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DTF Database — The Direct-to-Film Directory

DTF Basics

Learn the fundamentals of DTF printing technology, from basic concepts to essential techniques.

67 Articles
Expert Written
Updated Regularly

Featured DTF Basics Articles

Comparison of shirt transfer types: DTF, iron-on vinyl, iron-on paper and sublimation by fabric and durability

Compare DTF, iron-on vinyl, printable iron-on paper and sublimation transfers for shirts: cost, durability, fabrics and which one to use for your project.

Darrin DeTorres
10/8/2026
4 min
Five steps to choose, size and press a western DTF transfer: style, size, shirt color, press at 300 to 325 degrees F, peel and post-press

Western DTF transfers explained: cowboy, rodeo and country design styles, standard print sizes, press settings and what to check before you order.

Darrin DeTorres
10/8/2026
5 min

All DTF Basics Articles (67)

Comfort Colors 1566 sweatshirt chest width by size: S 21, M 23, L 25, XL 26.5, 2XL 28, 3XL 29.5 inches

Comfort Colors 1566 sweatshirt size chart in inches and cm, with fit notes, how to measure and whether to size up. Includes print size and press tips.

Steps to use ready to press DTF transfers: pick a design, preheat the shirt, position, press 300 to 325 degrees F, cold peel, post-press

Ready to press DTF transfers are pre-printed, powdered films you heat press at home. Learn how they work, how to press them and what to check before you buy.

Fabric softener: when to use it on plain shirts and when to skip it on DTF prints, towels and activewear

Should you use fabric softener? It softens fabric but can leave residue that weakens DTF prints. See when to skip it and what to use instead.

Youth 10/12 equals youth medium: body chest 28-30 inches, height 54-58 inches, shirt about 17 inches wide and 23 inches long

A youth 10/12 is a Youth Medium: it fits a 28 to 30 inch chest and 54 to 58 inches in height. See shirt measurements and how it compares to youth S and L.

Youth XL shirt measurements: size 18-20, body chest 32-35 inches, shirt about 19 inches wide and 26 inches long

A youth XL is a children's size 18 to 20, fitting a 32 to 35 inch chest. See the shirt measurements, age and height, how it compares to adult, and print size.

Comparison of shirt transfer types: DTF, iron-on vinyl, iron-on paper and sublimation by fabric and durability

Compare DTF, iron-on vinyl, printable iron-on paper and sublimation transfers for shirts: cost, durability, fabrics and which one to use for your project.

Comparison of a printing press and a DTF printer: plates, long runs and high setup cost versus digital, film-based, low setup

What a printing press machine is, the main types (offset, flexo, gravure, screen, digital), how presses work and when a DTF printer is the better choice.

Five steps to choose, size and press a western DTF transfer: style, size, shirt color, press at 300 to 325 degrees F, peel and post-press

Western DTF transfers explained: cowboy, rodeo and country design styles, standard print sizes, press settings and what to check before you order.

Side-by-side comparison of custom DTF transfers priced by size and by gang sheet, with typical 2026 prices

Compare custom direct to film transfers: how ordering works, gang sheet vs. by-size pricing, file prep, turnaround and what to check before you buy.

Bar chart of the typical total cost per shirt to get tee shirts printed at five order sizes, from one shirt to five hundred

Get tee shirts printed the right way. Compare DTF, screen printing, and heat transfer by cost, quality, and order size before you buy.

Bar chart of Comfort Colors 1717 flat chest width in inches: S 18.25, M 20.25, L 22, XL 24, 2XL 26, 3XL 27.75

Comfort Colors shirt size chart for the 1717 tee, S to 4XL in inches and cm, with fit notes, whether it runs small, a Gildan 5000 comparison and print widths.

Four heat transfer methods: DTF, HTV, sublimation and iron-on paper, with a one-line description of each

What heat transfer t-shirts are, how DTF, HTV, sublimation and iron-on compare, what you need to press one, and how to make a shirt last.

Bar chart of size medium flat chest width in inches: Gildan 5000 20, Bella+Canvas 3001 20, Next Level 3600 20, Comfort Colors 1717 20.25, Gildan 18000 sweatshirt 22

Unisex shirt size chart from XS to 5XL with flat chest width and body length in inches and cm for Gildan 5000, Bella+Canvas 3001 and Next Level 3600.

