If you’re comparing print methods for custom apparel, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: Which is more expensive—DTF or DTG? The honest answer is: it depends on your order size, garment type, design coverage, and how you plan to produce (single pieces vs bulk).
That said, most businesses find DTF is usually more cost-effective and scalable, especially when you want full-color designs, fast production, and flexible ordering without expensive setup. In this guide, we’ll break down cost differences clearly so you can choose the best option for your business and budget.
Understanding the Two Methods (Cost Basics)
What Is DTF?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints your design onto a film, applies adhesive powder, cures it, then the transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment. This approach is ideal for both small runs and bulk production because transfers can be produced in batches and stored for later use. Many brands simplify bulk ordering by using https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet to combine multiple designs on one sheet and reduce cost per print.
What Is DTG?
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) prints ink directly onto the fabric like a specialized printer for shirts. It can be great for certain one-off prints, but costs can rise depending on garment type, pre-treatment requirements, and production speed.
So… Which One Is More Expensive?
In most real-world apparel workflows:
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DTG can be more expensive per shirt when you account for slower production, pre-treatment steps, and garment limitations.
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DTF often becomes cheaper at scale, because you can print multiple designs efficiently and press them quickly as needed.
If you regularly produce multiple designs, sizes, or repeat customer orders, DTF usually offers better cost control—especially when using gang sheet layouts via https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-your-dtf-gang-sheet-copy.
What Impacts Cost the Most?
1) Order Volume and Production Speed
If you’re producing many items, speed matters. DTF transfers can be printed in bulk and pressed quickly, which reduces labor time per unit. When labor drops, your cost per shirt drops too. For tighter deadlines, businesses also use https://marylanddtf.com/products/rush-order-service-get-it-fast to keep production moving without slowing orders down.
2) Design Type and Coverage
Large, full-front designs or detailed graphics can increase cost in any method. However, DTF handles full color and fine detail extremely efficiently because the design prints once and presses cleanly.
If you want consistent logos for uniforms or branding, ordering pre-sized transfers can help keep costs predictable through https://marylanddtf.com/products/dtf-transfers-transfers-by-size.
3) Fabric Compatibility
DTG performance can depend heavily on fabric type. DTF offers broader compatibility across cotton, polyester, and blends, which can reduce waste and misprints and keep your cost per finished garment lower.
4) Waste and Reprints
A hidden cost in any print method is the reprint rate. DTF transfers that are properly applied tend to be durable and consistent, which helps reduce rework and replacement costs over time.
When DTF Usually Wins on Price
DTF is typically the more cost-effective option when you:
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Need bulk orders or frequent reorders
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Want multiple designs printed together
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Print on different fabric types
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Need full color, gradients, or detailed artwork
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Want transfers you can store and press later
If you want to offer premium styles that stand out, specialty options can also be added without changing your core workflow—like glitter transfers through https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-custom-glitter-dtf-gang-sheet-online or https://marylanddtf.com/products/custom-glitter-dtf-gang-sheet-online-builder.
When DTG Can Make Sense
DTG can sometimes be a good fit when you:
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Only print single pieces occasionally
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Prefer printing directly onto certain cotton garments
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Don’t want to heat press transfers
However, many businesses still move toward DTF because it delivers strong consistency, faster production options, and easier scaling.
What About Non-Apparel Products?
If you sell hard-surface products like tumblers, packaging, or signage, UV DTF is often the better fit. It’s designed for durable application on smooth surfaces and is commonly ordered using https://marylanddtf.com/products/build-your-uv-dtf-gang-sheet or uploaded directly through https://marylanddtf.com/products/upload-your-uv-dtf-gang-sheet.
This is one big reason DTF-based workflows are so powerful: you can expand into apparel and hard goods using the same ordering system.
The Best Way to Decide for Your Business
If you care most about:
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Lower cost at scale
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Faster production
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More fabric flexibility
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Full-color design freedom
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Easier bulk ordering
Then DTF is often the better long-term investment for most apparel businesses.
To learn more about how Maryland DTF supports production-quality transfers, visit https://marylanddtf.com/pages/about-us, and if you want help choosing the right ordering method for your workflow, contact us here: https://marylanddtf.com/pages/contact.
For additional educational insights on modern transfer printing, you can visit https://dtfprintsweb.com/.
Final Answer: Which Is More Expensive—DTF or DTG?
In many cases, DTG can be more expensive, especially when you factor in production time and process requirements. DTF is usually the more cost-effective option for businesses, particularly for bulk orders, full-color designs, and scalable apparel production.
If your goal is better margins, faster output, and consistent results, DTF is often the smarter choice.