Why DTF Printing is Taking Printwear by Storm

The printwear industry is in the midst of a revolution, and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is at

the heart of it. At Soar Valley Press, based in Leicestershire, we help businesses, teams, and

organisations bring their brand to life with high-quality, durable, and vibrant printed

garments. Whether you’re looking for custom printed workwear, branded clothing for

businesses, or personalised uniforms with logos, DTF might just be the perfect solution for

you. But what makes DTF so special, and how does it compare to other methods? Let’s break

it down.

A Look at Traditional Print Techniques

Before DTF printing emerged, garment decoration relied on several well-established

techniques. Each had its strengths and weaknesses, and at Soar Valley Press, we can help you choose the right method for your needs. Here’s a quick overview of the main options:

Screen Printing

• Pros: Highly durable, cost-effective for bulk orders, vibrant colours and single-colour solid designs.

• Cons: Expensive setup, limited to specific fabrics, not ideal for short runs.

Screen printing is great for bulk orders of branded workwear with simple designs but requires a lot of setup, making it impractical for small batches or complex artwork.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

• Pros: Great for intricate designs, no colour limits, soft feel.

• Cons: Requires fabric pre-treatment, slower production, works best on cotton.

DTG is perfect for detailed, full-colour prints on custom work uniforms, but it’s best suited to

cotton garments and can be more time-consuming than other methods.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Pros: Good for customisation, durable for simple designs.

• Cons: Labour-intensive for detailed designs, not ideal for multi-colour graphics.

HTV is ideal for custom hospitality uniforms and sportswear personalisation, such as names

and numbers, but isn’t as suitable for highly detailed or multicoloured designs.

Sublimation Printing

• Pros: Excellent for polyester, full-colour designs, seamless feel.

• Cons: Limited to light-coloured synthetic fabrics.

Sublimation creates stunning prints for polyester-based branded workwear but is less

versatile for general custom uniforms with logos.

Embroidery

• Pros: Extremely durable, premium look and feel, ideal for workwear and uniforms.

• Cons: Limited to certain designs, not suitable for high-detail images, can be

expensive for large designs.

Embroidery is the go-to for corporate apparel printing services and custom work uniforms,

offering a polished, professional appearance.

What is DTF Printing

DTF is a relatively new technique for applying logos and images to garments. It is produced

using a high-quality inkjet printing technique that applies the image to a film. Glue is then

added onto the printed ink and the film is heated to melt the adhesive which attaches only to the ink. The film is then applied to the garment with a very quick heat press application of

around 10-15 seconds. Then the film is peeled off the garment, leaving the ink applied to the

product. The ink is completely bonded into the fabric making it extremely durable, very high-quality image without any change to the feel of the garment.

Why DTF Printing Stands Out

Unlike these traditional methods, DTF printing is versatile, durable, and cost-effective.

Here’s why it’s the perfect choice for branded clothing and personalised uniforms:

1. Works on Almost Any Fabric

DTF printing can be applied to cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, leather, and more. Whether

you need custom t-shirts, hoodies, eco-friendly workwear, or promotional merchandise, DTF

offers the flexibility to make your brand shine on any material.

2. Long-Lasting & Wash-Resistant

Our DTF prints are made to last! They withstand frequent washing without fading, cracking,

or peeling, making them ideal for high-visibility safety vests with logos, branded workwear

for tradesmen, and durable printed hoodies for anyone.

3. No Pre-Treatment Required

Unlike DTG printing, DTF doesn’t need pre-treatment, meaning we can produce your personalised uniforms with branding here in Leicestershire, faster and more efficiently.

4. Vibrant Colours & High Detail

DTF printing delivers bright, full-colour designs with outstanding detail. Whether you

need bold corporate logos, intricate artwork, or even photographic prints, DTF

produces high-quality printed workwear that stands out from the crowd.

5. Cost-Effective for Small & Large Orders

DTF is perfect for both one-off custom pieces and bulk orders. There’s no expensive setup

like with screen printing, so you can order exactly what you need without high upfront costs.

6. Fast Turnaround Times

Because DTF is efficient and doesn’t require extensive setup, we can get your custom event t-shirts with company logo, printed polo shirts for networking events in Leicestershire,

and branded workwear for small businesses in the East Midlands delivered quickly – ideal if

you need last-minute event clothing or staff uniforms in a hurry.

We Help You Choose the Right Print Method & Garment

At Soar Valley Press, we don’t just print—we advise, guide, and help you choose the best

solution for your business, organisation, or event. We have a huge range of clothing options,

from eco-friendly workwear to stylish promotional apparel produced here in the East Midlands. If you’re unsure which printing method suits your needs, our friendly team is here

to help.

Let’s Get Your Brand Noticed

DTF printing is transforming the printwear industry, and now is the perfect time to take

advantage of its durability, versatility, and high-quality results. Whether you need corporate

apparel, event merchandise, or promotional clothing, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to get started? Contact us today, and let’s create stunning branded garments that

make an impact!

Call us on 0116 2599955, use our contact form or visit us at Soar Valley Press, Park Farm,

Billesdon, Leicestershire LE7 9FN.