Sublimation vs. DTG: Understanding the Differences

There’s no doubt that the best tee in the room gets all the attention. Maybe you’ve even considered creating your own? Building a custom apparel business is no walk in the park, but print-on-demand services have made the industry more accessible to everyone. 

Nowadays, most people have at least heard of POD or t-shirt printing. You may even know people who have printed t-shirts or launched a custom printing business.

Printing your designs onto apparel is exciting, but choosing the best method is where the real work begins. For those diving into custom apparel, two standout options are sublimation printing and DTG printing (direct-to-garment). Each has its own unique strengths, and understanding their differences can help you choose the right printing method for your business.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between sublimation vs. DTG printing so you’ll know exactly which printing method is better based on your needs.

What is sublimation printing?

Sublimation printing (also known as all-over print or dye sublimation) uses heat to transform dye-based inks into gas. This gas bonds with the fibers of polyester fabrics or other synthetic materials. The result is vibrant, high-quality prints that resist cracking and fading. Since the ink is deeply embedded into the fabric, it feels entirely like a part of the garment and not a sticker on top of it.

The sublimation printing method works best for printing on synthetic fabrics and items like mugs and phone cases.

Key advantages:

• Produces vivid, long-lasting prints

• Works perfectly with polyester fabrics and blends

• Allows full-coverage, edge-to-edge designs

Limitations:

• Only compatible with white or light-colored polyester

• Not suitable for cotton or dark garments

• Requires specialized equipment like sublimation printers and transfer paper

What is DTG printing?

DTG printing, or direct-to-garment printing, applies water-based inks directly onto fabric using advanced inkjet DTG printers. This printing technology is particularly effective for complex designs with intricate details and multiple colors. Unlike sublimation, DTG works well on natural fibers like cotton and can be used on both light and dark garments.

DTG is a go-to choice for custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel, especially when you’re producing small batches or one-off designs. You can produce DTG prints with no minimum order quantity while staying profitable.

Key advantages:

• Perfect for cotton fabrics and natural fibers

• Handles intricate designs with high precision

• Prints well on any fabric color

Limitations:

• In most cases can’t be printed on synthetic materials

• Limited to smaller printing areas, such as the chest, back, or sleeves

• Slightly less durable than sublimation

Note: Be careful and don’t mistake DTG for DTF printing (direct-to-film)! DTF printing involves printing the image directly onto a film first and then transferring it to the fabric. The results are similar to DTG, except DTF creates a thicker, more textured print layer and works on a wider range of fabric types, including polyester and nylon.

Sublimation vs. DTG: The differences

Now that we’ve covered the basics of these 2 printing methods, let’s explore them further to determine what sets them apart, more importantly, which you should choose for your business.

Print quality and durability

Looking at the sublimation printed image below, it’s safe to say that the print quality is outstanding. Since the color is embedded into the garment fibers, the design won’t wash out over time and you’ll rarely see any cracks or peels. Sublimation allows you to print intricate designs in multiple colors that look bright with sharp, detailed lines.

Final product when using sublimation printing: vibrant colors and crisp lines. Source: Printful

DTG prints don’t fall behind, though. It works similar to printing images on paper, so complex designs look just as stunning. That said, DTG prints are impacted by the absorbency and color of the fabric they’re printed on. So the final product can depend on the blank garment.

Direct-to-garment method used in shirt printing on a cotton fabric. Source: Printful

In general, sublimation prints tend to be more durable than DTG, but if you follow the garment care instructions, DTG prints will still look great even after several washes. 

Some basic care tips:

• When washing the printed fabrics use a gentle wash cycle and cool water if possible

• Wash garments inside out

• Avoid fabric softeners and bleach

• Avoid ironing the prints directly

Color vibrancy

Sublimation printing allows vibrant colors, multi-color designs, and gradients. This method uses four primary colors to print all designs: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink, also known as CMYK. The downside is that sublimation printing doesn’t support specialty inks and other extras like glitter.

DTG uses the same CMYK color model as sublimation to print designs. Many technologies now add additional colors for an improved color range. In fact, Printful’s own in-house printers use CMYKRG (red and green are included).

The ink is jetted directly onto the garment and absorbed by the fabric’s fibers. The amount absorbed varies based on a product’s material, dye, and coatings, which may mean slightly less saturated outcomes on certain products.

Also, in DTG printing, designs printed on colorful or black garments will have a white base color. So, the end color results may be slightly different from those on your computer screen.

