Is Direct to Garment Printing Good Quality?

IS DIRECT TO GARMENT PRINTING GOOD QUALITY?

When it comes to the garment printing industry, there are a variety of different approaches to getting a design onto an item of clothing.

Screen Printing is one of the oldest techniques available, and is still the most affordable option for mass-producing clothing in short timescales with efficiency and consistency. With this approach, the trick is in dividing the design up into individual colours, and then using screens to print each segment of the design onto the garments in sequence.

Then, there’s heat transfer printing, also referred to as Direct to Film printing, which is the cheapest approach overall for an individual item of clothing, and involves pressing a specially constructed decal into the fabric and heating it up until it transfers. This is a good option for one off personalised prints, gifts or custom designs in small runs.

More and more, though, the technique known as Direct to Garment Printing (or DTG Printing) is a discussion on everyone’s lips both in the industry and as a prospect.

What is DTG? Is it good quality? Is DTG better than Screen Printing?

With the rise of technology and need for sustainability dominating conversations in the world of garment printing, Direct to Garment Printing is certainly the popular one in the playground.
Here’s a look at Direct to Garment Printing, and whether or not this technique might be just the thing you are after for a high quality end product.

How Does DTG Printing Work?

First and foremost, Direct to Garment printing works by running a garment – ideally made of 100% pure cotton for optimal print quality – through a specialised printer. Unlike with other approaches to garment printing, the key thing with Direct To Garment printing is – as the name implies – that the designs are printed directly onto the fabric.

Benefits of DTG Printing

Here’s a look at a few of the benefits of Direct to Garment Printing, particularly with regards to things like T Shirt printing:

Unparalleled Detail and Quality

DTG Printing offers unparalleled image quality, and allows you to capture highly precise, beautiful, and crisp images to an extent that would be impossible using other methods.
With Direct to Garment Printing, it really is a viable possibility to take a photo that you find particularly inspirational, and to have it replicated on a T Shirt in a highly accurate manner, or else to at least create a stylised version of the image with far more visual fidelity than would otherwise be possible.

Customised Print Runs and No More Wasted Stock

Increasingly, DTG Printing is being viewed as the T Shirt printing approach of choice by more ethically minded brands, including those who are concerned with their overall environmental impact.
This is because one of the great benefits of Direct to Garment Printing is that it does not require bulk purchases or “minimum order quantities”, but can instead produce very precise batches and operate according to Print on Demand strategies, too.
This is also an innate cost saving benefit of DTG Printing.

Even though the cost per unit is higher, the fact that items don’t have to be produced and purchased in bulk means that costs can be managed much more efficiently. This makes it a viable printing approach for even small brands and individuals.

Is DTG Right for My Print Order?

When considering whether DTG printing is the right method for your business, it’s important to assess your specific needs. DTG excels in scenarios where you require high-quality, detailed prints in smaller quantities or for customised orders. If your business focuses on creating unique, personalised designs or frequently changes its product line, DTG could be an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for businesses in the fashion, e-commerce, or custom apparel sectors where flexibility and print quality are paramount. However, for large-scale production runs or simple designs, traditional methods like screen printing might still be more cost-effective. Evaluate your order volumes, design complexity, and target market to determine if DTG aligns with your business goals. Speak to your supplier if you’re unsure, or request a quote. We’ll always offer the right print method for you, dependent on your needs.

Design and Order Custom Clothing Online with Teesh

At Teesh, we’ve streamlined the process of bringing your custom designs to life. Our user-friendly online design studio allows you to create and visualise your garments before ordering. You can upload your own artwork, add text, and experiment with different designs directly on our website. This intuitive platform makes it easy for both individuals and businesses to create professional-looking custom apparel without the need for complex design software. Once you’re satisfied with your design, you can seamlessly place your order through our secure online store, making the entire process from concept to creation effortless and efficient. If you specifically require DTG printing through the design studio, let us know and we’ll explore your order requirements and print methods.

The Importance of Blank Garments in DTG Printing

The choice of blank garments plays a crucial role in the DTG printing process and the final quality of your prints. For optimal results, we recommend using high-quality, 100% cotton garments. Cotton absorbs the water-based inks used in DTG printing better than synthetic fabrics, resulting in more vibrant and longer-lasting prints. Light-coloured garments, particularly white, provide the best canvas for DTG printing, allowing for the fullest expression of colour and detail in your designs. However, advancements in DTG technology have also made it possible to achieve great results on darker garments with proper pre-treatment. At Teesh, we offer a carefully curated selection of blank garments that are ideal for DTG printing, ensuring that your designs look their best and stand the test of time. Find more garment and printing resources here.

Ready to bring your designs to life with the quality and precision of DTG printing? Visit our online personalisation tool to start creating your custom apparel. Whether you’re a small business owner, an event organiser, or an individual looking for personalised garments, Teesh has the tools and expertise to turn your vision into reality. Experience the difference of high-quality DTG printing – design, order, and wear your unique creations with pride. Head to our website now and let your creativity shine!