The beginning of the year triggers increased demand for personalized sportswear, precisely when teams, gyms, and consumers seek to renew their technical garments. At this point, a common limitation emerges: the DTG printing system works very well on cotton garments, but it does not cover everything required by performance apparel.
To resolve this obstacle and assist sellers in entering higher-value categories, Gelato has integrated the Direct-to-Film (DTF) system into its platform. This technology enables on-demand printing on technical materials such as polyester, nylon, or high-performance blends.
While DTF is a widely used technique, Gelato’s added value lies in its provision of legal customization of premium garments from renowned brands such as Nike, Sport-Tek, A4, or Bella+Canvas within its own catalog, with no need for external processes.
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Direct-to-Film printing is designed to eliminate the so-called “cotton trap”. Unlike DTG—which is in practice limited to garments containing at least 50% cotton—DTF works on any type of fabric, including polyester, nylon, and high-performance blends. This opens the door to categories where demand increases each year, such as activewear, technical streetwear, headwear, or premium corporate apparel.
Its main value lies in design clarity: fine lines, complex gradients, and intricate details remain sharp even on dark garments. The water-based pigmented inks preserve color after many washes and provide a soft, flexible finish—ideal for apparel subjected to stretching and intensive use.
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On the other hand, technical apparel generally commands higher prices and enjoys greater margins than basic t-shirts, which makes it possible to increase Average Order Value (AOV) without raising sales volume.
If I use a DTF system, does that mean I must forgo cotton printing? Not necessarily. In terms of usage, both methods are complementary, and for any eCommerce, the ideal approach is to maintain and utilize both according to demand, especially if one wishes to compete in premium categories.
DTG remains ideal for standard t-shirts, sweatshirts, and cotton pieces. DTF, on the other hand, is directed towards technical products such as sportswear, caps, outerwear, and durable uniforms. This combination enables sellers to expand their catalog without taking on complex inventories.
The integration of DTF unlocks product categories that, until now, were beyond the reach of traditional Print-on-Demand (POD) services. In sportswear, you can now include technical t-shirts, long-sleeve models, and quarter-zips made from breathable and quick-drying fabrics. Outerwear—such as the Sport-Tek ST850—retains detail and stretch despite its thickness, and heavier fleece garments maintain design clarity.
In the professional sphere, premium polos, including micropiqué options from Sport-Tek, provide a more sophisticated canvas for corporate uniforms or team apparel. In lifestyle basics, items such as the popular Gildan 8000 or Bella+Canvas cropped t-shirts gain visibility thanks to the vibrant color achieved through film transfer.
Furthermore, as previously mentioned, Gelato enables you to work with recognized brands within its catalog, such as Nike, Sport-Tek, A4, and Bella+Canvas, always within the framework of legal customization and with no external production required. This access proves especially useful for the New Year sportswear campaign, during which performance apparel tends to achieve higher prices and increase average order value.
DTF technology requires specific configurations to maintain sharpness: proper resolution, accurate management of transparencies and edges, and files prepared to maximize color intensity. To ensure correct application, Gelato provides on its website a free, step-by-step technical guide to guarantee consistency in every print, especially when working with fine details or complex gradients.
Photo: Gelato
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