DTG (Direct To Garment) is a textile customization technique that consists of printing directly onto the garment using a specialized printer, similar to an inkjet printer. It’s a perfect option for full-color designs with lots of detail, without the need for intermediate steps.
How does the process work?
Digital design: The design is created on a computer.
Garment pretreatment: A special liquid is applied to the garment (especially if it’s dark-colored) to help the ink adhere properly.
Direct printing: The garment is placed into the DTG printer, and the design is printed directly onto the fabric using water-based textile inks.
Curing: Heat is applied (with a heat press or conveyor dryer) to permanently set the ink.
Advantages of DTG
Supports complex designs, gradients, and photo prints.
Doesn’t require screens or molds, reducing costs for small runs.
Can be printed on 100% cotton garments (best results on light fabrics).
Ideal for fast, one-off, or on-demand customizations.
When is DTG a good choice?
It’s ideal if:
You want to print a full-color or highly detailed design.
You need a small quantity or personalized orders.
You want to avoid complex processes like screen printing or embroidery.