DTG (direct to garment)
Ink is printed straight onto the fabric. Best for soft, photographic prints on cotton in small runs. Needs pre treatment and works mainly on cotton.
- Soft hand feel
- Cotton and blends
- Small to medium runs
Printing methods compared
DTG vs DTF vs Sublimation: Which Print Should You Choose?
Three digital methods, three different strengths. This guide explains what each one does best, what it costs, and which we recommend for your garment, artwork, and quantity.
- DTG
- DTF
- Sublimation
The short version
Each method in one line
If you only read one section, read this one.
DTF (direct to film)
Artwork is printed to a film, then heat pressed onto the garment. Full color on almost any fabric, including dark and synthetic.
- Full color and photographic
- Any fabric color or type
- Runs from one piece up
Sublimation
Dye is fused into polyester at high heat. All over, edge to edge color that never cracks, peels, or fades. The standard for sportswear.
- All over full bleed print
- Polyester and blends only
- Jerseys and activewear
Side by side
Full comparison
| Attribute | DTG | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fabric | Cotton and cotton blends | Almost any fabric | Polyester and poly blends |
| Color range | Full color | Full color, photographic | Full color, unlimited |
| Hand feel | Soft, sits in the fabric | Slight film on top | No added layer |
| White ink on dark | Limited | Strong | Not applicable |
| All over print | No | No | Yes |
| Durability | Good | Good with correct film | Permanent |
| Small runs | Good | Excellent, from one piece | Good, from a few pieces |
| Bulk cost | Moderate | Moderate | Lowest per piece at volume |
| Setup | Pre treatment per garment | No screens, no setup | No screens, no setup |
Decision helper By fabric By design By garment
Choose by your job
Match your situation to the method that will give you the best result for the money.
Cotton tee or hoodie
DTF for full color on any color of cotton, or DTG for the softest feel on lighter cotton. Most teams pick DTF.
Photographic or gradient artwork
DTF handles fine detail and gradients on dark garments without screens. Best for complex logos.
Jersey or performance kit
Sublimation is the only method that gives all over, edge to edge color that lasts. Built for sportswear.
What we run
What PHShirt runs, and what we recommend
Our production floor runs DTF and dye sublimation in house, plus silkscreen and embroidery. Those four cover almost every job, and they are the methods we can control end to end for quality and turnaround.
DTG is included in this guide because clients ask about it, but for most Philippine orders we steer to DTF or sublimation: DTF prints on any fabric color with no screens, and sublimation gives the all over color that sportswear needs. If your job truly calls for DTG, tell us and we will advise honestly.
See DTF printing and see sublimation printing for full service details.
Questions
Printing method FAQ
Which is better, DTG or DTF?
For most jobs, DTF. It prints full color on any fabric color, needs no pre treatment, and works from a single piece. DTG gives a slightly softer hand feel on light cotton, but it is limited on dark garments and needs treated blanks. We recommend DTF unless your artwork specifically suits DTG.
Can I use sublimation on cotton?
No. Sublimation bonds only with polyester. On cotton the dye washes out. If you want full color on cotton, use DTF instead. For polyester sportswear, sublimation is the best choice.
Which method lasts longest?
Sublimation is permanent because the dye becomes part of the fabric. DTF is durable when the correct film is used and washed inside out. DTG holds well on treated cotton. All three outlast the garment with proper care.
Which is cheapest for bulk orders?
At volume, sublimation on polyester and silkscreen on cotton give the lowest cost per piece. DTF and DTG sit in the middle and win on small runs and complex artwork.
Can you help me choose if I am not sure?
Yes. Send your garment type, artwork, and quantity, and we will recommend the method that gives the best result for your budget. There is no charge for the recommendation.
Not sure which method to pick?
Send your garment, artwork, and quantity. We reply with the recommended method and a firm quote.