Gloved hands peeling clear DTF transfer film off a black t-shirt on an open heat press, with heat tape on the film edges

DTF ghosting is a faint double or shadow image, usually from film shifting when the press opens or during peel. The causes, fixes, and how to tell them apart.

Hand peeling sublimation transfer paper off a white cotton t-shirt on an open clamshell heat press, with a spray bottle and desktop printer on the table

Standard sublimation washes out of cotton. Here is what works instead in 2026: cotton primers, sublimation HTV, Sawgrass VersiFlex, blends, and DTF.

Diagram comparing moisture regain: a cotton fabric swatch soaked with water droplets at 8.5 percent beside a polyester swatch with few surface droplets at 0.4 percent

No. Cotton absorbs sweat into the fiber and dries slowly. How wicking works, which cotton blends wick, and what it means for DTF-printed shirts.

Five blank cotton t-shirts laid flat in a row showing crew neck, V-neck, scoop neck, henley and ringer necklines

Types of neck on shirts explained: crew, V-neck, scoop, henley, mock, polo, ringer and boat neck, plus the DTF transfer placement for each.

A practical reference to dye-sublimation for apparel decorators: what sublimation paper is, typical temperature and time settings for shirts and hard goods, what a purge sheet is, and how sublimation compares to DTF.

DTF transfers work on almost any fabric — cotton, polyester, and blends — which is one of the method's biggest advantages. A practical guide to the best shirts and blank brands for DTF, the fabrics to handle with care, and what to avoid.

A correctly applied DTF transfer typically lasts the practical life of the garment — often 50-plus washes — while an unpressed transfer has a shelf life of roughly 6 to 12 months. A complete guide to DTF durability, what shortens it, and how to store transfers properly.

Glitter, glow-in-the-dark, foil, and neon transfers are specialty DTF products — standard Direct-to-Film transfers with an added decorative effect. What each one is, how they are made, how to press them, and where they fit in a print shop.

Darrin DeTorres
5/19/2026
11 min

DTF printing at home is possible, but it is not as simple as buying a printer. A realistic guide to what a home DTF setup needs, what it costs, the white-ink maintenance reality, the space and ventilation requirements, and when outsourcing transfers makes more sense.

Row of six finished tumblers each wrapped with a different printed UV DTF design

UV DTF cup wraps are pre-printed peel-and-stick transfers for tumblers and glass — no heat, no press. Where to buy them wholesale, which cups they fit, and what to check before reselling.

Darrin DeTorres
5/18/2026
9 min
Close-up of draped viscose rayon fabric showing its fluid drape and subtle sheen

Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp — a semi-synthetic material that is neither fully natural nor fully synthetic. A complete guide to what viscose is, how it compares to cotton, its properties (breathability, drape, stretch), and how to DTF print on viscose and viscose blends without scorching.

Darrin DeTorres
5/18/2026
13 min

DTF film is a PET release film that comes in matte vs glossy finishes and cold-peel vs hot-peel vs warm-peel release types. The film you choose affects the final look of the transfer, the press workflow, and the failure modes. A complete buyer's guide to DTF film types and what to use when.

Darrin DeTorres
5/18/2026
11 min

Heather is a yarn-blending method, not a color. Fibers of different shades are spun together to create a mottled, marled look. A complete guide to what heather is, the common shades (dark, athletic, navy), why it shifts color under a DTF white underbase, and how to print on heathered fabric without surprises.

Darrin DeTorres
5/18/2026
9 min

DTF means Direct to Film and prints on fabric, not mugs. For mugs, ceramics, and stickers you want UV DTF. A plain-English guide to what DTF actually is, what it works on, and how to read every "can you DTF on X" question correctly.

UV DTF transfers adhere to glass, metal, ceramic, hard plastic, wood, acrylic, and leather. They fail on porous surfaces, oily plastics, raw silicone, and fabric. A complete substrate compatibility guide with surface prep, adhesion testing, and the materials that ruin transfers.

Soft UV ink flexes with leather, silicone, and curved drinkware. Hard UV ink cures rigid for glass, metal, and rigid signage. A buyer's guide to UV ink chemistry, substrate matching, and the mistakes that cause cracking and peeling.

