What is Direct to Garment Printing
Direct to Garment printing, often called DTG, is a modern method of decorating apparel. Instead of using screens or transfers, DTG printers apply water based inks directly into the fibers of the fabric. This technology allows for sharp, detailed, and vibrant prints that feel soft to the touch. It is ideal for custom tee shirts, fleece, hoodies, and other cotton based garments.
How Direct to Garment Works
The DTG process begins with preparing the garment. Each shirt or fleece item is pretreated with a special solution that helps the inks bond properly. The garment is then placed on the printing platen where high resolution nozzles apply the design directly onto the fabric. After printing, the piece is cured with heat to lock in the color and ensure durability. The result is a custom printed garment that can capture fine lines, photographs, and color gradients with ease.
Order Sizes and Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of DTG printing is flexibility. There are no minimum order requirements which means you can order a single tee shirt if needed. Whether you want one item for a gift, a small run for your team, or samples for a brand launch, DTG is the perfect choice. For very large bulk runs, screen printing may be more cost effective, but DTG is unmatched when you need smaller quantities or full color detail.
Why Choose DTG Printing
- Works best on cotton tee shirts and cotton blend fleece
- Perfect for complex artwork with unlimited colors
- Produces a soft hand feel without heavy ink layers
- Uses eco friendly water based inks that are safe and sustainable
- Provides faster turnaround than screen printing since there are no setup costs
DTG vs Screen Printing
Both methods have their place, but they serve different needs. Screen printing is ideal for larger orders and solid color designs, but it requires more setup time and typically takes seven to ten business days or longer. Direct to Garment printing can be completed more quickly because there is no setup. It is the better option when you need smaller runs, when you are working with a tight deadline, or when your artwork contains many colors and gradients.
What Fabrics Work Best with DTG
DTG works beautifully on natural fibers. Cotton tee shirts produce the brightest and most durable results, while cotton blend fleece also prints well when pre-treated correctly. While synthetic fabrics can sometimes be printed, cotton and cotton rich blends are recommended for the best finish.
Turnaround Time for DTG Orders
Most DTG orders are finished within three to five business days after artwork is approved. Rush service is available if you have a deadline. By comparison, screen printing typically takes a full week or longer, so DTG gives you the speed advantage when you need it.
How Long Does DTG Last
When cared for properly, DTG prints last for many washes without fading. Because the inks penetrate the fibers, the artwork remains vibrant over time. To extend the life of your garments, we recommend washing inside out with cold water and avoiding harsh detergents.
Why Choose Classic Tees for Direct to Garment Printing
At Classic Tees we partner with experienced DTG specialists who use advanced equipment and high quality inks. Every order is handled with attention to detail, from artwork preparation to final inspection. Whether you need one shirt or a small run of fleece, we coordinate the process to ensure you receive vibrant, professional results.
Start Your DTG Order Today
Direct to Garment printing is the best way to get full color designs on tee shirts and fleece with no minimum order, fast turnaround, and long lasting quality. Whether you are creating a one off gift, apparel for your business, or a short run for an event, DTG makes it easy.