Custom apparel printing is growing very quickly in 2026. And many businesses are printing t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms and promotional clothing. But novices often get harassed.
Which printing method is first-class?
DTG?
DTF?
Display screen printing?
Sublimation?
Each approach has different expenses, fines, cloth usage and earnings degrees.
In this newsletter, we are able to compare all four methods in very simple phrases so that you can choose the proper option.
1. What Is DTG Printing?
DTG stands for Direct-to-Garment Printing.
In this technique, a printer prints the format one by one onto the fabric like a paper printer.
The method is simple:
- Load a t-shirt into the printer
- Print design
- Heat-cure ink
DTG gives very soft prints because the ink goes inside the fabric.
Best For:
- Cotton shirts
- Photo prints
- Small orders
- Print-on-demand stores
DTG Advantages
- High detail printing
- Soft feel
- No film or transfer
- Good for single pieces
DTG Disadvantages
- Slow printing
- High ink cost
- Works best only on cotton
For an in-depth evaluation, discover DTG printing cost to apprehend machine, ink and fee per print.
2. What is DTF printing?
DTF stands for direct-to-film printing.
The layout is first revealed on movie, then it is transferred to the cloth the usage of a warmth press.
Process:
- Print on PET film
- Add powder
- Cure
- Heat press on the garment
DTF works on almost all fabrics.
Best For:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Blends
- Dark fabrics
- Sportswear
DTF Advantages
- Works on many fabrics
- Bright colors
- Strong durability
- Good stretch resistance
DTF Disadvantages
- Print feel is slightly heavy
- Powder process needed
- Maintenance required
For steerage on printers, elements and setup, please go to https://www.dtflinko.com/ for distinctive product and enterprise information.
3. What is display printing?
Silk printing is the oldest printing method.
The ink is driven via a mesh screen onto the cloth.
Each shade calls for a separate screen.
Process:
- Make screen stencil
- Add ink
- Press on the garment
- Dry ink
Best For:
- Bulk orders
- Simple logos
- Corporate uniforms
- Event merchandise
Screen Printing Advantages
- Very low cost in bulk
- Long-lasting prints
- Bright solid colors
- High production speed
Screen Printing Disadvantages
- Expensive setup
- Not good for small orders
- Limited color blending
- Time-consuming preparation
If you print 500 shirts, display screen printing will become very worthwhile.
4. What is sublimation printing?
Such as sublimation uses heat to show the ink into a gas, which binds to the cloth.
It does not sit on the material – it becomes part of the fabric.
Best For:
- Polyester fabric
- Sports jerseys
- All-over prints
- Mugs & promotional items
Sublimation Advantages
- No print feel
- No cracking or peeling
- Very vibrant colours
- Permanent prints
Sublimation Disadvantages
- Works only on polyester
- Not suitable for dark fabrics
- Cotton printing is not possible
Fabric Compatibility Comparison
DTG works best on cotton. It gives good results on blends and dark fabric, but its performance on polyester is limited.
DTF works excellent on all fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and dark fabric.
Screen printing is excellent for cotton and dark fabric, while it gives good results on polyester and blends.
Sublimation works best only on polyester. It does not work on cotton or dark fabric, and it gives limited results on blends.
DTF is the most versatile method in fabric use.
Cost Comparison
DTG Cost
- Printer expensive
- Ink very costly
- Best for premium prints
Per shirt cost: $8 – $15
DTF Cost
- Medium equipment cost
- Lower ink cost vs DTG
- Film & powder added
Per shirt cost: $5 – $9
Screen Printing Cost
- High setup cost
- Very cheap in bulk
Per shirt cost:
- Small orders → $8 – $12
- Bulk orders → $2 – $4
Sublimation Cost
- Low printing cost
- Polyester apparel required
Per shirt cost: $3 – $6
Print Quality Comparison
DTG offers very high detail and high color brightness. Its durability is medium, but the print feel is very soft.
DTF provides high detail with very high color brightness. It is durable and has a medium print feel.
Screen printing has medium detail but very high color brightness and durability. However, the print feel is heavy.
Sublimation gives high detail with very high color brightness and durability. It has no feel on the fabric.
Order Quantity Suitability
- 1–10 pieces → DTG / DTF
- 10–100 pieces → DTF
- 100–1000+ pieces → Screen Printing
- Polyester sports bulk → Sublimation
Choosing a method based on order size increases profit.
Profitability Comparison
Most Profitable for Small Business
DTF → Because:
- Works on all fabrics
- Medium cost
- Good margins
Most Profitable for Bulk
Screen Printing → Lowest cost per piece.
Best for Premium Custom Prints
DTG → High detail, higher selling price.
Best for Sportswear
Sublimation → Permanent polyester prints.
Equipment Investment Comparison
Method Startup Cost
DTG High
DTF Medium
Screen Medium
Sublimation Low
Such as beginners often start with DTF or Sublimation due to lower entry cost.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Choose based on your business model.
Choose DTG If:
- You print photos
- You sell print-on-demand
- You focus on cotton
Choose DTF If:
- You want all-fabric printing
- You handle mixed orders
- You want a scalable business
Choose Screen Printing If:
- You print bulk uniforms
- You handle corporate orders
- You want the lowest bulk cost
Choose Sublimation If:
- You sell sportswear
- You print polyester items
- You do mugs & promo gifts
Future Trend in 2026
DTF is growing fastest because:
- Fabric flexibility
- Lower cost than DTG
- Easier than screen printing
- Suitable for both small & bulk
Many businesses are shifting from DTG to DTF for better margins.
Conclusion
DTG, DTF, screen printing and sublimation all have their personal benefits.
There is no single “satisfactory” technique.
It relies upon:
form of fabric
order size
finances
business model
If you need versatility → choose DTF.
If you want photo info → pick out DTG.
If you need bulk earnings → select display printing.
If you want polyester printing → pick sublimation.
First understand your target marketplace, then invest in the proper printing generation for long-term achievement.
