Know your print

Ordering a custom-made print is a little different than buying a product off the shelf. Each item is made just for you, using a specific print method that affects how your design will look, feel, and last over time. On the product information for each product, you can see which technique is used. Here’s an overview:

DTG – Direct to Garment (for apparel)

Soft feel: Ink soaks into fabric, resulting in a soft finish — no noticeable texture on lighter prints.
High detail: Great for detailed designs and color gradients (ideal for photos, complex graphics).
Eco-friendly water-based inks: Generally safe and less wasteful.

Wash inside-out at max 40°: may lose vibrancy otherwise.

DTF – Direct to Film (transferred to garment)

Works on a wider range of fabrics: better than DTG for polyester, blends.
More vibrant on dark colors: excellent white ink opacity.
Durable and stretch-resistant: transfers tend to hold up better under wear and wash.

Not available for all garments.
Heavier feel: the printed area has a rubbery/plastic-like texture — noticeable, especially on large prints.
Less breathable: not ideal for athletic wear or large coverage on the chest/back.

Sublimation (for mugs and similar items)

Extremely durable: the ink is infused into the surface; no peeling or fading from washing.
Vibrant colors: especially on white mugs and items with polyester coating.
Full-wrap designs: can print over the entire surface area.

Limited to smooth surfaces: only works on specific substrates (not for cotton shirts, for example).

Digital Print (for paper products like posters, cards, etc.)

Crisp resolution: excellent for text, photos, and detailed illustrations.
Wide color range: can closely match most RGB designs.
Great for low-volume runs: no setup costs like offset printing.

Not archival quality: colors may fade over years if not protected from UV light.
Less texture depth: compared to specialty print finishes (embossing, foil, etc.)

Embroidery

Professional, high-end look: great for logos and typography.
Extremely durable: withstands years of washing and wear.
Textured/3D feel: raised stitches add tactile value.

Limited design complexity: fine details may be reproduced.
Color limitations: thread colors are fixed (Pantone matching not exact).
Higher cost: especially for many stitches or large designs.

In short

Print Type	Best For	Detail	Feel	Durability	Fabric Range	Vibrancy
DTG	Complex prints on cotton apparel	High	Soft	Good	Cotton only	Good
DTF	Bright prints on any fabric	High	Rubbery	High	Any fabric	High
Sublimation	Mugs, polyester, all-over designs	High	Seamless	Very High	Light poly only	Very High
Digital	Posters, cards, paper goods	Very High	Smooth	Good	Paper only	High
Embroidery	Logos, hats, polos	Low	Textured	Very High	Most fabrics	Fixed