Want your custom t-shirts to look as sharp as your digital designs? Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing makes that possible.
This modern printing method works like an inkjet printer, but instead of paper, your design is printed directly on fabric. The result? Soft, vibrant, photo-quality prints at ease on your apparel.
In this guide, you’ll discover how DTG printing works, the costs involved, its durability, ideal order sizes, trending uses, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right fit for your business.
What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a digital printing method that uses specialized inkjet technology to apply full-color, high-resolution designs directly onto textiles. This can add complex designs with many colors and personalized items to your apparel.
How Does DTG Printing Work?
The DTG printing process is pretty simple and efficient. Let’s walk through each step:
- Load: Place a blank t-shirt onto the DTG printer’s flatbed. Place a parchment paper between the heat press platen and the garment to get a protected, smooth design.
- Print: The printer sprays CMYK or CMYK+White inks directly onto the fabric, capturing every detail of your artwork.
- Cure: Heat is applied to lock in the design, ensuring long-lasting color and durability.
This results in a high-resolution printed tee that feels soft to the touch.
Equipment & Setup Costs – Is DTG Beginner-Friendly?
DTG printing is advanced and comes with higher startup costs compared to other methods.
- DTG Printers: $3,000-$100,000 (high-end models can cost more)
- Additional Gear: Pretreatment fluid, curing dryers, DTG inks, release paper, or parchment paper
- Best Fit: Print-on-demand businesses where orders are made one at a time
So it might not be beginner-friendly for low budgets, but it is the best for businesses focused on customization and quick turnaround.
How Long Do DTG Prints Last?
DTG shirts can be more durable with proper care. They perform well with features like,
- Fade Resistance: Good, slightly lower than screen prints
- Wash Durability: Around 50-60 washes
Best Practices: Wash inside-out, use cold water, and air dry to keep long
Order Size – Bulk or Small Batches?
This is something you must know about DTG prints;
- Best For: Small-batch orders, one-off custom designs, and limited-edition drops
- Not Ideal For: Large-scale bulk printing (slower speed, higher ink cost compared to screen printing)
If your business thrives on variety and personalization, DTG can be the perfect option.
Trends & Creative Opportunities with DTG
DTG has no color limitations, so it unlocks design possibilities that other methods can’t match.
Popular DTG Design Trends:
- Photorealistic images (like portraits or detailed graphics)
- Watercolor and gradient artwork
- Personalized prints with names, photos, or quotes
All-over, edge-to-edge printing with certain DTG models
Which Businesses Benefit Most from DTG Printing?
DTG is best suited for businesses that rely on customization and small orders:
- Print-on-demand sellers (Shopify, Etsy, Redbubble)
- Fashion and streetwear brands offering limited drops
- Artists, YouTubers, and musicians selling custom merch
- Businesses testing new designs without bulk production costs
Is DTG Printing Right for You?
DTG printing is a powerful option for vibrant, full-color designs without setup. It’s perfect for custom apparel brands, print-on-demand sellers, and businesses offering highly detailed or personalized t shirts. But it requires more investment. So sometimes, this won’t be right for large quantities. Best in flexibility, quality, and speed for small orders.
Pros
✔ Unlimited colors and photorealistic detail
✔ Soft, breathable finish that feels natural
✔ Perfect for one-off or personalized designs
✔ Eco-friendly with water-based inks and minimal waste
Cons
✖ High initial investment for machines and ink
✖ Slower than screen printing for bulk orders
✖ Works best on 100% cotton fabrics
✖ Slightly less durable than screen-printed designs
Start Your DTG Project with MyNameT
At MyNameT, we make Direct-to-Garment printing simple. Our DTG printing services deliver:
- Photo-quality, full-color prints
- No minimum order
- Soft, durable finishes that last
- Fast turnaround for brands, events, and personal projects
- Free pickup in Sunnyvale, and fast delivery in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, and many more locations across the Bay Area.
Bring your artwork to life with DTG printing that looks as good on fabric as it does on screen.
