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If you’re diving into the world of Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, chances are you’re already in love with the crisp detail, unlimited color options, and photo-quality results it offers. But here’s the thing—not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to DTG printing. The fabric you choose can either make your design pop like a masterpiece or flop like a smudged watercolor.
So, what are the best fabrics for DTG printing? Let’s break it down step by step and make sure you pick the right canvas for your next print project.
Quick refresher if you’re new here: DTG printing is like using an inkjet printer for clothes. Your design gets printed directly onto the garment using water-based inks. That means the ink soaks into the fabric, rather than sitting on top like with screen printing or heat transfers.
The big takeaway? Your fabric needs to play nice with those inks—otherwise, you’ll get muted colors, bleeding, or designs that fade fast.
Why Fabric Choice Matters for DTG Printing
Imagine painting a masterpiece on toilet paper versus a smooth canvas. One absorbs too fast, the other gives you time and precision. That’s exactly what fabric quality does for DTG.
Here’s what you want in the best fabrics for DTG printing:
- High absorbency for water-based inks
- Smooth surface for detail and clarity
- Good fiber structure to retain color over time
- Soft feel for wearability
The Best Fabrics for DTG Printing (Ranked)
Let’s go fabric hunting! Here are the champions of DTG printing, ranked from best to workable (but with caveats).
1. 100% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton
Best for: Vibrant colors, sharp details, long-lasting prints
This is the gold standard. “Combed” means the cotton fibers are brushed to remove impurities and shorter threads, while “ring-spun” means it’s been twisted tightly for smoothness and strength.
- Why it rocks:
- Absorbs ink beautifully
- Super soft and comfortable
- Smooth surface for high-detail prints
- Look for: Premium tees like Bella+Canvas 3001 or Next Level 3600
Pro Tip: Always pre-treat for darker garments—even cotton needs help with that white underbase!
2. 100% Regular Cotton (Carded Open-End)
Best for: Budget-friendly printing
This is the more basic cousin of combed ring-spun. It’s still cotton, but the fibers are less refined and slightly rougher.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Still takes ink decently
- Cons:
- Less vibrant results
- Slightly rougher texture can impact print clarity
Pro Tip: Great for large quantity runs where cost is key, and design isn’t hyper-detailed.
3. Cotton/Polyester Blends (Up to 50/50)
Best for: Soft feel and durability—but test before bulk printing
Blends can work if you know what you’re doing. DTG inks struggle a bit with polyester because it repels water. A 50/50 cotton/poly blend can be okay for certain prints, but color vibrancy will drop.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and comfy
- More wrinkle and shrink-resistant
- Cons:
- Less ink absorption
- Duller colors
- Might require special pretreatment
Pro Tip: Use on light-colored garments only, and test print every new blank you use.
4. Tri-Blends (Cotton, Polyester, Rayon)
Best for: Not DTG printing
Tri-blends are super soft and loved in the fashion world—but a nightmare for DTG. Rayon is not your friend here; it just doesn’t play nice with water-based ink.
- Why not:
- Poor ink absorption
- Colors wash out quickly
- Pretreatment rarely helps
Verdict: Avoid for DTG. Great for embroidery or screen printing, though.
How to Test Fabric for DTG Printing
Want to test a new garment before committing? Here’s a quick home test:
- Sprinkle Water: Drop a bit of water on the shirt.
- If it soaks in quickly = Good!
- If it beads or runs off = Nope.
- Feel the Surface: The smoother the fabric, the better the detail.
- Do a Small Print Test: Even a tiny logo can reveal how well it holds ink and color.
Caring for DTG-Printed Fabrics
Even the best fabrics for DTG printing need some TLC. Here’s how to keep those prints fresh:
- Wash inside out, cold water
- Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- No ironing directly on the print
FAQs
Q: Can I DTG print on polyester?
Technically, yes—but results are hit or miss. DTG inks are water-based and don’t bond well to polyester, which repels moisture. You’ll need special pretreatments or look into DTF or sublimation instead.
Q: Why does my print look faded on a cotton/poly shirt?
Polyester content doesn’t absorb DTG ink well, so colors appear muted. Use blends with more cotton or switch to screen printing for better results.
Q: Do I always need to pre-treat shirts for DTG?
Only for dark garments or when printing white ink. Light-colored 100% cotton shirts often don’t need pretreatment unless your printer requires it.
Q: What’s the best brand of shirts for DTG printing?
Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and AS Colour are popular with DTG shops for their soft, smooth, and high-quality cotton tees.Q: Can DTG prints crack or peel like vinyl?
Nope! DTG ink bonds with the fabric fibers. If it’s cracking, it might be due to overcured prints or low-quality garments—not the ink itself.