Custom Tshirt Printing in Calgary: DTG vs. DTF – What’s the Best, Most Economical Solution for Your Needs?
Looking for custom tshirt printing in Calgary? You’re in the right place. When it comes to quality apparel decoration, two technologies dominate: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF). Both offer incredible quality and versatility, but which one is right for your project? More importantly, which one saves you money while delivering the results you need?
Understanding these two methods is essential for anyone searching for custom tshirt printing in Calgary that balances quality, speed, and budget.
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment printing works like a giant inkjet printer for fabric. The design is printed directly onto the garment using specialized water-based inks. It’s perfect for:
- Complex, full-color designs with gradients, photos, or intricate details
- Small runs or one-offs – no minimums required
- Soft, breathable prints that feel like part of the fabric
- Natural fiber fabrics like 100% cotton or cotton blends
According to the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, DTG printing has become the go-to method for on-demand apparel decoration due to its flexibility and quality.
Best for: Calgary bands selling merch at shows, local wrestlers with custom gear, resellers testing new designs, or anyone who needs high-quality, low-quantity orders.
What is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film printing involves printing your design onto a special film, then heat-pressing it onto the garment. The result is vibrant, durable, and works on a wider range of materials. DTF shines when you need:
- Versatility across fabrics – cotton, polyester, blends, even nylon
- Bright, bold colors with excellent opacity on dark garments
- Durability that stands up to heavy washing and wear
- Bulk production efficiency for larger orders
- Perfect for Custom Tshirt Printing in Calgary
Best for: High-volume orders, performance wear, promotional products, or designs that need to pop on synthetic fabrics.
Which Method is More Economical for Custom Tshirt Printing in Calgary?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your needs.
Choose DTG if:
- You’re ordering small quantities (1-50 shirts)
- Your design has lots of colors or photographic detail
- You want a soft, premium feel
- You’re printing on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends
Why it’s economical: No setup fees, no minimums, and you only pay for what you need. Perfect for testing designs or fulfilling custom orders without upfront investment. Learn more about our DTG printing services.
Choose DTF if:
- You’re ordering larger quantities (50+ shirts)
- You need prints on polyester, performance wear, or mixed materials
- Durability is a top priority
- You want vibrant colors on dark fabrics
Why it’s economical: Lower per-unit costs at scale, and the prints hold up longer, reducing reprints and returns. Explore our DTF printing options.
Choosing the Right Fabric Matters Too
The fabric you choose impacts both print quality and cost. Cotton remains the most popular choice for custom apparel, but polyester blends offer durability and moisture-wicking properties that work well with DTF printing.
The Bottom Line: Expert Custom T-Shirt Printing in Calgary
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best, most economical solution for custom tshirt printing in Calgary is the one that matches your project’s quantity, fabric type, design complexity, and durability needs.
At DTG Printing Corp, we bring 28 years of printing expertise to every order. Whether you’re a band launching your first merch line, a wrestler building your brand, or a reseller testing the waters, we’ll help you choose the right solution and deliver quality you can count on.
Ready to get started?Submit your order today or contact us to discuss which printing method is best for your project—and your budget.