Darrin DeTorres
5/18/2026
11 min

Compare the best ways to get custom t-shirts: DTF transfers, screen printing, HTV, sublimation, and DTG. Verified suppliers and DIY printer options for 2026.

Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) starts around $5/yard for stock colors and presses at 305-320F for 10-15 seconds. Compare types, top brands, and beginner setup costs.

Darrin DeTorres
4/30/2026
10 min

DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. A design prints onto PET film, gets coated in hot-melt adhesive powder, cures, then heat-presses onto fabric — cotton, polyester, blends, light or dark garments, with no pretreatment and no minimums.

DTF Database Editorial
4/30/2026
11 min

The complete Bella+Canvas size chart for DTF printers. Measurements, fit, and press settings for the 3001, 3001CVC, 3413 Triblend, and 3719 fleece hoodie.

The complete Next Level Apparel size chart for DTF printers. Measurements, fit, and DTF press settings for the 3600, 6210 CVC, 6010 Triblend, and 9301 hoodie.

A Gildan 5000 medium measures 20" chest, 29" body in 5.3 oz cotton. Full G500 size chart S-5XL, 70+ colors, and do Gildan shirts run small fit notes.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
10 min

A Gildan Softstyle 64000 medium measures 20" chest, 29" body in 4.5 oz ring-spun cotton. Full G640 softstyle sizing S-3XL, 60+ colors, semi-fitted cut.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
5 min

A Gildan 2000 medium measures 20" chest, 29" body in 6.0 oz Ultra Cotton. Full G200 size chart S-5XL, 60+ colors, classic boxy fit, and DTF press settings.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
7 min

A Gildan 8000 medium measures 20" chest, 29" body in 5.5 oz 50/50 DryBlend. Full G800 size chart S-3XL, 40+ colors, fit notes, and DTF press temps.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
7 min

A Gildan 18500 medium hoodie measures 22" chest, 28" body in 8.0 oz Heavy Blend. G185 hoodie sizes S-5XL, 40+ colors, do Gildan hoodies run small.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
9 min

Gildan crewneck sweatshirt guide: the 18000 (G180) size chart S-5XL, 8.0 oz fleece, colors, DTF press settings and where to buy it wholesale.

The complete Jerzees size chart for DTF printers. Measurements, fit, and press settings for the 29MR DRI-POWER tee, 996MR NuBlend hoodie, and 562MR crewneck.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
20 min

The Jerzees 29MR DRI-POWER is the brand's best-selling blank tee with 47+ colors, sizes S–5XL, and moisture-wicking performance. Full size chart, DTF printing tips, color options, and wholesale buying guide.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
8 min

The Jerzees 21MR DRI-POWER SPORT is a 100% polyester performance tee with moisture-wicking and odor control. Full size chart, DTF printing tips for polyester, and wholesale pricing from SanMar, S&S Activewear, and JiffyShirts.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
7 min

The Jerzees 996MR NuBlend Hoodie is the best-selling budget pullover with 46+ colors, pill-resistant fleece, and sizes S–5XL. Full size chart, DTF fleece printing tips, and wholesale pricing guide.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
8 min

The Jerzees 562MR NuBlend Crewneck features pill-resistant fleece with 38+ colors and sizes S–5XL. Full size chart, DTF fleece pressing tips, and wholesale pricing from SanMar, S&S Activewear, and JiffyShirts.

The Jerzees 993MR NuBlend Full-Zip Hoodie features pill-resistant fleece, aluminum zipper, and 13+ colors in sizes S–3XL. Full size chart, zip-up DTF printing tips, and wholesale pricing guide.

The Jerzees 29BR Youth DRI-POWER T-Shirt matches the adult 29MR in 30+ colors with youth sizes XS–XL. Full youth size chart, DTF printing tips for kids' apparel, and wholesale pricing guide.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
7 min

The complete District size chart for DTF printers. Measurements, fit, and press settings for the DT6000 V.I.T., DT104 Perfect Weight, and DT6100 hoodie.

The District DT6000 Very Important Tee is the brand's flagship ring-spun cotton tee with 35+ colors, sizes XS–6XL, and a modern slim fit. Full size chart, DTF printing tips, color options, and wholesale buying guide for SanMar and JiffyShirts.

