SUBLIMATION VS. DTG: KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED

The best t-shirt in the room always turns heads—so why not create your own? Starting a custom apparel business isn’t easy, but thanks to print-on-demand (POD) services, it’s more accessible than ever.

By now, you’ve probably heard of POD or t-shirt printing. Maybe you even know someone who has printed their own designs or launched a custom printing business.

Bringing your ideas to life on apparel is exciting, but choosing the right printing method is where the real challenge begins. Two of the most popular options for custom t-shirt printing are sublimation and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing. Each method has its own strengths, and understanding their differences will help you make the best choice for your business.

In this guide, we’ll break down sublimation vs. DTG printing, comparing their pros, cons, and ideal use cases—so you can confidently pick the right method for your needs.

What Is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing—also known as dye sublimation or all-over printing—uses heat to convert dye-based ink into gas, which then bonds directly with polyester fibers or other synthetic materials. This process creates vibrant, high-quality prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top like a sticker, sublimation prints feel completely seamless.

This method is ideal for printing on synthetic fabrics and a variety of hard-surface items, such as mugs, phone cases, and home decor.

Key Advantages:

✅ Delivers vivid, long-lasting prints
✅ Works best with polyester fabrics and blends
✅ Enables full-coverage, edge-to-edge designs

Limitations:

❌ Only compatible with white or light-colored polyester
❌ Not suitable for cotton or dark-colored garments
❌ Requires specialized equipment, including a sublimation printer and transfer paper

What Is DTG Printing?

DTG (direct-to-garment) printing uses advanced inkjet technology to apply water-based inks directly onto fabric. This method excels at producing highly detailed, multi-color designs, making it a great choice for intricate artwork. Unlike sublimation, DTG works best with natural fibers like cotton and is suitable for both light and dark garments.

DTG is a popular choice for printing custom t-shirts, hoodies, and apparel, especially for small batches or one-off designs. Since there’s no minimum order requirement, it’s a cost-effective option for businesses and individuals alike.

Key Advantages:

✅ Ideal for cotton and other natural fibers
✅ Handles intricate designs with high precision
✅ Works on both light and dark-colored fabrics

Limitations:

❌ Typically not compatible with synthetic fabrics
❌ Limited to smaller print areas (e.g., chest, back, sleeves)
❌ Slightly less durable than sublimation prints

Note: Don't confuse DTG (direct-to-garment) with DTF (direct-to-film) printing! While DTG prints directly onto fabric, DTF first prints the design onto a special film before transferring it to the garment using heat and adhesive.

The results are similar, but DTF creates a thicker, more textured print layer and works on a wider variety of fabrics, including polyester, nylon, and blends—making it a more versatile option for certain applications.

Sublimation vs. DTG: Key Differences

Now that we’ve covered the basics of these two printing methods, let’s dive deeper into what sets them apart—and, more importantly, which one is the best fit for your business.

Print Quality & Durability

Sublimation printing offers exceptional print quality with vibrant colors and crisp details. Since the ink bonds directly with the fabric fibers, the design becomes a permanent part of the garment. This means no cracking, peeling, or fading over time.

With sublimation, you can create intricate, full-color designs that stay sharp and bright, making it ideal for high-detail prints and long-lasting wear.

DTG printing holds its own when it comes to quality. Similar to printing images on paper, it produces sharp, detailed designs with a wide range of colors. However, the final result can be influenced by the fabric’s absorbency and color, meaning the appearance of the print may vary depending on the garment used. Dark fabrics, in particular, often require a white underbase layer to maintain vibrancy.

Overall, sublimation prints tend to outlast DTG in terms of durability. However, with proper care, DTG prints can maintain their quality and vibrancy even after multiple washes.

Basic care tips for printed garments:

• Use a gentle wash cycle with cool water whenever possible.
• Turn garments inside out before washing.
• Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can weaken the print.
• Never iron directly over the print—use a cloth barrier or iron inside out.

Color vibrancy

Sublimation printing delivers bold, vivid colors, making it perfect for multi-color designs and smooth gradients. It relies on the CMYK color model (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce a full spectrum of shades. However, it doesn’t support specialty inks like metallics, neons, or glitter, which can limit design options.

DTG printing also relies on the CMYK color model, just like sublimation. However, some modern DTG printers expand the color range by incorporating additional inks. For example, Printful’s in-house printers use CMYKRG, adding red and green for enhanced vibrancy.

With DTG, ink is applied directly to the fabric and absorbed into its fibers. However, the final result can vary depending on the garment’s material, dye, and coatings, sometimes leading to slightly less saturated prints.

Additionally, when printing on dark or colorful garments, a white underbase layer is applied to help colors pop. Because of this, the final print may look slightly different than what appears on a computer screen.

