In the custom apparel industry, printing technology plays a crucial role. We will take an in-depth look at three of the most popular methods for custom apparel printing: DTF (Direct-to-film) transfer printing, DTG (Direct to garment) printing, and traditional Screen Printing. We will analyze the pros and cons of each method in detail and share which one is best suited for your needs. 

1) DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing. 

DTG technology uses specialized inkjet printers to print ink directly onto the fabric. This method is highly detailed, allowing the ink to deeply penetrate the fabric fibers, resulting in full-color designs with a soft, vibrant finish. It works best on cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, as these materials absorb the ink more effectively. DTG is particularly well-suited for small or one-off orders because there’s no need for screen preparation, saving both time and costs. However, for bulk orders, DTG may not be the most cost-effective option, as the cost per garment tends to rise with larger quantities. Additionally, DTG is best for lighter weight fabrics to ensure the best print quality and hand feeling. 

HONGSAM offer high quality DTG ink for various DTG printer model (Epson printer and Brother printer), the ink Passed the authoritative ECO PASSPORT certification of the German Hohenstein Institute OEKO-TEX, the white color has excellent covering powder, no clogging the printhead. Hongsam Digital is the first drafting unit of national standards for textile pigment inks, was hornored as the excellent partner of Epson printhead in 2022.

2) DTF (Direct to Film) printing. 

DTF technology first prints your design onto a film, then uses heat to transfer the design from the film onto the fabric. The key advantage of DTF is its versatility—it works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester blends, and even nylon. DTF prints are durable, with vibrant colors, making it a great choice for designs that need to stand out on dark-colored fabrics. It is also ideal for batch printing, which is a major advantage for larger orders. However, it’s important to note that DTF prints tend to have a slightly raised texture on the fabric, unlike the smooth finish of DTG. This means that while DTF is durable and vibrant, the feel of the print is more textured compared to DTG's softer hand. 

3) Screen printing. 

As the oldest and most trusted method of mass-production of custom apparel, screen printing uses a screen for each color in the design. The ink is applied to the fabric through the mesh, and this technique produces bold prints that are bright and durable. Screen printing is particularly cost-effective and well suited to large-volume orders, making it a great choice for branded events or merchandise. However, screen printing is less flexible, and it can be more difficult to achieve a soft feel like DTG for printing intricate or colorful patterns. 

So, which method is better, DTG, DTF or screen printing? It all depends on your specific needs. If you are working with complex, full-color designs and only need a small number of items, DTG is a good choice as it provides a smooth and detailed print. However, it is best suited for lighter fabrics. If you need versatility and bold prints on dark fabrics, DTF is your first choice because it works on a variety of materials and the print is long-lasting, although it does have a slightly textured feel. Finally, if you need to print in bulk and want a bright and durable print, screen printing is cost-effective for larger order quantities, especially if your design uses fewer colors.