Direct-to-Garment vs. CMYK: Which Imprint Method is Best For You?

So you’ve chosen your products and now you're being presented with many personalization options to add your custom branding. You’re probably wondering - which is better, what's the difference between them, and will it cost the same? These are all valid concerns and we’re here to address them! The reality is, that there are situations in which one imprint method is preferred over another, and that depends primarily upon your design, your budget, and the objective of your promotional campaign. Today we’ll be comparing Direct-to-Garment printing with CMYK to help you determine which method is best for you!

It’s important to note that these imprint methods are not available for every product, however, both of these options apply to certain fabric-based products including apparel, tote bags, and aprons. For products with more than one personalization option, you will be prompted at the order page to select a method.

DTG

DTG or Direct-to-Garment printing is a process by which images are rendered digitally on apparel of your choosing using a high-quality printer and special fabric-safe inks. DTG inks look best on light-colored, cotton-based fabrics. A white cotton t-shirt, for example, is often the preferred garment for DTG customization, allowing one’s design to stand out. As the design is transferred digitally, DTG printing offers speed and high levels of detail, allowing you to print full-color, photo-realistic artwork. Using this method, prints are completed quickly without needing to set up plates and don’t require large volume orders, making it ideal for smaller quantities where memories are front and center! DTG printing allows you to produce a unique design without taking on excess inventory, perfect for limited-edition apparel.

CMYK

The CMYK imprint method gets its name from the acronym which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). A printing press uses dots of ink to make up the image from these four colors. Printing is done by layering four color plates (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) on top of each other to re-create art or a realistic image. The advantage of CMYK is that it allows you to print half-tones, giving you the possibility to render gradients which is difficult to achieve with DTG. CMYK becomes cost-effective when dealing with large volume bulk orders as the setup cost is typically higher but delivers an accurate, long-lasting imprint. This is perfect for printing on garments that will be heavily used and washed - for example, aprons and work uniforms.

Whether you want to create apparel for your business or special event there are a few things to consider before making your final decision: the complexity of your designs, your product quantity needs, and budget. Direct-to-garment printing is better suited for complex designs with a full spectrum of colors. Using DTG is easy to introduce new designs to your audience, without having to worry about keeping unwanted stock. CMYK is a great choice for those who need large orders which usually involves a higher setup cost upfront, but results in longer-lasting prints down the road. If you are still unsure which imprint method is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts who will gladly help you select the right customization option!