The Best Fabrics for DTF Transfers
Table of Contents
- What is DTF Transfer?
- The Best Fabrics for DTF Transfers
- Fabrics to Avoid for DTF Transfers
- Tips for Successful DTF Transfers
- Conclusion
What is DTF Transfer?
Before we talk about fabric options lets take a quick look at what a DTF transfer is. Direct to Film (DTF) transfer is a printer process where a design is printed onto a specialised film and then heat transferred onto fabric. DTF transfers can be applied to a wide variety of substrates from light to dark and have outstanding colour vibrancy and durability unlike traditional screen printing or direct to garment (DTG) printing.
DTF Center makes high-quality DTF transfers for your every dream designs.
1. Cotton
Cotton is one of the more popular substrates for DTF transfers. The natural fibres of cotton absorb the ink and make for a vivid and detailed image. Cotton is breathable, comfortable, and easily obtainable. Cotton is a perfect choice for creating custom clothing.
Advantages:
- Excellent ink absorption.
- Soft and comfortable.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Best Uses:
- T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags.
We advise 100 per cent cotton fabrics for best results, especially for everyday wear items such as t-shirts and hoodies.
2. Polyester
Polyester is a great fabric for DTF transfers, especially for activewear and performance garments. Unlike cotton, polyester is a synthetic fabric that doesn’t absorb moisture, so it wicks sweat away from the body, keeping the wearer dry. DTF transfers on polyester will result in vibrant, crisp images that won’t fade.
Advantages:
- Moisture-wicking properties.
- High color vibrancy.
- Resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage.
Best Uses:
- Sportswear, jerseys, outerwear.
If you’re looking to create a high performance clothing, the DTFCenter.com says you should use polyester fabrics so your designs will not only look good, but will also perform under pressure.
3. Poly-Cotton Blends
Poly-cotton blends are the best of both worlds, where the natural softness of cotton is combined with the strength and wearability of polyester. These fabrics are also a great canvas for DTF transfers.
Advantages:
- Soft and comfortable.
- Durable and resistant to shrinkage.
- Versatile for various types of apparel.
Best Uses:
- Casual wear, activewear, children’s clothing.
For all-purpose fabric that can be used for both everyday wear and in specialised applications, the preference is for poly-cotton blends, as described at DTFCenter.com.
4. Nylon
It’s a good choice for DTF transfers, particularly for outerwear and accessories. The smooth surface of nylon is ideal for detailed designs because the print comes out crisp and clear.
Advantages:
- High durability.
- Smooth surface for detailed prints.
- Water-resistant properties.
Best Uses:
- Jackets, bags, hats.
If using nylon, heat resistance must be considered to prevent damage from transfer heat. DTFCenter.com also shares some tips and tricks that will come in handy when working with nylon.
5. Canvas
Canvas is a sturdy fabric suitable for bags, aprons and decor items. DTF transfers on canvas are bold, bright and ready for the long haul.
Advantages:
- Strong and durable.
- Excellent ink retention.
- Ideal for heavy-use items.
Best Uses:
- Tote bags, aprons, wall art.
We at DTFCenter.com recommend canvas for projects where a sturdier, more durable fabric is needed that will hold up to heavy use but still look good.
1. Leather
Leather might seem like an obvious choice for DTF transfers, but it also happens to be a pretty terrible substrate for this reason. Leather’s natural oils repel the adhesive and, as a result, DTF transfers that are applied to leather will tend to peel off over time.
Disadvantages:
- Poor adhesion.
- Prone to peeling and cracking.
Alternatives:
- Consider using vinyl or other heat-transfer methods for leather projects.
2. Silk
Silk though is a very fine, feminine fabric, not always appropriate for DTF transfers. Too much heat can be destructive to silk, and it can discolor or even burn.
Disadvantages:
- Heat sensitivity.
- Potential for fabric damage.
Alternatives:
- Use sublimation printing or embroidery for silk items.
3. Wool
Wool is also a textured fibre, and a natural one, which makes DTF transfers patchy and hard to stick to.
Disadvantages:
- Poor adhesion.
- Textured surface interferes with the design.
Alternatives:
- Consider embroidery or screen printing for wool fabrics.
4. High-Stretch Fabrics
Fabrics that have high elasticity, such as spandex or Lycra, also tend to warp when using a DTF transfer. When such fabrics are stretched, the tight ink can crack and peel off.
Disadvantages:
- Design distortion.
- Prone to cracking and peeling.
Alternatives:
- Use screen printing or heat-transfer vinyl for stretchable fabrics.
Tips for Successful DTF Transfers
Pre-Treat Your Fabric: Make sure your fabric is clean and clear of anything that might inhibit the transfer. Pre-wash and dry your fabric if you can to encourage good adhesion.
Use the Right Temperature: You must set the mechanical DTF transfers to an exact temperature to ensure they adhere properly to the fabric without scorching the fabric, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both temperature and pressing time.
Test on a Small Area: If you’re not familiar with the feel of the fabric you’re using with a DTF transfer and you’re not sure how
Consider the Fabric’s Use: For example, if you’re selecting fabric for a DTF transfer, think about how the item will be used and choose fabric that can withstand multiple wash cycles without fading or peeling if it will be washed many times.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fabric for your next DTF transfer design is actually the first and the most important step in making sure your final product is high-quality and durable. At DTFCenter.com, we take pride in helping our customers to create the most innovative designs and to make the best transfer possible. Cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, or any other fabric you can think of – understanding the strength and weakness of each fabric will definitely help you decide how to use it in your custom apparel business.
Not all fabrics are suitable for DTF transfers. But if you choose the right ones and avoid the wrong ones, your design would look vibrant, durable and ready to wow your customers. For more tips about fabric selection and other DTG and DTF transfers needs, visit DTFCenter.com.