If you're launching a brand, creating merch for an event, or building a uniform for your team, you've likely come across the term DTG printing. But what exactly is DTG print, and how does it compare to other custom clothing printing methods? In this guide, we break down how DTG works, when to use it, and why it’s become the go-to solution for high-quality garment printing in Manchester and across the UK.
What Does DTG Mean?
DTG stands for Direct to Garment. It’s a modern printing technique where specialised inkjet printers apply water-based textile inks directly onto fabric. Unlike screen printing, DTG does not require screens or plates, which means faster setup, more detail, and no colour limits.
At Print Blanc, we use the industry-leading Brother GTX Pro to handle DTG orders from our Manchester studio. This machine produces rich colours, crisp detail and fast turnarounds, making it ideal for one-off items, small batches or full production runs.
How Does DTG Printing Work?
The DTG process is simple but precise. Your design is first prepared digitally and then printed straight onto your chosen garment using the GTX Pro. Before printing, garments are pre-treated to help the ink bond with the fabric, which results in a sharper, more durable print.
We typically recommend DTG for 100% cotton items like t-shirts, hoodies and long sleeves. It delivers especially strong results on light and mid-tone colours, but can also produce vibrant prints on darker garments thanks to its underbase layering.
For designs with unlimited colours, gradients, photos or fine text, DTG often performs better than traditional screen methods or vinyl. It’s perfect for brand owners or creatives who value flexibility, quality and speed.
DTG vs Other Print Methods
DTG printing is often compared to DTF printing (Direct to Film) and screen printing. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best fit:
- DTG printing is best for natural fibres, detailed designs and full-colour artwork with fast turnaround and no minimum order.
- DTF printing offers greater material flexibility, including synthetic blends and non-textile surfaces, and is a good option when printing in bulk or on varied garments.
- Screen printing is better for high-volume, single-colour designs but involves setup fees and minimums.
At our Manchester garment printing studio, we also offer DTF printing, embroidery and labelling. If you're unsure which print method is right for your project, our team is happy to advise based on your design and garments.
What Are the Benefits of DTG?
DTG printing offers clear advantages for UK-based businesses, startups and independents. Here’s why it’s a popular choice for custom clothing printing:
- No minimum orders and no setup fees
- Unlimited colours at a fixed price
- Soft, detailed prints that won’t crack or peel
- Fast turnaround – samples ready in as little as 1 to 3 days
- Ideal for short runs, brand testing, or personalised items
With DTG, you’re able to print exactly what you need, when you need it, without the costs and delays of traditional methods. Whether you're based in Manchester or anywhere across the UK, our studio is set up to make the process simple and fast.
Is DTG Printing Right for You?
DTG printing is ideal if you're looking to:
- Test a new brand design without committing to bulk
- Launch a limited edition drop with full-colour artwork
- Create one-off items for a gift, team, or event
- Print detailed artwork or photo-based designs on cotton garments
If your designs include multiple colours or intricate detail, or if you want to avoid the cost and waste of unused stock, DTG printing is a smart choice. You’ll get professional-quality results without high setup fees or volume requirements.
Start Your Order Today
At Print Blanc, we specialise in custom clothing printing using DTG, DTF and embroidery, all handled in-house from our Manchester studio. Whether you need a single sample or a full run, we deliver quickly and reliably across the UK.
Upload your artwork today to create a DTG sample, or get in touch with our team if you’d like help choosing the right garment or print method. We're here to help bring your ideas to life with vibrant, long-lasting results.
Looking for garment printing in Manchester? Trust Print Blanc for quality DTG prints, flexible orders and fast UK-wide delivery.