At Crit Apparel, we’re always looking for ways to deliver better, faster, and more flexible options for our customers. One of the most versatile printing methods we offer is Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, a process that allows for full-color, high-detail designs to be applied to a wide range of garments with impressive durability.
Whether you're outfitting a school team, esports program, or building your own brand, custom U.S.-made apparel deserves top-tier quality, and DTF helps us deliver just that.
What Is Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing?
DTF printing is a process where your design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, and then transferred to a garment using a heat press. The result? Bright, detailed prints that can be applied to almost any fabric type, cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
This makes DTF an ideal option for custom apparel where flexibility, durability, and fast turnaround are priorities.
DTF vs. Traditional Screen Printing
Screen printing has long been a staple in the custom apparel world. In that method, each color in a design requires its own screen (a stencil-like mesh), which is used to layer ink onto the garment. This means:
- More colors = more screens
- More screens = more setup time and cost
- Best suited for large orders with fewer colors
DTF printing, by contrast, doesn’t require separate screens. A full-color design, whether it’s 2 colors or 20, is printed in a single pass onto the film, making it more efficient and cost-effective for smaller runs or complex graphics. It also reduces setup time, which means faster delivery for you.
Benefits of DTF Printing for U.S. Made Custom Apparel
- Incredible Versatility: Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and performance fabrics.
- Vivid, Long-Lasting Prints: DTF transfers are stretchable and hold up after many washes.
- Low Minimums: Unlike screen printing, DTF is affordable even for small batches or single pieces.
- Faster Turnaround: Less setup means you get your order quicker.
At Crit Apparel, we combine DTF printing with U.S. based production to ensure fast, reliable service without compromising on quality.
Why Crit Apparel?
We’re more than just a custom apparel company, we’re a U.S.-based team that understands the importance of every detail, from the quality of your print to the reliability of your delivery. Whether you're ordering for a school, esports team, or business, we make sure every piece is built to perform.
Want to try it yourself?
Check out our Custom Apparel options and let’s bring your design to life with direct-to-film printing, made right here in the U.S.