DTG · 3 min read
Choosing garments for DTG: start with the fabric
The blank is part of the print specification. Review fiber content, color and the exact style before approving a direct-to-garment order.
Choosing a blank and choosing a print process belong in the same conversation. A garment that looks right in a catalog still needs to be reviewed for decoration. For a DTG project, send the exact style and color early, before ordering a full run of undecorated pieces.
Use cotton as a starting point
Epson’s digital-printing primer identifies cotton and predominantly cotton blends as the usual starting point for DTG. That is a useful shortlist, not a guarantee for every shirt. Review the actual style rather than approving a garment on fiber percentage alone.
Check each colorway
Record the composition for every selected color, including heathers. Do not assume that the information for one color applies to the entire style. A simple garment list prevents the artwork team from reviewing one blank while purchasing orders another.
| Include in the brief | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Brand and style number | Identifies the blank being reviewed |
| Color name and fiber content | Keeps each colorway attached to its actual specification |
| Size range and quantities | Shows whether the proposed placement needs adjustment |
| Print location and dimensions | Defines the area that must be reviewed |
| Intended use and care expectations | Gives the sample review a practical purpose |
Review dark garments separately
White ink on darker fabrics involves pretreatment in Epson’s DTG guidance. A dark garment should therefore be considered as its own production specification, rather than treated as a simple color swap for an approved white tee. Confirm the process and expected appearance for the chosen blank.
Give a sample a clear job
When a physical sample is appropriate, decide what it needs to answer before arranging it. Review the design at its intended size, examine the small details and look at the garment under ordinary lighting. Handle the printed area as well as viewing it flat. If laundering is part of the review, follow the supplied garment and decoration care instructions and record the conditions.
Keep the approved style, color, artwork version and placement notes with the order. If a blank becomes unavailable, review the substitute before accepting it. A similar-looking shirt is a new production choice, and the original approval may not describe the replacement.
Next step
Let’s outfit your team.
Tell us about your team, the garments you have in mind and your target date. Need help choosing? Include that in your request.
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