Decorators and distributors, here is your industry trend alert! There’s a new decorating method you need to know about if you want to excite end buyers and alleviate common decorating challenges. We are talking about DTF (direct-to-film) transfers. This innovative impression method not only produces high quality colored impressions, but it is also easier to implement than other popular methods, such as the popular and similar direct-to-garment (DTG) technique.
So what makes DTF printing so revolutionary and what types of garments can it be used on?
Direct Film Highlights
- No need for pre-treatment, even for white ink
This differs from DTG printing where pre-treatments are required to reproduce light colors. That’s one less color consideration you need to worry about. - The powder glue on the back of the transfers hardens quickly with heat
No mess and no complicated setup required. Moreover, you can execute commands faster than before. Who doesn’t like that? - Recommended for polyester or other non-cotton fabrics
While DTG printing is preferred for cotton, DTF finally provides a simple ink-based marking solution for polyester and other unique blends, expanding the opportunity to explore some of the many fabric collections and styling options from Next Level Apparel (asi/73867).
This new method of decorating pairs perfectly with a wide range of polyester and cotton-free formulations, many of which are available from your favorite apparel suppliers you already know and love. Let’s review our top apparel picks from renowned supplier, Next Level Apparel, which can be decorated perfectly with DTF transfers.
Next Level Apparel + Direct-to-Film Transfers
Next Level CVC fabric is a blend of 60% combed ringspun cotton and 40% polyester. This polyester content makes it a prime choice for DTF transfer decoration. This premium fabric also holds up well to constant wear while remaining soft and comfortable, resulting in high quality promotional apparel and prints. For T-shirts, we recommend the Unisex CVC T-Shirt (6210) or the CVC Women’s T-Shirt (6610). For tanks, you can’t go wrong with the all-rounder Unisex HVAC tank top (6233).
- Ideal collection
More budget-conscious customers can also take advantage of DTF transfer decoration. When cost is a concern, recommend the Ideal collection, also made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester. The best of both worlds, your customers will get price-conscious clothing from a premium brand at the quality they can trust – and that includes their prints, which will be reproduced perfectly on this blend of fabrics. We particularly like the Ideal racerback tank top for women (1533) for its flattering fit and robust color assortment. - Festival collection
For customers looking for the latest trends, recommend designs from Next Level’s Festival collection, made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Embodying the spirit of the summer music festival circuit, these sun-kissed pieces are lightweight, have great drape and movement, and come in on-trend cuts like cropped and tank tops. the Unisex Festival T-Shirt (6200) is a great option with mass appeal. Attract customers looking for feminine styles with Women’s Festival Crop Top (5080), Women’s Festival Muscle Tank Top (5013) and the Women’s Festival Tank Top (5033) – each a great choice for DTF transfers.
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