Start Small. Print Fast. Scale Smart.

DTG Printing for Blank Clothing From 10 pcs

If you're launching a new design, testing a drop, or building your first collection, DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is the fastest way to turn ideas into real products.

Start small, without compromising on quality.

What is DTG Printing?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is a process where designs are printed directly onto garments using advanced inkjet technology.

Unlike traditional methods such as screen printing, DTG doesn’t require screens or setup. The design is applied directly to the fabric, enabling high-detail, full-color prints with minimal preparation.

At AKCN, DTG production uses both Kornit industrial systems and Brother machines.

  • Kornit ensures stable color and consistency for batch orders
  • Brother allows flexibility and precision for detailed designs

This combination helps maintain consistent quality across different order sizes.

Compared to entry-level machines, this type of equipment delivers more consistent color, better ink penetration, and improved wash durability—especially important when producing small batches that still need to meet retail-quality standards.

AKCN Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro

How Does DTG Printing Work?

The process is simple, but the quality depends heavily on equipment and preparation.

  1. Artwork preparation
    Your design is optimized for printing (resolution, color profile, placement)
  2. Garment pre-treatment
    Especially for dark garments, a coating is applied to ensure ink bonding
  3. Printing process
    The DTG machine prints directly onto the fabric
  4. Heat curing
    The print is fixed using heat to ensure durability

Because there’s no setup like screen printing, DTG is significantly faster for small runs.

Want a Precise Quote?

Get Accurate Pricing Faster

To provide an accurate quote, we recommend sharing your design files, mockups, or reference images in advance.
This helps our team evaluate your project quickly and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

Pro Tip: When sending your artwork make sure that the file is at a minimum 300 DPI, the sooner we can get the correct file the quicker we can be in delivering your dream merch. Low-quality files will directly affect print quality.

The Future Of Apparel Printing

Why DTG Printing Is the Future of Small Batch Production

Direct-to-garment printing has advanced significantly in recent years, to the point where it can now print on black garments using pre-treatments. Cotton blends can also be printed on, which was not possible a few years ago.

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No Setup Cost

Unlike traditional methods such as screen printing, DTG doesn’t require screens or setup. 

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Unlimited Colors and Gradients

The design is applied directly to the fabric, enabling high-detail, full-color prints with minimal preparation.

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High Quality Eco-Friendly Inks

We use high-quality, vibrant, water-based inks. The materials and pre-treatment processes we use are more durable than those of our main competitors and can withstand countless washes.

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Fast Turnaround (5–10 days)

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing eliminates the need for screens and other processes. All you need to do is upload your design to start printing. Bulk orders take only 5–10 days to complete.

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Stock Start from 10 pcs

Thanks to the speed and convenience of stock printing, our starting order is just 10 pcs. You can mix and match multiple colors in a single order, and there’s no need to prepare additional items; just focus on your design!

Is DTG Better Than Screen Printing?

Not always—and that’s where many brands get it wrong.

These two services are very different. Please clearly define your goals when ordering custom T-shirts or hoodies. Screen printing has higher setup costs and limited color options (up to 5 colors), but produces a distinctive visual effect. However, only direct-to-garment (DTG) printing can deliver photorealistic detail.

Ultimately, as these two services are so different, it is not possible to say which is better. If you’re still unsure which option best suits your needs, we recommend consulting our sales manager.

  • Screen printing with a 5 color limit
  • DTG printing is faster than screen printing
  • Screen printing produces finer textural details than DTG
  • For print orders of 50 pcs or fewer, we suggest using DTG printing, as it is more cost-effective.
Custom DTG printing T-shirt -2

Direct to Garment

Screen Print T-shirt (1)

Screen Print

File Format: PNG (RGB) / PSD (CMYK) – Transparent Background For Color Garments

Pro Tip: The two methods are not competitors—they are stages. We have actual examples of print sizes and placements for your reference. We also have photos showing how the designs look when worn. Upload your design right now, and we’ll give you our expert advice!

DTG Printing Sample

How Long Does DTG Printing Last?

There isn’t a fixed lifespan for DTG prints, but durability can be significantly improved with the right choices and care.

First, fabric matters. Using 100% cotton is key. Natural fibers absorb ink more effectively, which helps the print bond deeper into the fabric and last much longer—often through many years of wear and washing.

Second, printing equipment plays a major role. At AKCN, DTG production uses Kornit industrial systems alongside Brother machines—both considered top-tier in the industry. Compared to entry-level DTG printers, they deliver more consistent color, better ink penetration, and noticeably stronger durability after washing. This difference becomes especially clear over time, as lower-quality prints tend to fade faster or lose detail.

Finally, proper care makes a big difference.
To extend the life of your print:

  • Wash the garment inside out

  • Use cold water

  • Avoid high-heat drying (air drying is best if possible)

With the right fabric, professional equipment, and proper care, DTG prints can remain vibrant and intact through dozens of washes without cracking or peeling.

How Much Does DTG Printing Cost?

DTG printing has no setup costs, making it ideal for small orders of 10 pcs or more. However, this cost is incorporated into the printing process itself.

It uses high-quality water-based inks, and on professional machines like those at AKCN, ink usage increases with larger prints and dark garments (which require a white base). Such as for larger print areas, dark garments (which require a white underbase), and high-detail or high-saturation designs. This is why DTG printing is more expensive per item than bulk methods.

Our DTG printing t-shirts typically range $7–$16 per pcs. Printing size limit: 50 x 40 cm

Smaller quantities are usually on the higher end, while slightly larger runs become more efficient.

👉 In short: you pay more per unit, but take on far less risk by avoiding bulk inventory.

Oversize Digital Printing T-Shirt DX-077 (2)
Streatwear Manufacturer | 20+ Years of Experience

Choose Your Printing Style

Select from a range of ready-to-customize blank clothing designed for different styles and markets. 

👉 We help you choose the right blank based on your brand positioning.

Custom T-shirts

Custom T-Shirts

Basic T-shirts, oversized T-shirts, heavyweight T-shirts, vintage washed T-shirts, etc. (230–320 gsm cotton)

Custom 430G oversize Hoodies

Custom Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Hooded sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies, fleece-lined hoodies, premium French terry hoodies, etc. (320–430 gsm 100% cotton or blended fabrics)

Custom Straight Leg Sweatpants

Custom Sweatpants

Straight Leg Sweatpants, Jogger Sweatpants, Heavyweight Fleece Sweatpants. You can also customize a full tracksuit set with a hoodie.

DTG Printing Lookbook (Real Applications)

A brand launches multiple designs in small quantities, identifies what sells, and then scales only the winning products.

That’s where DTG becomes powerful—not just as a printing method, but as a business tool.

Start Your Custom Hoodie or Sweatshirt Order Today

Get Quote Now

DTG is not about printing—it’s about reducing risk.

You don’t need to commit to large quantities or complicated production processes.

Common Questions About DTG Printing

Whether you’re creating your first sample or launching your next drop, we’re here to help you turn your ideas into real products.

 

Can I order just 10 pieces?

Yes. DTG is specifically designed for small batch production, making 10 pcs a practical starting point.

Does DTG work on black shirts?

Yes. Pre-treatment and white ink layers are used to ensure color visibility on dark garments.

Is DTG good for streetwear brands?

Yes—especially for early-stage brands testing designs before scaling.

Will the print crack or peel?

No, if produced correctly. DTG prints bond with the fabric rather than sitting on top like some transfer methods.

Can I combine DTG with embroidery or labels?

Yes. Many brands use DTG for graphics and add embroidery or custom labels for branding.