Custom printing has come a long way. Whether you’re making t-shirts, tote bags, or hoodies, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to bring your designs to life with vibrant color and incredible detail.
Two of the most powerful methods? Direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing. They give businesses and creators the flexibility to print high-quality designs on demand, with no need for bulky screens, complicated setups, or massive production runs.
If you’re looking for high-quality, speedy printing on more materials, DTG and DTFilm open up endless opportunities. Here’s what makes them so exciting.
DTG: Colorful Prints with a soft feel
DTG printing works just like an inkjet printer — but for fabric. Your design is printed directly onto the garment, with water-based inks that sink into the fibers instead of sitting on top. The result? A soft, breathable print that moves with the fabric and is less likely to crack or peel over time.
If you’re printing t-shirts, hoodies, baby onesies, or other cotton apparel, DTG makes it easy to create detailed, colorful designs that feel as good as they look. No stiff layers or heavy textures — just smooth, high-quality prints.
Why People Love DTG:
- Super comfortable: The ink becomes part of the fabric, so there’s no thick layer on top.
- Unlimited colors: Print intricate designs with rich colors, fine details, and smooth gradients.
- Easy, on-demand printing: No more worrying about extra inventory or wasted stock.
For custom brands, online shops, and creators, DTG is a go-to choice for high-quality cotton prints that customers love to wear.
DTFilm: More fabrics, more possibilities
DTFilm printing takes flexibility to the next level, letting you print on a wide variety of materials — not just cotton. Instead of printing directly onto fabric, the design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then heat-pressed onto the final product.
This method opens up new creative options. You can print on polyester, blends, hats, socks — even non-traditional surfaces like canvas shoes. The result? Bold, durable designs that stay vibrant through stretching, washing, and daily wear.
Why People Love DTFilm:
- Works on almost any fabric: Print on polyester, nylon, blends, and more.
- No prep required: Skip pre-treatment and get straight to printing.
- Built to last: Prints hold up through washing, movement, and everyday use.
- More product options: Customize hats, tote bags, performance wear, and more.
If you want more versatility and fewer material restrictions, DTFilm is an easy way to expand your printing potential.
DTG vs. DTFilm: Why choose one when you can have both?
DTG and DTFilm each have their strengths, but the best part? You don’t have to choose between them. Epson’s SureColor F1070 and F2270 printers let you seamlessly switch between DTG and DTFilm, so you can take on a wider range of jobs and expand your product offerings without extra equipment or complicated setups.
|
Feature |
DTG printing |
DTFilm printing |
|
Best for |
Cotton t-shirts, hoodies, totes |
Polyester, blends, hats, socks |
|
Feel |
Soft; ink absorbed into the fabric |
Sits on top of the fabric; durable and flexible |
|
Pre-treatment needed? |
Yes |
No |
|
Durability |
Great for everyday wear |
Stretch-and wash-resistant |
Who’s using DTG and DTFilm printing?
From small startups to well-known brands, businesses and organizations of all sizes are using DTG and DTFilm printing to create custom products without the hassle of big upfront costs or excess inventory. Whether you’re printing one piece at a time or scaling up production, these technologies make it easy to bring designs to life with incredible quality and hybrid flexibility.
- Independent creators and artists: Sell original, made-to-order designs without worrying about bulk inventory.
- E-commerce and print-on-demand teams: Print exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed without stockpiles or waste.
- Sports teams and corporations: Customize jerseys, hoodies, and merchandise with durable, high-quality prints.
- Businesses and event organizers: Brand everything from tote bags to hats for promotions, giveaways, and corporate events.
- Schools: Create high-quality, branded apparel to meet the moment – from Spirit Week to fundraisers.
Big opportunities for growing businesses
No matter your business size or focus, DTG and DTFilm put you in control, giving you more creative freedom. They also make starting and growing a business more accessible than ever. Whether you’re an independent artist selling one-of-a-kind designs, an entrepreneur launching a t-shirt brand, or a print shop looking to expand, these technologies let you:
- Start a business with low overhead: Print on demand with no need for bulk inventory.
- Sell on Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon: Offer unique, made-to-order apparel without warehousing costs.
- Expand your product line: Add tote bags, hats, and performance wear with DTFilm flexibility.
- Scale at your own pace: Whether printing a single shirt or fulfilling large orders, DTG and DTFilm grow with your business.
More flexibility, more possibilities
DTG and DTFilm aren’t just about printing shirts — they’re about turning ideas into products and building brands that stand out. With Epson’s hybrid DTG/DTFilm printers, you can print what you want, when you want, with endless possibilities.
Learn more about how Epson’s DTFilm and DTG solutions can help you create, customize, and grow at Epson.com/dtg
