DTF-Druck auf Baumwolle, Polyester und Mischgewebe – Vergleich von T-Shirts, Sportshirt und Hoodie neben DTF-Folie und Transferpresse

Textiles for DTF - Cotton, Polyester and Blends

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has quickly become one of the most flexible printing techniques for textiles. However, not every shirt or hoodie is equally suitable. This article will tell you which fabrics are truly suitable for DTF printing – and when you're better off choosing cotton, polyester, or a blend.

What exactly is DTF printing?

In DTF printing, your design is first printed in reverse onto a special DTF film, then sprinkled with hot melt adhesive, dried, and then transferred to the textile using a heat press. The major advantage: You can faithfully transfer even difficult materials, dark fabrics, and the smallest details.

What criteria make a textile DTF-compliant?

Before we look at cotton, polyester and blended fabrics in detail, it is worth taking a look at the most important selection criteria for DTF textiles:

  • Surface: As smooth, densely woven and lint-free as possible for sharp contours.
  • Paper weight: Medium to high paper weights (e.g. 160–220 g/m²) are ideal for long-lasting transfers.
  • Color: DTF works on light and dark textiles, but an opaque white print is essential.
  • Heat resistance: The textile must withstand the transfer temperature (usually 130–160 °C).
  • Finishing / Coatings: Heavily impregnated or coated fabrics can impair adhesion.

Cotton in DTF printing

Cotton is the first choice for many applications – especially for T-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters. It is skin-friendly, breathable, and feels high-quality.

Advantages of cotton for DTF

  • Very good adhesion of the DTF transfers to the tissue.
  • Intense colors, especially on higher-quality ring-spun yarns.
  • Comfortable to wear, ideal for fashion and merchandise products.
  • Well suited for standard shirts and hoodies

Disadvantages of cotton

  • Can easily shrink if improperly pre-treated or at excessively high temperatures.
  • Prone to wrinkling, which can make positioning the transfer more difficult.

Polyester in DTF printing

Polyester is particularly common in sportswear and workwear. Functional shirts, jerseys, and many work jackets are made entirely or predominantly of polyester.

Advantages of polyester for DTF

  • Highly dimensionally stable and durable – ideal for sportswear and workwear
  • Quick-drying and often with functional properties (e.g., moisture management)
  • DTF transfers adhere very well if temperature and pressing time are adjusted.

What you need to pay attention to when it comes to polyester

  • Dye migration: Especially with strong, sublimated fabrics, color can "bleed through". Specially formulated DTF transfers or lower temperatures can help in this case.
  • Heat resistance: Polyester often tolerates less heat than cotton – follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Blended fabric: The all-rounder for DTF

Blended fabrics like 80/20 or 65/35 (cotton/polyester) combine the advantages of both materials. They are robust, comfortable to wear, and can be very well finished with DTF (dry fabric treatment).

Advantages of blended fabrics

  • Good balance between wearing comfort (cotton) and shape retention (polyester)
  • Less shrinkage than pure cotton
  • Ideal for workwear and corporate fashion

Tips for DTF on mixed fabrics

  • Always do a test print to optimize temperature and time.
  • Pay attention to the consistent quality of the raw textiles – inexpensive blended fabrics are often unevenly woven.

Which textiles are particularly suitable for DTF?

As a rule of thumb, you can follow these recommendations:

  • T-shirts & Fashion: 100% cotton or high-quality cotton blend fabric
  • Sportswear: Polyester or poly-blend fabric with a smooth surface
  • Workwear: Robust blended fabrics (e.g. 65/35), sweatshirts and jackets with dense fabric
  • Accessories: Caps, pouches and bags with surfaces that are as smooth and heat-resistant as possible.

Common mistakes when DTF printing on textiles

  • Too low or too high pressure and/or temperature in the transfer press
  • Textile not dusted or pre-pressed – moisture in the fabric reduces adhesion
  • Misjudging the fabric structure: fabrics that are too coarse or highly elastic can lead to tears.
  • No wash tests – only start series production when the test print is convincing.

Conclusion: Cotton, polyester or blended fabric – which is “best”?

The best textiles for DTF printing always depend on the intended use:

  • Cotton: Ideal for classic shirts, hoodies and merchandise.
  • Polyester: Ideal for sportswear and functional clothing.
  • Blended fabrics: Perfect for workwear and durable all-round textiles.

It's important that you know your target audience, select high-quality textiles, and tailor your DTF-Transfers to the specific material. This will ensure vibrant colors, high wash resistance, and satisfied customers.

Back to blog