Decoration method
Custom heat transfers and DTF printing for team apparel
Custom heat transfers are designs printed or cut ahead of time and pressed onto the garment with heat and pressure. We make DTF (direct to film) transfers, heat-transfer stickers and vinyl names and numbers, and press them in house on team apparel we make from 12 pieces per style. DTF transfers are also sold on their own, from 12 pieces per design, for decorators who press in their own shop.
01What DTF printing is
DTF printing puts your full-color design onto a clear film with color inks and a white ink layer behind them. A powdered adhesive is applied to the wet ink and cured, and the finished transfer is pressed onto the garment and the film peeled away.
Because the white layer sits under the colors, DTF prints bright on dark garments as well as light ones. It handles gradients, small text and many colors at no extra setup cost, and it bonds to cotton, polyester and blends.
02Heat transfer names and numbers
Player names and numbers change on every piece, which is where heat transfers earn their place. Heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) is cut from colored sheets, weeded and pressed, and comes in stretch, metallic, reflective and flock finishes. DTF can print the same names and numbers in full color or with a gradient.
Send the roster with sizes, names and numbers in one list, and we cut or print every piece to it.
03Heat-transfer stickers for logos and repeats
Heat-transfer stickers are pre-printed logos and graphics pressed onto the garment, used for sponsor marks, small chest logos and repeat designs. Stretch versions move with compression and performance fabric without cracking.
04DTF transfers sold on their own
Decorators and print shops can order DTF transfers without a garment, from 12 pieces per design. We print them to your artwork and ship them ready to press. Tell us the fabrics you will press onto, and we confirm the press settings with the quote.
05When to pick DTF over screen print
DTF suits short runs, many colors, gradients and orders that mix fabrics, because there are no screens to make. Screen printing costs less per piece when a long run shares one simple design in a few colors, and it gives a softer feel on large prints.
Large solid DTF areas feel heavier than the fabric around them and breathe less, so on game jerseys we keep DTF to logos, names and numbers and use sublimation for full coverage.
06Durability and care
A well-pressed transfer flexes with the fabric and holds through regular washing. Wash cold and inside out, tumble dry low or hang dry, and never iron directly on the print. On dark or dyed polyester, heat can pull dye into the transfer, so we test the garment color before production.
07Art requirements for heat transfers
Send vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background at full print size, plus PMS references for brand colors. For vinyl, keep each color as a solid shape, since every color is a separate layer. Hairline details and very small text may not hold on textured fabric.
08How custom heat transfers are quoted
On a garment order, the blank garment is priced on our five quantity tiers and the transfer is quoted on top by size, number of locations, finish and, for vinyl, the number of colors. Names and numbers are priced per piece. Transfers sold on their own are quoted by size and quantity.
We send a proof of the design, colors and placement for your approval before bulk production.
Q&AQuestions buyers ask
Do you sell DTF transfers without garments?
Yes. DTF transfers are sold on their own from 12 pieces per design. We print them to your artwork and confirm the press settings for your fabrics with the quote.
Will DTF prints crack or peel?
A correctly pressed DTF transfer stretches with the fabric and holds through regular washing. Cracking usually comes from pressing at the wrong settings or ironing directly on the print.
Can DTF be used on polyester jerseys?
Yes, DTF bonds to polyester. On dark or dyed polyester we test first, because heat can draw fabric dye into a light-colored transfer.
Should I choose DTF or vinyl for player numbers?
Vinyl gives a clean, solid number in one or two colors and comes in stretch, metallic and reflective finishes. DTF is better when the number has a gradient, a pattern or many colors.
What file should I send for DTF printing?
A vector file, or a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background at the size you want printed. Include PMS references for any brand colors that must match.