DTF vs DTG for Custom T-Shirts - Which Should You Choose?

If you've narrowed it down to DTF or DTG and just want to know which to actually pick for your order, this is the quick version. For the full technical breakdown including screen printing, see our complete DTF vs Screen vs DTG guide — this page is the shorter, decision-focused version.

Pick DTF if…

• You want the same design to work on both light and dark garments without a different process for each
• You're printing on a mix of fabric types — cotton, poly-blends, sportswear
• You want a batch of transfers ready to press on demand, rather than printing garment-by-garment in real time
• You value edge durability on stretch garments — DTF's flexible bond resists cracking on movement

Pick DTG if…

• You're printing one-off, highly detailed designs on 100% cotton and want the print to sit as close to the fabric as possible
• You're not concerned with printing on dark garments (DTG needs pre-treatment for dark fabric, which adds a step)
• You already run DTG equipment in-house and it suits your workflow

The short answer for most orders

For most custom t-shirt orders — mixed garment colours, a range of fabric types, no minimum order, and wanting the print to hold up over time — DTF is the more flexible default, which is why it's what we use as standard. DTG remains a genuinely good choice for specific cotton-only, single-item use cases.

Still not sure?

Tell us your garment, design and use case and we'll give you an honest recommendation — not just whichever method we happen to run.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, DTF or DTG?

It depends on quantity and design; for most small-to-mid orders across mixed garment colours, DTF tends to be more cost-effective and flexible.

Does DTG work on dark garments?

Yes, but it needs a pre-treatment step for dark fabric that DTF doesn't require, since DTF prints its own white base layer.

Which lasts longer, DTF or DTG?

Both can be very durable when applied well; DTF's flexible bond is specifically suited to stretch fabric and edge durability.

See our approach

• Full DTF vs Screen Printing vs DTG Guide
• DTF T-Shirt Printing UK
• Best T-Shirts & Blanks for DTF Printing