Transfers for Shirts: Types, Costs and How to Choose

The best transfers for shirts depend on the fabric, the design and how many shirts you are making. DTF transfers suit most fabrics and colors, last through many washes and feel soft. Iron-on vinyl works well for simple one-color designs and names. Printable iron-on paper suits occasional home projects, while sublimation only works on light polyester fabrics. This guide compares the four types by cost, durability and fabric so you can pick the right transfer for a shirt.

What are the best transfers for shirts?

The durability and cost figures match DTF Database's method guides; see the heat transfer printing methods guide for the detail.

DTF transfers for shirts

DTF transfers are designs printed in water-based ink on clear film, coated with adhesive powder and pressed onto the shirt. They work on cotton, polyester, blends and dark shirts with no pre-treatment. Order them ready to press from a supplier, then apply with a heat press at 300 to 325°F for 10 to 15 seconds on cotton. Read ready-to-press DTF transfers and the custom direct to film transfers guide for ordering.

Iron-on vinyl transfers

Heat transfer vinyl is cut from a sheet and pressed on, one color per layer. It is the cheapest way to put a name or number on a shirt, and it cannot do photos or many colors. The HTV buying guide covers types and brands.

Printable iron-on transfer paper

You print the design on an inkjet printer, trim it and press it with an iron or heat press. It is fine for a gift or a one-off, but it wears faster than DTF: about 10 to 20 washes against 50 to 80 or more. Our iron-on transfer paper guide has the steps.

Sublimation transfers

Sublimation turns ink into gas that bonds with polyester fibers. It works on white or light polyester and does not work on cotton. If your shirt is cotton, choose DTF instead. See sublimation on cotton.

How to choose transfers for shirts

1. Check the fabric. Cotton or a blend: DTF, HTV or iron-on paper. Light polyester: sublimation is also possible.
2. Count the colors. One color points to HTV. Full color points to DTF.
3. Count the shirts. A single shirt can use iron-on paper. Selling shirts needs DTF for durability.
4. Check the budget. Use the cost calculator and compare the per-shirt price.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best transfers for shirts?

DTF transfers are the best all-round choice: they work on most fabrics and colors, feel soft and last through many washes. HTV suits simple one-color designs and printable iron-on paper suits occasional home projects.

Can you put transfers on any shirt?

Most transfers work on cotton, polyester and blends. Sublimation is the exception: it works only on light polyester. Always test a small area first.

Are DTF transfers better than iron-on transfers?

For selling shirts, yes. DTF transfers last 50 to 80 or more washes and feel softer, while printable iron-on paper lasts about 10 to 20 washes.

How do you apply transfers to a shirt?

Pre-press the shirt for 3 to 5 seconds, place the transfer, press it at the temperature and time on the supplier's card, then peel and post-press. For DTF on cotton that is 300 to 325°F for 10 to 15 seconds.

How much do shirt transfers cost?

DTF transfers cost about $0.05 to $0.10 per square inch at small volumes, so a 4 inch logo is around a dollar. HTV costs $1 to $5 per shirt in material.