The District DT104 Perfect Weight Tee features 32-singles ring-spun cotton with 37+ trend colors and sizes XS–4XL. Full size chart, DTF printing tips, and wholesale pricing from SanMar and JiffyShirts.

The District DM130 Perfect Tri Tee is a ultra-soft 50/25/25 tri-blend with 40+ colors and sizes XS–4XL. Full size chart, tri-blend DTF printing tips, and wholesale pricing from SanMar and JiffyShirts.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
8 min

The District DT6100 V.I.T. Fleece Hoodie features premium 3-end ring-spun fleece with 30+ colors and sizes XS–6XL. Full size chart, fleece DTF printing tips, and wholesale pricing from SanMar and JiffyShirts.

The District DT6104 V.I.T. Fleece Crew features premium 3-end ring-spun fleece with 21+ colors and sizes XS–4XL. Full size chart, DTF fleece printing tips, and wholesale pricing from SanMar and JiffyShirts.

The Port & Company PC380 is our favorite cost-friendly performance tee for DTF printing. At just over $3 wholesale, it's perfect for sports teams, 5K races, and pickleball tournaments. Full size chart, DTF settings, and where to buy.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
12 min

The Sport-Tek ST350 is a top-tier performance tee for DTF printing with PosiCharge technology that fights dye migration. 30+ colors, sizes XS–6XL, and built for sports teams, races, and athletic events. Full size chart, DTF settings, and where to buy wholesale.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
15 min

The Sport-Tek ST350LS Long Sleeve PosiCharge Competitor Tee is the perfect cool-weather performance option for DTF printing. Same PosiCharge color-lock technology as the ST350, with 25+ colors and sizes XS–4XL. Full size chart, DTF settings, and where to buy.

The Sport-Tek YST350 Youth PosiCharge Competitor Tee is our top pick for youth sports team DTF printing. 27 colors, sizes YXS–YXL, PosiCharge color-lock technology, and available at SanMar and JiffyShirts. Full size chart and DTF settings inside.

Darrin DeTorres
3/6/2026
10 min

The Sport-Tek LST350 Ladies PosiCharge Competitor Tee is the go-to women's performance tee for DTF printing. Contoured feminine fit, 25+ colors, sizes XS–4XL, and PosiCharge color-lock technology. Full size chart, DTF settings, and where to buy.

The Port & Company PC380LS is the most affordable long sleeve performance tee for DTF printing. UPF 50, Dry Zone wicking, 13 colors, sizes S–4XL. Full size chart with sleeve measurements, DTF settings, and where to buy wholesale.

The Port & Company PC380Y is the cheapest youth performance tee for DTF printing with UPF 50 sun protection. 23 colors including neons, sizes YXS–YXL, and Dry Zone wicking. Full size chart, DTF settings, and wholesale pricing.

The Port & Company LPC380 is the most affordable women's performance tee for DTF printing. UPF 50, Dry Zone wicking, 15+ colors, sizes XS–4XL. Full size chart, DTF settings, and wholesale pricing from SanMar and JiffyShirts.

Gildan shirt size chart for every style: 5000 (G500), Softstyle 64000, Ultra Cotton 2000, youth and women's. Medium is 20 x 29 in. Inches, cm and fit tips.

Different types of t-shirts — from crewnecks to muscle tanks — affect transfer placement. Covers fits, necklines, sleeves, heather, and woven vs knit.

Darrin DeTorres
2/11/2026
12 min

Blank apparel hoodies and sweatshirts are high-margin DTF products. Covers Gildan and Hanes blanks, full-zip options, and press settings for polyester garments.

Darrin DeTorres
2/10/2026
10 min

Blank accessories like koozies, beanies, cups, and tumblers expand a DTF product line beyond t-shirts. Covers materials, press settings, and UV DTF sourcing.

Darrin DeTorres
2/1/2026
8 min
Vector vs Raster Graphics comparison for DTF printing

Understanding the difference between vector and raster graphics can make or break your DTF prints. Learn when to use each format and how they impact your final product quality.

Darrin DeTorres
8/10/2025
7 min
Rows of colorful printed t-shirts hanging on a retail rack ready for shipping

DTF printing prints designs onto PET film, applies adhesive powder, and heat-presses DTF transfers onto cotton, polyester, and blends. 2026 process guide.

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