DTG prints ink directly into cotton fabric fibers like an inkjet printer — the softest hand-feel of any method, and the best choice for genuinely photo-realistic designs.
Indy Custom Apparel connects Indianapolis-area customers with independent custom apparel providers. We don't own or operate a print shop — pricing, production and turnaround are set by the provider handling your order. See how it works →
We'd rather tell you upfront where this method doesn't make sense than match you to the wrong provider.
✓ Photo-realistic and complex gradient designs
✓ 100% cotton or high-cotton-blend garments
✓ One-off or very small quantity orders
✓ Full-color art with no per-color cost penalty
✕ Less reliable on poly-blend or performance fabric than DTF
✕ Print can feel slightly less durable on heavily worn areas over time
✕ Best results skew toward lighter fabric colors
✕ Not the most cost-effective choice at very high volume
If your design includes fine shading, a genuine photograph, or subtle color blending, DTG will render it more naturally than DTF's film-transfer process. For flat, bold graphics, the difference is far less noticeable — and DTF's broader fabric compatibility may matter more.
Choose DTG when your garment is cotton and your art is detailed or photographic. Choose DTF when your fabric is a poly-blend, when you want maximum durability, or when you're ordering a mix of garment types in one run.
Garment type, quantity and design.
Your project matched to a provider suited to dtg printing.
A qualified provider reaches out with pricing.
Proofs and production handled directly by that provider.
No — Indy Custom Apparel is a matching service. We connect you with a qualified Indianapolis-area provider whose equipment fits your project. Production, pricing and turnaround are handled by that provider.
Yes, using a white underbase pretreatment, though results are most vivid on lighter fabric. For heavily saturated full-color art on dark garments, some providers will suggest DTF instead.
No meaningful minimum — DTG is well-suited to single-piece or very small orders, similar to DTF.
Free to submit. No obligation until you approve a quote from a matched provider.
