Ultimate Fabric Printing Guide: Choose the Right Method for Your Project

Fabric Types and Recommended Printing Techniques

Fabric Recommended Printing Notes
100% Cotton Screen Printing, DTF, Heat Transfer Vinyl Excellent ink absorption.
100% Polyester Sublimation, DTF Screen printing not recommended directly.
Cotton/Polyester Blend Screen Printing, DTF, Heat Transfer Vinyl More shrink-resistant than pure cotton.
Nylon Heat Transfer Vinyl, Transfer Printing, Sublimation Perfect for jackets and bags.
Coated Fabric (Moisture-Wicking) Heat Transfer Vinyl, Transfer (NO Sublimation) Water-repellent; sublimation doesn't bond properly.
Spandex / Lycra DTF, Stretchable Heat Transfer Vinyl Requires flexible inks or vinyls.
Performance Polyester (Moisture-Wicking) Transfer Printing, Specialized Heat Transfer Vinyl Ideal for athletic and performance apparel.

Notes:

  • Coated fabrics require non-sublimation printing methods.
  • Sublimation works only on white or light-colored polyester fabrics.
  • For athletic apparel, use transfer or specialized heat vinyl methods.