DTG Printing in Chicago: 10 Buyer FAQs

1. What is DTG printing?

DTG, or Direct-to-Garment printing, uses digital printing technology to apply artwork directly to the surface of a compatible garment.

It can be particularly useful for artwork containing:

• Multiple colors
• Detailed illustrations
• Gradients
• Photographic elements
• Complex logos
• Fine design details
• Full-color graphics

Unlike transfer-based decoration, DTG prints directly onto the garment rather than first producing the design on a separate transfer film.

2. What is the minimum order for DTG printing?

Inkdnylon's DTG production minimum is 24 pieces per design.

This allows DTG to support coordinated apparel orders while also scaling into larger brand, business, organization, team, event, and merchandise requirements.

Garment sizes can be mixed within an order when the products, artwork, print location, and other production requirements are compatible.

3. When should a buyer choose DTG?

DTG can be a strong choice when the artwork contains detailed or full-color graphics and the selected garment is appropriate for the printing process.

Common DTG applications can include:

• Company T-shirts
• Brand merchandise
• Event apparel
• Promotional apparel
• Organization merchandise
• Detailed logo designs
• Illustrated apparel
• Full-color graphics

The appropriate decoration method should be selected according to the garment, artwork, quantity, intended use, placement, and desired finished appearance.

4. What is the difference between DTG, DTF, screen printing, and vinyl?

Each method serves a different production purpose.

DTG prints digital artwork directly onto compatible garments and can be useful for detailed, full-color graphics.

DTF prints artwork onto transfer film before applying it to compatible apparel using heat and pressure.

Screen printing can be well suited to larger production quantities and designs appropriate for screen-based production.

Vinyl can be useful for names, numbers, solid graphics, and specialty finishes.

Embroidery and patches may also be better choices when a buyer wants a stitched or dimensional appearance.

Rather than treating one method as universally better, the decoration process should match the actual purchasing requirement.

5. Can I supply my own garments for DTG printing?

DTG garments are sourced through Inkdnylon rather than supplied by the customer.

Garment selection can affect print quality and production compatibility. Fabric composition, garment color, surface characteristics, construction, and pretreatment requirements can all influence DTG production.

Sourcing the garments through Inkdnylon provides a controlled product path for DTG orders and allows buyers to coordinate apparel and decoration through the same supplier.

6. Can Inkdnylon source specific garments for DTG?

Yes. Buyers can provide product requirements such as:

• Manufacturer or brand
• Style or item number
• Garment type
• Product color
• Quantity
• Size breakdown
• Artwork
• Print dimensions
• Decoration locations
• Required delivery date

Inkdnylon can review the specified product for sourcing availability and DTG compatibility.

If a specified product is unavailable or unsuitable for the required production method, an appropriate alternative can be identified for buyer review when available.

7. Can DTG print on dark garments?

Yes. Compatible dark garments can be decorated using DTG. Dark-garment production may require pretreatment and an appropriate white ink base before the full-color artwork is printed.

Garment selection remains important because different fabrics, colors, dyes, and surface characteristics can affect the finished print.

Products should therefore be evaluated for compatibility rather than assuming every dark garment will produce the same result.

8. How is DTG printing quoted?

DTG orders are quoted according to the actual product and production requirements.

Factors can include:

• Garment selected
• Order quantity
• Garment color
• Design dimensions
• Artwork requirements
• Number of print locations
• Product sourcing
• Packaging requirements
• Shipping destinations
• Required delivery date

Providing complete product, artwork, quantity, placement, and fulfillment specifications allows the order to be evaluated against the actual production requirements.

9. How long does DTG production take?

Standard production turnaround is approximately 14 business days.

Actual timing can depend on product availability, order quantity, artwork preparation, garment color, pretreatment requirements, print locations, project complexity, and production approval.

Businesses and organizations working toward a required event, campaign, launch, or delivery date should include that date with their purchasing requirements.

10. Can Inkdnylon handle larger DTG orders, repeat orders, and RFQs?

Yes. DTG is not limited to a single 24-piece order. When DTG is appropriate for the selected product and artwork, it can support larger branded apparel and organizational purchasing requirements.

Larger buyers can submit:

• Specified products
• Manufacturer or style numbers
• Required quantities
• Size breakdowns
• Product colors
• Artwork specifications
• Print dimensions and locations
• Required delivery dates
• Shipping destinations
• Approved-alternative requirements
• Repeat-order requirements

Organizations purchasing for multiple locations can also coordinate centralized or multi-destination fulfillment depending on the project requirements.

Inkdnylon ships apparel and products nationwide.

From a 24-Piece DTG Order to a Larger Apparel Program

Not every buyer begins with a large procurement requirement. A business may need apparel for one department, a brand may need a merchandise run, or an organization may need shirts for an event or campaign.

As purchasing requirements grow, Inkdnylon can support additional products and decoration methods including:

• DTG printing
• DTF printing
• Embroidery
• Screen printing
• Vinyl printing
• Rhinestone and specialty decoration
• Patches
• Company apparel
• Uniforms
• Headwear
• Outerwear
• Promotional products
• Branded merchandise
• Specified product sourcing
• Approved alternatives
• Repeat ordering
• Multi-location fulfillment
• Private company stores
• Nationwide shipping

This allows an initial DTG project to remain a standalone order or develop into a broader apparel and branded merchandise purchasing relationship.

One source for apparel, uniforms, promotional products, and branded merchandise.

How the DTG Purchasing Process Works

1. Define the requirement: identify the quantity, sizes, garment colors, artwork, print dimensions, locations, and required delivery date.
2. Select or specify the apparel: provide the desired garment requirements, manufacturer, or style number for sourcing review.
3. Review product compatibility: the garment is evaluated for availability and suitability for DTG production.
4. Review alternatives when necessary: if a specified product is unavailable or unsuitable, an appropriate alternative may be presented for buyer approval.
5. Move into production: approved product and decoration requirements proceed through DTG production.
6. Coordinate fulfillment: completed apparel can be prepared for the required centralized or multi-location delivery structure.
7. Repeat or expand: organizations can maintain purchasing specifications for future orders or expand into additional apparel and branded merchandise categories.