What Is DTG Printing? How Direct-to-Garment Works
If you have shopped for a print-on-demand t-shirt, you have probably seen the letters DTG. It stands for direct-to-garment, and it is the technology behind many made-to-order tees. Here is a plain-language answer to what DTG printing is, how it works and what it means for the shirt you buy.
What DTG printing means
DTG printing uses a specialized inkjet printer that applies water-based ink straight onto a garment. It works like a desktop printer, except the paper is a t-shirt. Because there are no screens or plates, there is no setup cost per design, which is why it suits made-to-order production.
How it works, step by step
- The garment is loaded flat onto a platen so the fabric stays smooth.
- Depending on the fabric color, a pretreatment may be applied so the ink bonds well.
- The printer sprays the design onto the fabric in full color.
- The garment is heated to cure the ink so it stays put through washing.
What DTG does well
- Full color and fine detail. Gradients and detailed illustrations print in one pass.
- Soft feel. The ink soaks into cotton fibers instead of sitting on top.
- No minimums. One shirt costs the same effort as a hundred, which is why we can offer many designs.
Where DTG has limits
- It works best on cotton and cotton-rich fabrics.
- Very bright colors can differ slightly from a screen image.
- For thousands of identical shirts in a few solid colors, screen printing is usually cheaper. We compare the two in print on demand vs screen printing.
DTG at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Inkjet printing directly on fabric |
| Ink type | Water-based |
| Best fabric | Cotton and cotton blends |
| Setup per design | None |
| Best for | Small runs and detailed art |
Caring for a DTG tee
Wash cold, inside out, on a gentle cycle and dry on low heat. Avoid ironing directly on the print. Our guide to washing printed t-shirts has the whole routine, and our post on ring-spun cotton explains why the fabric matters too.
What it means when you buy
Made-to-order production means a few extra days before shipping, which we explain in print on demand shipping time, and it means less overproduction, as we describe in what made to order means for sustainable fashion. For the business-model side, read what print on demand actually means.
Frequently asked questions
Is DTG the same as print on demand?
No. Print on demand is the model, and DTG is one printing method that suits it.
Does DTG last?
With cold washing and gentle drying, a DTG print on good cotton lasts well.
Does DTG feel thick?
Usually not. The ink soaks into the fabric, so it feels soft.
Browse the apparel collection to see DTG tees.