What is DTG printing? The complete guide to digital printing for custom apparel

Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is one of the most popular ways to bring detailed designs to life on apparel. Today, it’s widely used on custom t-shirts, hoodies, and even accessories like tote bags. If you’ve ever wondered what is DTG printing on shirts, this guide will show you how it works, the benefits it offers, and when it’s the best option for your brand.

Close-up of DTG print on a white t-shirt with green stars and the text "For those who want more."

DTG printing meaning

Direct to Garment printing is a digital print method where the artwork is applied directly onto fabric using advanced printers. Unlike screen printing or transfers, the design is absorbed into the fibres of the garment. The result is a breathable finish that feels part of the material rather than sitting on top.

Close-up of a dtg graphic on fabric, featuring a stylized face with glasses in green and blue tones, with partial text visible.

The DTG printing process

The process of DTG printing is straightforward but highly technical.

Artwork preparation

The design is set up as a high-resolution digital file.

Garment preparation

The blank garment is pre-treated to help the ink bond properly.

Printing

Specialised inkjet printers apply water-based inks directly onto the fabric.

Curing

Heat is used to fix the print in place, ensuring durability through washing and wear.

Benefits of DTG printing

There are several clear advantages of using DTG printing for custom merchandise:

Full colour capability: Reproduces gradients, detailed artwork, and even photography with accuracy.
Breathable, natural finish: Inks absorb into the fibres, leaving the fabric soft rather than rubbery.
Quick setup: Prints directly from a digital file, saving time compared to methods that require screens or plates.
Flexible order sizes: Works well for 15 units and above, making it ideal for testing or smaller runs.

White fabric with a blue sailboat illustration and text reading "Un Bonjour de Cap Ferret France."

Close-up of a white fabric with colorful, outlined letters spelling "SUN" and "ANTIPA" in a playful, overlapping design.

Blue geometric star pattern inside an oval with a checkered border on white fabric.

Limitations of DTG printing

While DTG is versatile and detail-focused, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Fabric restrictions: The best fabric for DTG printing is 100% cotton. Polyester-heavy garments don’t absorb ink well, which can reduce vibrancy.
Colour considerations: DTG printing achieves strong colour results on lighter cotton garments, but prints on darker colours may appear less vivid.
Special effects: DTG works best for flat, detailed artwork. Finishes such as puff, metallic, or reflective effects require other methods.

Colorful dtg graffiti featuring a stylized rabbit face on an orange and red striped background with abstract shapes in blue and pink.

Is DTG printing good quality and does it last?

Yes. DTG printing delivers vibrant, detailed designs with a smooth, breathable finish that feels part of the fabric. With the right production standards, from pre-treatment to precise curing, prints stay soft, durable, and resistant to cracking through regular wear.

At Assembly, every order follows these steps and is produced on premium organic cotton garments to deliver crisp, long-lasting results. This commitment to quality is part of what defines our premium custom merch.

Care also plays an important role. To keep DTG prints looking their best:

Wash inside out in cold water (30°C or below)
Use mild detergent, avoid bleach or harsh chemicals
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
Iron inside out, avoiding direct contact with the print

“DTG isn’t just about detail and speed, it’s also about responsibility. At Assembly, we use 100% organic cotton and certified processes to create sustainable branded apparel.”

Diana Martins, Vice President of Assembly

Why brands choose DTG printing

DTG printing reproduces artwork with precision, from illustrations to photography and gradients. It delivers detail and colour exactly as they appear on screen, making it ideal for brands exploring bold or intricate visuals.

Design flexibility
Small runs without the risk
Soft results for everyday use
Fast turnarounds

Close-up of a fabric with printed text and technical drawings, featuring phrases about craftsmanship and mechanical artistry.

DTG vs Screen Printing, Embroidery, and DTF

Screen printing is durable and cost-effective for simple 1-3 colour designs in large runs. DTG is faster to set up and captures fine detail, making it better for smaller batches and intricate artwork.
Embroidery offers a textured, premium look for logos on caps, sweatshirts, and thicker fabrics. DTG provides a smooth finish and works across most garments, except caps.
DTF uses a heat transfer film that can be applied to different fabrics, including polyester, and often looks vibrant on dark garments. DTG delivers a softer, natural feel and achieves its best results on 100% cotton.

From print to production

DTG printing is one of the most precise and flexible ways to bring artwork to life on fabric. When done right, it delivers soft, lasting prints that elevate the quality of any branded merch. But printing is just one part of the journey. From choosing the right blanks to refining your designs and managing production, every decision shapes the end result.

If you’re ready to see how it all comes together, read our guide on how to make custom merch, a step-by-step look at the entire process from concept to delivery.

Ready to create your own branded merch with DTG?

DTG is just one way to bring your designs to life. Explore our customisation techniques or start designing directly in Assembly Studio.

Start designing