Fabric compatibility

When it comes to fabric suitability, sublimation printing works best with synthetic fabrics, which often means sportswear. This includes different polyester blends and polymer-coated fabrics. Although it’s possible to sublimate cotton fabric, sublimation is a better fit for garments that contain nylon, spandex, neoprene, and other synthetics. Sublimation isn’t only used for printing on clothing, it works well for ceramic and enamel mugs, phone cases, and much more.

In short: If your collection will include products largely made of polyester and spandex (like athletic or swimwear), pick sublimation.

Unlike sublimation, DTG printing is best used on natural fabrics like linen, cotton, bamboo, and related fabric blends.

Why? The ink binds better with natural fabrics. Though natural fabrics are preferred when using DTG, this printing method will also work with fabric blends. However, different fabric compositions can influence the garment’s ability to absorb the ink, resulting in a slightly different look and feel.

In short: If you plan to sell everyday clothing classics made of cotton or cotton blends, like t-shirts and hoodies, DTG printing is your best bet.

White ink design on a black t-shirt, printed using DTG printing technology. Source: Printful

Method sustainability

Sustainable alternatives for daily items are in demand. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly printing method, consider sublimation. The ink used in the sublimation printing process is non-toxic, meaning there are no harsh chemicals that heavily impact the environment.

Another bonus is that it doesn’t require as much water compared to other dye transfer techniques.

DTG is also a great print option when considering sustainability. Same as sublimation, the inks are non-toxic, so that eliminates harsh chemicals here as well.

Since DTG is well-suited for printing one-offs, it allows you to avoid overproduction and textile waste in general. That’s mainly due to the fact you can order the exact amount of products you need and nothing goes to waste. Obviously, when using an on-demand service like Printful, you eliminate the overproduction factor altogether.

In fact, Printful is partnered with Kornit, whose equipment uses less energy and produces close to zero wastewater during the printing process. Kornit’s inks are toxin-free, non-hazardous, and contain no animal by-products. This is great news if you’re interested in sustainable production for your brand.

Source: Printful

Product diversity

Both sublimation printing and DTG printing boast large product catalogs. Sublimation printing is ideal for an extensive range of items beyond apparel, including mugs, phone cases, tote bags, and even shoes.

Source: Printful

Meanwhile, DTG printing thrives in the custom apparel space, supporting everyday wear like breathable t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants.

Rather than sticking to just one, consider both. Sublimation printing may seem more versatile, but it has product limitations that only DTG can cover.

By combining both printing methods, businesses can cater to a variety of customer needs and preferences, ensuring their product offerings remain fresh, versatile, and competitive in the custom merchandise market.

On-demand fulfillment

When it comes to on-demand fulfillment, both sublimation and DTG are great options. The outcome depends on your on-demand supplier. For example, Printful offers both these printing methods (and more!).

When using an on-demand provider like Printful, you don’t have to worry about inventory costs or dealing with excess stock. Print products are made only after an order has been received, eliminating overproduction and the need for extra storage.

When working with Printful, you can save some extra cash by ordering in bigger volumes, as Printful is no stranger to offering discounts on bulk orders.

In-house operations costs

If you want to print yourself, you’ll need to invest in printing equipment like the printer, inks, paper, plates, and more. The sublimation printing process is more cost-effective for larger orders, while DTG is usually preferred for smaller quantities.

In general, sublimation requires a lower upfront investment as it uses an inkjet printer, transfer paper, a heat press, and specific sublimation inks. Although that sounds pricey, a DTG printer is often more expensive, and the printing process requires some extras like pretreatment solutions, curing equipment, and maintenance supplies to ensure a high-quality end result.

Alternatively, if you rely on an on-demand printing service like Printful, no upfront investment is needed. Products are made only after the customer has placed an order, and Printful prints, packs, and sends the item directly to your customer. It’s that simple.

A custom apparel line made on demand. Source: Printful

What’s your choice?

Both sublimation and DTG printing are powerful tools for creating custom apparel. Sublimation is the way to go if you prioritize vibrant, long-lasting prints on polyester fabrics. DTG is a reliable choice for flexibility with cotton fabric and complex designs.

When comparing DTG vs. sublimation, consider your materials, product goals, and budget to pick the printing process that works best for your business. Whether it’s synthetic fabrics or natural fibers, both printing methods can bring your creative vision to life with a professional final product.

Read next: 

• DTF vs. Sublimation

• DTG vs. DTF Printing: Which Method Is Better for Your Designs?

• DTG vs. Screen Printing