Choosing the right garment decoration method is essential for achieving the best results in quality, durability, and cost. Below is a quick breakdown of the most common printing methods used today Sublimation, Screen Printing, DTF (Direct to Film), HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl), and DTG (Direct to Garment) along with their advantages and limitations.
At So Tilted Print Systems, we offer Sublimation, DTG, and DTF solutions, with a strong focus on DTF systems due to their versatility and growing popularity.
Sublimation Printing
Best for: Polyester garments and coated hard goods
Pros:
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Produces vibrant, full-color prints with no hand feel
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Extremely durable prints won’t crack, peel, or fade
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Ideal for all-over prints and promotional items
Cons:
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Only works on white or light-colored polyester fabrics
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Not suitable for cotton or dark garments
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Limited to specific material types
Screen Printing
Best for: Large-volume orders with simple designs
Pros:
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Very cost-effective for bulk production
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Excellent durability and color opacity
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Professional, long-lasting results
Cons:
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High setup costs for small runs
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Not ideal for full-color or highly detailed designs
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Requires more space, labor, and cleanup
DTF (Direct to Film)
Best for: Versatile, on-demand printing across many fabrics
Pros:
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Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and dark garments
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No pre-treatment required
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Ideal for short runs, custom orders, and multi-color designs
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Soft feel with excellent durability
Cons:
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Requires proper heat application and curing
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Slightly thicker feel compared to sublimation
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Ongoing consumable costs (film, powder, ink)
Why we focus on DTF:
DTF offers one of the best balances of flexibility, quality, and scalability. That’s why So Tilted Print Systems places a strong emphasis on DTF printers, inks, films, and powders, making it an excellent solution for growing apparel businesses.
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
Best for: Simple text, numbers, and specialty finishes
Pros:
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Low startup cost
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Easy to use for beginners
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Great for names, numbers, and special vinyl effects
Cons:
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Labor-intensive for complex designs
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Not ideal for large orders
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Can peel over time if not applied correctly
DTG (Direct to Garment)
Best for: Detailed, full-color designs on cotton garments
Pros:
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Excellent print detail and soft hand feel
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No weeding or film required
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Ideal for photo-quality artwork
Cons:
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Requires pre-treatment
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Best suited for cotton fabrics only
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Higher equipment and maintenance costs
Choosing the Right Method
Each printing method has its place depending on your materials, order size, and production goals. Sublimation excels in polyester applications, DTG shines with detailed cotton prints, and DTF stands out as the most versatile all-around solution.
At So Tilted Print Systems, we specialize in helping customers find the right equipment and supplies with a strong focus on DTF systems that deliver flexibility, quality, and profit potential for modern print shops.