Best Fabrics for DTF Printing
Wondering which shirts print best? This guide breaks down the materials that work great with DTF (Direct-to-Film) and the ones you might want to avoid. We've curated the site to make sure to remove products with fabrics that won't produce great results.
How DTF Works with Fabric
DTF printing uses heat to press ink onto the surface of the garment. That means the material’s surface plays a big role in how the print looks and lasts. Softer, smoother fabrics give sharper detail. Rough or textured ones may make your design look fuzzy or uneven.
Cotton
Great for DTF. Soft and breathable, cotton takes ink well and produces bold, long-lasting prints. 100% cotton tees are some of the most reliable options in our catalog.
Polyester
Also works well, especially for athletic gear. DTF sits on top of the fibers rather than sinking in, so the ink stays vibrant even on performance wear.
Blends
Blends like 50/50 cotton-poly or triblends are hit or miss. Results vary by fabric texture and color. We recommend sticking to smoother blends or choosing styles we’ve tested.
Fleece & Heavier Fabrics
Heavier fleece hoodies and sweatshirts take DTF well, but beware of seams, pockets, or zippers that can interfere with placement. Flat front areas are best.
Stretchy or Textured Materials
Ribbed, waffle-knit, or stretchy performance fabrics may distort prints or cause cracking over time. We don’t recommend DTF on these unless specifically approved. For this reason, we do not offer these products with DTF printing on the site.
What We Recommend
For best results, stick to 100% cotton or smooth-face fleece. We’ve handpicked dozens of DTF-friendly products in our catalog that hold ink well and look sharp for the long haul.