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HOME > Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

How digital inkjet DTG works on apparel—full-color art, soft feel, and how it compares to screen printing and heat transfer. The more you order, the lower the unit price—use your cart to see live unit costs.

At Custom9, we select the most suitable production method based on actual requirements (for example DTG or heat transfer when that delivers the best result).

If you have special requirements for the production method, please leave a remark when you place your order.

What is DTG Printing?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is an advanced digital printing technology where designs are printed directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet printers. The ink is absorbed into the fibers, allowing for highly detailed, full-color prints with a soft hand feel.

Key Features

  1. Full-Color, Photo-Quality Printing
    DTG allows unlimited colors, gradients, and photographic designs with exceptional clarity and detail.
  2. Soft & Breathable Feel
    The ink penetrates the fabric instead of sitting on top, resulting in a smooth, lightweight, and breathable finish.
  3. Unlimited colors in artwork
    Unlike traditional methods, there are no extra costs for multiple colors—perfect for complex artwork.
  4. Eco-Friendly Process
    Uses water-based, non-toxic inks that are safe, sustainable, and compliant with U.S. standards.
  5. Ideal for On-Demand Production
    No setup or screens required, making it fast to launch designs and easy to scale quantity—the more you order, the lower the unit price in your cart.

Advantages Over Other Printing Methods

Comparison of DTG printing, screen printing, and heat transfer
Method DTG Printing Screen Printing Heat Transfer
Color Capability ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆
Detail & Gradients ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆
Fabric Feel ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
No screens or films vs screen print ★★★★★ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★★★☆
Setup Cost ★★★★★ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★★★☆

Why Choose DTG for T-Shirts & Polo Shirts?

  • Perfect for large-area prints and complex designs
  • Ideal for e-commerce, print-on-demand, and custom brands
  • Great for frequently updated artwork and personalized products—the more you order, the lower the unit price on steady programs
  • Delivers a premium retail-quality finish preferred by modern U.S. consumers

Best Use Scenarios

  • Fashion brands with detailed artwork
  • Print-on-demand (POD) businesses
  • Custom gifts and personalized apparel
  • Event merchandise and limited editions
  • Online stores (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon sellers)

Optional Add-on Selling Points

  • No screen setup fees
  • Fast sampling available
  • High-resolution (up to 1200 DPI+) printing
  • Compatible with cotton and cotton-blend fabrics
  • Consistent color reproduction
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