DTF on Different Materials and Garment Types: What Works Best (and What to Watch For)

DTF is one of the most versatile decoration methods out there, but different fabrics behave differently under heat and pressure.

This guide breaks down the most common garment and material types customers ask about, what typically works best, what can go wrong, and how to get cleaner, longer-lasting results.

If you are ever unsure, send your art and tell us the garment type. We will help you choose the best approach.

Quick truth before we start

DTF can work on a lot of materials, but results depend on:

• Fabric type (cotton, poly, nylon, blends)

• Heat press accuracy (real temperature, not just the dial)

• Pressure consistency

• Proper pressing technique (pre-press, cover sheet, finishing press)

Fast material cheat sheet (DTF compatibility)

Material or garment type	DTF compatibility	Common issues	Best tip
100% cotton tees	Excellent	Rare issues	Pre-press to remove moisture
50/50 blends	Great	Peeling if pressure is off	Use firm, even pressure
100% polyester	Good but tricky	Dye migration, color shift	Test first and watch heat/time
Performance dri-fit	Good but tricky	Heat sensitivity, shine	Lower heat if needed, use cover sheet
Tri-blends	Usually good	Texture shows, stretch	Use a finishing press
Hoodies and fleece	Great	Press lines, uneven pressure	Use a pressing pillow or pad
Nylon windbreakers	Sometimes	Adhesion issues, melting	Use caution, test, consider alternatives
Canvas totes and aprons	Great	Seams cause uneven pressure	Avoid pressing over seams
Denim jackets	Good	Cracking on seams, texture	Avoid seams, use a finishing press
Spandex and compression wear	Limited	Stretch cracking	Do stretch and wash tests before selling
Hats	Limited	Curved surface, pressure	Consider patches or embroidery

1) 100% cotton shirts (the easiest win)

Cotton is the most forgiving and usually gives the best feel and durability.

Best practices:

• Pre-press 3 to 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles

• Use a cover sheet to keep the press clean

• Do a short finishing press after peel for a smoother feel

2) 50/50 cotton-poly blends (great, but pressure matters)

Blends press well, but inconsistent pressure is the fastest way to get edge lifting.

Watch for:

• Corners lifting

• Edges not fully bonding

Fixes:

• Increase pressure slightly and make sure it is even across the platen

• Use a pressing pillow on thicker garments or seams

3) 100% polyester (dye migration and heat sensitivity)

Polyester can look amazing with DTF, but it is the most likely to surprise you.

Common issues:

• Dye migration (whites or light colors shifting after press or after wash)

• Fabric shine from too much heat or pressure

Tips:

• Always test one garment first

• Consider lower heat or shorter dwell time if the fabric is heat sensitive

• Use a cover sheet to reduce shine

4) Performance and dri-fit shirts

These fabrics are designed to handle sweat and movement, but they can be sensitive to heat.

Watch for:

• Scorching or shine

• Texture showing through

Tips:

• Use a cover sheet

• Use a finishing press to smooth the transfer

• Test for stretch and wash durability before selling a big run

5) Tri-blends and soft fashion tees

Tri-blends often press fine, but the fabric texture and stretch can change the final look.

Tips:

• Use a finishing press for a smoother feel

• Avoid super thin designs with tiny text if the fabric is heavily textured

6) Hoodies, fleece, and thick garments

DTF works great on hoodies, but thickness creates pressure problems.

Common issues:

• Press lines (the rectangle outline)

• Uneven bonding near seams, pockets, and drawstrings

Fixes:

• Use a pressing pillow or pad to level the print area

• Keep seams and pockets out of the press zone

• Do a finishing press with a cover sheet

7) Nylon windbreakers and slick fabrics (high demand, higher risk)

Nylon is where you must be careful. Some nylon can melt or distort under heat.

Common issues:

• Poor adhesion

• Fabric warping or melting

Best practice:

• Test first, always

• If it is a true windbreaker material, consider alternatives like patches or embroidery

8) Canvas totes and aprons

Canvas is usually a great surface for DTF.

Watch for:

• Seams and thick areas causing uneven pressure

Tips:

• Avoid pressing directly over seams

• Use a pressing pillow to level the surface

9) Denim jackets

Denim can work well, but seams and texture are the challenge.

Tips:

• Avoid seams and thick stitching

• Use a finishing press for a smoother look

10) Spandex, leggings, and compression wear (limited)

If the garment stretches a lot, the print can crack over time.

Best practice:

• Do a stretch test and wash test before selling

• If you need maximum stretch durability, ask us about the best option for that specific garment

11) Hats

Hats are curved, and DTF needs consistent pressure.

Best practice:

• Use a Hat press
• Secure the transfer to the hat with heat transfer tape if needed for best placement
• Seams within hats may be visible 

• Consider patches, embroidery, or a different decoration method for hats

Want to maximize value? Build a gang sheet

If you are printing for multiple customers, multiple designs, or you want to stock up on best sellers, gang sheets are the fastest way to lower your cost per print.

Build your gang sheet here:

• Auto builder: https://primalgraphx.com/collections/dtf-gang-sheets/products/gang-sheet-auto-builder

• Manual builder: https://primalgraphx.com/collections/dtf-gang-sheets/products/dtf-gang-sheet-builder

If you want, we can also help with file prep, sizing, and layout so you get the cleanest cuts and the best value.

— Primal Graphx Team / Charlotte, NC’s #1 Premium DTF provider