Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Custom Apparel Business
If you're looking to launch or grow a custom apparel brand, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing could be the game-changer you need. This advanced printing method allows you to create vibrant, full-color designs on t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more — with minimal setup and virtually no limits on creativity.
In this article, we’ll explore what DTG printing is, how it works, its benefits, and the best DTG printers to consider for your business.
What Is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a modern method of decorating textiles by spraying special water-based inks directly onto the fabric. Think of it as a high-tech inkjet printer — but for clothes. The design is absorbed into the fibers of the garment, resulting in a soft, durable, and high-resolution print.
Unlike traditional methods like screen printing, DTG doesn’t require setting up screens or long prep times. This makes it perfect for on-demand printing, small batch orders, and personalized designs.
Why Choose DTG Printing?
Here are some of the key advantages that make DTG ideal for new and growing apparel businesses:
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No Minimum Orders: Whether you're printing 1 shirt or 100, DTG is efficient and cost-effective.
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Unlimited Colors: Print photo-quality graphics and colorful illustrations without any extra cost.
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Fast Turnaround: With minimal setup time, you can fulfill custom orders quickly.
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Soft, Long-Lasting Prints: DTG inks bond with the fabric, creating prints that are smooth to the touch and long-wearing.
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Eco-Friendly Option: Most DTG inks are water-based and generate less waste than other printing methods.
How Does DTG Printing Work?
The DTG process involves a few simple steps:
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Design Setup: Upload your digital design to a computer connected to the DTG printer.
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Pre-Treatment (for dark fabrics): A pre-treatment solution is sprayed onto the garment to help the ink adhere and remain vibrant.
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Printing: The garment is loaded onto the platen, and the printer sprays the ink directly onto the fabric.
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Curing: The ink is cured using a heat press or tunnel dryer to permanently set the print.
What Products Can You Print With DTG?
DTG is most effective on 100% cotton or cotton-rich blends. Popular printable items include:
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T-shirts
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Hoodies
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Tank tops
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Baby onesies
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Tote bags
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Sweatshirts
Because the process prints directly onto fabric, it works best on smooth, flat garments.
Best DTG Printers in 2025
If you’re ready to invest in a DTG printer, here are some of the most trusted options:
1. Epson SureColor F2100
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Great for beginners and small businesses
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Fast print speed and excellent color output
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Easy maintenance with built-in cleaning system
2. Brother GTX Pro
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Commercial-grade performance
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Bulk ink system for high-volume output
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Great for businesses scaling up
3. Ricoh Ri 1000
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User-friendly interface and smart maintenance
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Fast loading and versatile design options
4. Omniprint FreeJet 330TX Plus
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Vivid color results, especially on dark garments
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Excellent support and white ink capabilities
5. Kornit Breeze
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Industrial-level DTG printer with integrated pre-treatment
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Designed for large-scale production and enterprise use
Who Should Use DTG?
DTG is ideal for:
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Entrepreneurs starting a clothing brand
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Print-on-demand businesses
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Etsy or Shopify sellers
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Local print shops expanding their services
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Artists and designers offering custom merch
Start Your Custom Clothing Brand with DTG
The rise of eCommerce and demand for unique, custom products has made DTG printing one of the fastest-growing methods in the apparel industry. Whether you want to run a side hustle or scale into a full-on clothing line, DTG printing gives you the freedom, flexibility, and quality to succeed.
With low startup costs, endless design possibilities, and fast order fulfillment, DTG could be the perfect launchpad for your next big business idea.
