DTF vs DTG Printing: Which Is Better for Custom College Merch?
When you’re designing chapter shirts or club merch, two of the most common print types you’ll hear about are DTF (Direct-to-Film) and DTG (Direct-to-Garment).
They sound similar, but they work differently—and depending on your design, one can save you time, money, and headaches.
DTF and DTG at a Glance
| Category | DTF Printing | DTG Printing |
| Best for | Multi-color designs, fast deadlines, mixed fabrics |
100% cotton shirts, soft-feel prints |
|
Color Range |
Bright, bold, high contrast | Smooth gradients, natural blends |
|
Feel |
Smooth, slightly raised | Very soft, blends into fibers |
|
Durability |
Highly resistant to cracking/fading | Softer but can fade faster |
|
Fabric Type |
Works on most fabrics | Requires 80%+ cotton |
|
Order Size |
<10 or bulk mixed fabrics | Small runs on cotton shirts |
|
Turnaround |
Fast (prints prepped in advance) | Slower (pretreat + dry time) |
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints your design onto a special film, coats it with adhesive powder, and heat-presses it onto your garment. Instead of soaking into the fabric, the ink forms a thin layer on top.
Best for: Multi-color designs, vibrant artwork, or orders with mixed fabric types (like cotton-poly blends, hoodies, and totes).
Strengths:
- Vibrant colors that pop even on dark shirts
- Durable and resistant to cracking/fading
- Works on almost any fabric
- Fast turnaround for small or mid-sized orders
What Is DTG Printing?
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) uses water-based CMYK inks sprayed directly onto cotton shirts—kind of like a supercharged fabric printer. The ink soaks into the fibers, leaving a soft, natural feel.
Best for: Cotton-heavy garments, soft-feel prints, or photo-realistic artwork.
Strengths:
- Smooth, lightweight feel—the print blends into the fabric
- Unlimited color range with detailed gradients and shading
- Great for one-off designs or short runs
- Eco-friendlier with water-based inks
Which Should You Choose?
Choose DTF if you want:
- Bright, multi-color designs on dark or blended fabrics
- Fast turnaround for events or small batch orders
- Consistent results across shirts, hoodies, and totes
Choose DTG if you want:
- A soft, vintage feel on cotton shirts
- Photo-quality artwork or detailed gradients
- A natural print that feels part of the fabric
FAQs
Does DTF last longer than DTG?
Yes. DTF tends to last longer and resist cracking because the print sits on top of the fabric with an adhesive bond, while DTG inks absorb into the fibers.
Can I use both methods in one design?
Not on the same garment—but you can mix methods across your collection (e.g., DTF for hoodies, DTG for tees).
Which is better for photos or gradients?
DTG handles gradients and photo prints more smoothly, while DTF gives brighter contrast and color saturation.
Fresh Prints Offers Both DTF and DTG
Still not sure which print method to choose?
Send us your design—our team will recommend the best option, show you free mockups, and make sure your merch looks exactly how you want it.