Why Local Calgary Businesses Choose DTG Printing for Their Branded Apparel
Walk into any successful Calgary business and you’ll likely see it: branded apparel. T-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats—all bearing the company logo and colors. It’s not just about looking professional; it’s about building brand recognition, team unity, and customer trust.
But here’s what separates the businesses with sharp, professional branded apparel from those with faded, cracked logos on cheap shirts: the printing method they choose.
After 28 years in the printing industry, I’ve watched Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing transform how Calgary businesses approach branded apparel in Calgary. It’s faster, more flexible, and delivers higher quality than traditional methods—especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Let’s explore why more Calgary companies are choosing DTG printing for their branded apparel, and how it can elevate your business image.
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing works like a high-tech inkjet printer for fabric. Your logo or design is printed directly onto the garment using specialized water-based inks. The result? Vibrant, detailed prints that feel soft and look professional.
Unlike screen printing (which requires setup costs and minimum orders) or heat transfer vinyl (which can crack and peel), DTG offers:
- No minimums: Print 1 shirt or 100
- Full-color capability: Reproduce complex logos with gradients and details
- Soft feel: Ink absorbs into the fabric rather than sitting on top
- Fast turnaround: 24-48 hours from order to delivery
According to the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, DTG printing has become the preferred method for on-demand corporate apparel due to its quality and flexibility.
Why Calgary Businesses Love DTG for Branded Apparel
1. No Minimum Orders = No Wasted Inventory
The Old Way: Screen printing requires minimums of 24-50+ shirts. Small businesses either over-order (wasting money on excess inventory) or skip branded apparel altogether.
The DTG Advantage: Print exactly what you need, when you need it. At DTG Printing Corp, we have no minimum orders.
Perfect For:
- Small teams (5-10 employees)
- Testing new designs before bulk ordering
- Adding new hires without reordering dozens of shirts
- Special events or one-time promotions
Real Example: A Calgary tech startup with 8 employees needed branded hoodies for a trade show. With DTG, they ordered exactly 8—no waste, no excess cost.
2. Complex Logos Look Incredible
The Challenge: Many Calgary businesses have detailed logos with gradients, multiple colors, or photographic elements. Traditional screen printing struggles with complexity and charges per color.
The DTG Advantage: Print full-color designs with unlimited colors at no extra cost. Gradients, shadows, fine text—all reproduce beautifully.
Perfect For:
- Detailed company logos
- Multi-color brand designs
- Photographic elements
- Small text that needs to stay readable
Pro Tip: If your logo has more than 3 colors or includes gradients, DTG is almost always the better choice than screen printing.
3. Professional Quality That Lasts
The Problem: Cheap printing methods (like low-quality heat transfers) crack, peel, and fade after a few washes. Nothing says “unprofessional” like a cracked logo on a company shirt.
The DTG Advantage: Water-based inks bond with fabric fibers for durability. Prints stay vibrant through dozens of washes when cared for properly.
Care Instructions for Longevity:
- Wash inside-out in cold water
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener
Result: Your branded apparel looks professional for months or years, not just weeks.
4. Fast Turnaround for Time-Sensitive Needs
The Scenario: You have a trade show next week. A new client meeting on Friday. A team-building event in 3 days. You need branded apparel now.
The DTG Advantage:24-48 hour turnaround from order to delivery. No weeks-long wait for screen printing setup.
Perfect For:
- Last-minute events
- Rush orders
- Seasonal promotions
- Quick restocks
Real Example: A Calgary construction company needed 15 branded safety shirts for a site visit in 48 hours. DTG made it happen; screen printing couldn’t.
5. Cost-Effective for Small to Medium Orders
The Math: Screen printing has high setup costs but low per-unit costs at volume. DTG has no setup costs but slightly higher per-unit costs.
When DTG Wins:
- Orders under 50 units
- Multiple designs (each screen print design requires separate setup)
- One-time or infrequent orders
When Screen Printing Wins:
- Orders over 100+ units of the same design
- Simple 1-2 color designs
- Ongoing, repeated orders
Pro Tip: For most Calgary small businesses (under 50 employees), DTG is more cost-effective overall.
Check out our pricing guide to compare costs for your specific needs.
6. Eco-Friendly and Safe
The Concern: Many businesses prioritize sustainability and employee safety. Traditional plastisol inks contain PVC and phthalates.
The DTG Advantage: Water-based inks are:
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Biodegradable
According to EcoWatch, water-based printing methods like DTG have significantly lower environmental impact than traditional plastisol screen printing.
Perfect For:
- Eco-conscious brands
- Companies with sustainability goals
- Businesses in health/wellness industries
Real Calgary Businesses Using DTG for Branded Apparel
Tech Startups
Small teams need professional branded apparel without ordering 100+ shirts. DTG’s no-minimum policy is perfect.
Restaurants and Cafes
Staff uniforms with detailed logos. Easy to add shirts as new employees join.
Construction and Trades
Durable, professional work shirts with company branding. Quick turnaround for new hires or replacements.
Retail Stores
Branded staff shirts that match seasonal promotions. Print small batches as needed.
Non-Profits and Community Groups
Limited budgets benefit from no setup fees. Print only what’s needed for events.
Corporate Offices
Professional polos and button-ups for client-facing teams. High-quality prints that reflect brand standards.
DTG vs. Other Printing Methods: Quick Comparison
| Method | Best For | Minimum Order | Setup Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTG | Small-medium orders, complex designs | None | None | 24-48 hours |
| Screen Printing | Large orders (100+), simple designs | 24-50+ | $50-$150+ | 1-2 weeks |
| Heat Transfer | Very small orders, temporary use | None | None | 24 hours |
| DTF Printing | Polyester, performance wear | None | None | 24-48 hours |
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How to Get Started with Branded Apparel
1: Define Your Needs
- How many pieces do you need?
- What type of apparel? (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats)
- What’s your timeline?
2: Prepare Your Logo
- High-resolution file (300 DPI minimum)
- Vector format preferred (AI, EPS, SVG)
- If you only have a low-res logo, we can help recreate it
3: Choose Your Garments
- Quality matters—invest in comfortable, durable fabrics
- Consider your brand image and employee comfort
- Check our fabric guide for recommendations
4: Order Samples
- Test quality before ordering for your whole team
- Verify colors, sizing, and print quality
5: Place Your Order
- Submit your order online
- Or contact us for personalized guidance
Why Choose DTG Printing Corp for Your Branded Apparel in Calgary?
We’re not just another print shop. We’re Calgary business owners who understand what you need:
✅ 28 years of printing expertise ✅ No minimum orders—print 1 or 100 ✅ 24-48 hour turnaround ✅ High-quality, eco-friendly water-based inks ✅ Expert design consultation included ✅ Local Calgary service—support local, get local results
We’ve helped hundreds of Calgary businesses create branded apparel that looks professional, lasts long, and represents their brand with pride.
Ready to elevate your brand with professional apparel?Contact us today for a free consultation, or submit your order to get started.