prints only what you need, keeping waste minimal.
• High-quality: Thanks to the technology used, direct-to-garment printing nails intricate designs and photo-quality details with impeccable color accuracy.

Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint

Cons of direct-to-garment printing

• Higher costs for bulk: Not your go-to printing method for large print runs — it’s pricier per unit for bulk.
• Fabric limitations: DTG loves cotton, not so much polyester or untreated dark fabrics.
• Ink fading: Prints can fade faster than screen-printed designs over long periods of time.

When should you choose direct-to-garment printing?

After weighing up the pros and cons, you might be wondering, “Is direct-to-garment printing the right choice for me?” Well, if you’re working on small orders or even just a single item, DTG printing is your best friend. It’s also perfect for projects where high detail and photographic quality are a must, like intricate designs or prints with complex color gradients.

Source: Custom hoodie via VistaPrint

Personalized and on-demand products are also where direct-to-garment printing shines, especially if you need a quick turnaround time. With no need to worry about screen setups or limited color options, you can play with as many colors as you like — even those tricky gradients — without breaking the bank. Plus, if you’re after a soft-hand feel, DTG delivers a print that feels as good as it looks.

Whether you’re looking for flexibility, speed or an eco-friendly solution, direct-to-garment printing is a solid choice that gives you top-quality results with as little hassle as possible.

Best use cases for direct-to-garment printing:

1. Smaller orders
2. Detailed designs or photographic prints
3. Personalized or on-demand products
4. Quick turnaround times
5. Prints with multiple colors or complex gradients
6. Limited budgets for smaller batches
7. Frequent design changes
8. Sustainable or eco-friendly printing goals
9. Soft-hand feel on garments

What is better: Direct-to-garment or screen printing?

When choosing between direct-to-garment and screen printing, each method has its strengths. Which one you use will depend on your design project, order size and budget.

Source: Screen printing screen with stencil via Depositphotos

Factor	Direct-to-garment printing	Screen printing
Setup costs and time	Minimal setup, fast turnaround	High initial setup (screens, stencils), longer prep time
Production process	Prints directly from digital files using inkjet technology	Requires creating screens for each color in the design
Budget	Cost-efficient for smaller batches but higher costs per unit for bulk	Less cost-efficient for smaller batches but lower costs for bulk
Print quality and color range	Excellent for full-color, detailed designs with sharp resolution	Great for bold, simple designs with fewer colors
Order size and scalability	Best for small batches and single-units	Ideal for large bulk orders with high scalability
Durability and longevity	Less durable than screen printing, may fade faster over time	Extremely durable, long-lasting and wash-resistant
Environmental impact	More eco-friendly: less waste, uses water-based inks	Creates waste from screens, uses more chemicals in production
Customization possibilities	Highly customizable for personalized or one-off items	Limited by the number of screens and colors used
Color limitations	Unlimited, no extra cost	Limited, each color requires a new stencil meaning extra costs
DIY opportunities	Difficult to DIY: requires specialized costly equipment	Easier to DIY with basic screen printing equipment

If you’re wondering when to choose direct-to-garment printing over screen printing (and vice versa), here’s a quick summary to help you make the right call:

• Direct-to-garment printing is ideal for smaller batch orders, detailed multi-colored designs, personalized items and eco-conscious projects. Because of the specialized equipment involved, it’s best left to the professionals.
• Screen printing is great for large bulk orders with simple designs. It’s also more DIY-friendly if you’re willing to invest time (and money) in learning the process and setting up screens.

Source: Direct-to-garment printing via VistaPrint

Source: Screen printing via VistaPrint

Is direct-to-garment printing right for your project?

Direct-to-garment printing is the best choice when you need high-quality, detailed designs fast. 

When should you choose DTG?

• If you’re printing smaller batches or single items
• If your design has lots of colors or fine details
• If you’re using cotton-based fabrics
• If you need your prints fast
• If sustainability matters to you
• If you want personalized or on-demand products

Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint

Quick cheat sheet: Is direct-to-garment printing right for you?

If you’re still unsure which printing method to use, answer these questions to help you decide if direct-to-garment printing is the right fit for your project:

• What’s the size of your order? 
  • Small or medium (up to 50 items) = DTG printing
• What type of material are you printing on?
  • Cotton-based fabrics = DTG printing
• Do you need fast turnaround times?
  • Yes = DTG printing
• Are you printing detailed, multi-color designs or photographic prints? 
  • Yes = DTG printing
• Do you want your print to be eco-friendly?
  • Yes = DTG printing

Partner with a professional printing service

If you’ve decided direct-to-garment printing is the right method for your project, save yourself the hassle and partner with a professional printing service to get flawless results every time.

Looking for high-quality direct-to-garment printing?

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