Fabric Compatibility

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is ideal for synthetic fabrics, making it a top choice for sportswear and activewear. It works best on polyester blends, nylon, spandex, neoprene, and other synthetic materials. While sublimating cotton is possible with special coatings, sublimation is naturally suited for polyester-rich fabrics.

Beyond apparel, sublimation is also widely used for non-fabric items like ceramic mugs, enamel-coated drinkware, and phone cases due to its ability to create long-lasting, vibrant prints.

Best for: If your collection features polyester-based products such as athletic wear or swimwear, sublimation is the way to go.

DTG Printing

DTG printing, on the other hand, performs best on natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo. The ink binds effectively to these fibers, producing crisp, detailed designs. While DTG can also be used on fabric blends, the ink absorption varies depending on the composition, sometimes leading to subtle differences in print vibrancy and texture.

Best for: If your brand focuses on everyday apparel like cotton t-shirts and hoodies, DTG is your best option.

Sustainability: Which Method is More Eco-Friendly?

With sustainability becoming a priority for many businesses, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of different printing methods.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation is a relatively eco-friendly option because:

• Non-toxic inks – The dye used in sublimation is free of harsh chemicals.
• Minimal water usage – Unlike traditional dyeing methods, sublimation requires little to no water, reducing wastewater pollution.
• No excess ink waste – The ink is fully absorbed into the fabric, leaving no residue or excess waste.

DTG Printing

DTG is also a strong choice for sustainable printing:

• Water-based, non-toxic inks – DTG inks are free from hazardous chemicals, making them safer for the environment.
• Print-on-demand efficiency – Since DTG is ideal for one-off and small-batch printing, it helps eliminate overproduction and excess inventory waste.
• Energy-efficient printing – Companies like Printful use Kornit printers, which generate close to zero wastewater and consume less energy than traditional methods.

If sustainability is a key factor in your brand’s mission, both sublimation and DTG offer environmentally friendly benefits, with DTG excelling in reducing textile waste and sublimation standing out for its minimal water use.

Expanding Product Options

Both sublimation and DTG printing offer a wide variety of products to customize, but their strengths differ when it comes to material and product compatibility.

Sublimation Printing – Beyond Apparel

Sublimation stands out for its versatility, allowing you to print not just on clothing but also on a range of hard goods like:

• Mugs and tumblers
• Phone cases
• Tote bags
• Mousepads
• Home decor (pillows, blankets, coasters)
• Even shoes!

Since sublimation infuses ink into the material rather than applying it on top, the result is a seamless, durable print that won’t fade, crack, or peel over time.

DTG Printing – Apparel-Centric Customization

While DTG is primarily used for apparel, it offers incredible flexibility for fashion and streetwear brands. It’s ideal for printing on:

• T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
• Tank tops and long sleeves
• Cotton tote bags
• Some fabric-based accessories

Since DTG works best with natural fibers like cotton and cotton blends, it’s the go-to option for everyday wear rather than hard goods.

On-Demand Fulfillment: Which Method Works Best?

Both sublimation and DTG printing are excellent choices for on-demand fulfillment, but your experience will depend largely on your supplier.

No Inventory, No Waste

When using an on-demand provider like Printful, you don’t need to worry about inventory costs or leftover stock. Products are printed only when an order is placed, which helps eliminate overproduction and storage costs.

Bonus: Printful also offers bulk order discounts, allowing you to save money when scaling up your business.

Printing In-House: Cost Considerations

If you prefer to handle printing yourself, you’ll need to invest in equipment and supplies. The initial costs can vary depending on the method you choose:

Sublimation Printing – Lower Upfront Investment

Sublimation requires:
✔ An inkjet sublimation printer
✔ Sublimation inks and transfer paper
✔ A heat press

While there are costs involved, sublimation is generally more cost-effective for large orders, making it a great option for businesses looking to scale.

DTG Printing – Higher Initial Costs

DTG printing requires:
✔ A DTG printer (more expensive than sublimation printers)
✔ Water-based inks
✔ Pretreatment solutions
✔ Curing equipment

Since DTG printing involves more maintenance and additional processing steps, it’s typically better suited for small-batch production rather than bulk orders.

No Upfront Costs with On-Demand Printing

If you prefer a hassle-free approach, an on-demand printing service like Printful is the way to go.
✅ No equipment investment
✅ No production costs
✅ No need to store inventory

Printful handles printing, packing, and shipping, so all you need to do is upload your designs and start selling!

Which Printing Method is Right for You?

Both sublimation and DTG printing offer unique advantages for creating custom apparel.

• Choose sublimation if you want vibrant, long-lasting prints on polyester fabrics, with full-coverage designs that won’t crack or fade.
• Go with DTG if you need versatility with cotton fabrics and detailed, multi-color designs on both light and dark garments.

When deciding between DTG vs. sublimation, consider your materials, product goals, and budget to find the best fit for your business. No matter which method you choose, both printing techniques allow you to bring your creative ideas to life with professional-quality results.