This article explains how fabric blend affects the quality of DTG prints and provides insights into choosing the right fabric for your needs.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing works best on 100% cotton garments. The natural fibers absorb water-based inks better, leading to more opaque and vibrant prints. While most of our t-shirts are 100% cotton, heather, and tri-blend colors contain varying amounts of polyester and rayon, which can affect print quality.

It's important to note that achieving absolute color precision can be challenging due to variations in printers, color profiles, and processes. While we strive for accuracy, we want to be transparent and cannot guarantee 100% color matching.

Heather colors get their unique textured look from a blend of cotton and polyester. Typically, the polyester content ranges from 10% to almost 50%. Colors with "heather" in their name, along with sports grey, usually fall into this category.

Since polyester is designed to repel water, it doesn't absorb DTG inks as effectively as cotton. Consequently, prints on heather colors may appear less opaque compared to solid colors.

Despite the difference in opacity, many customers love the aesthetic of heather colors and prefer them for their unique texture.

Tri-blend fabrics consist of cotton, polyester, and rayon. Rayon, a synthetic fiber derived from cellulose, doesn't absorb water-based inks as well as cotton. However, it contributes to a lightweight feel and enhances the garment's fit. Tri-blends often result in a faded or vintage look when used with DTG printing.

It's crucial to remember that not all blends are created equal. We, at Gelato, only source garments from brands known for their high-quality blended cotton. By using appropriate pre-treatment techniques and equipment settings, we can achieve excellent results even with cotton/polyester and rayon blends.

For optimal print opacity, we recommend opting for 100% cotton garments, particularly solid-color t-shirts. However, if you prioritize the unique look of heather colors or the fit of tri-blends, these options can be great additions to your collection. We always advise ordering samples to see how different fabrics interact with your designs.

For further information on DTG printing, please refer to our comprehensive guide.