DTF Black Hoodies
Upgrade from Vinyl to DTF Printing for Black Garments in London
DTF — also known as Direct to Film — is the latest innovation in garment decoration and a serious upgrade from old-school vinyl printing. While vinyl transfers can crack, peel, and fade over time, DTF offers a superior, long-lasting finish.
Direct-to-film printing is a breakthrough method that transfers high-resolution, full-colour artwork directly onto garments using a heat press. It’s perfect for black garments — especially hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts — and delivers vibrant, durable prints that stand up to daily wear in London’s fast-moving lifestyle.
Advantages of DTF Printing
The most significant benefits of DTF printing is its expenditure. In contrast to DTG or screen printing, there are no setup screens or waste products. For independent companies, merchandise drops, or events in London, DTF is the best option for small to medium print runs.
Speed is an auxiliary benefit. Since there is no drying period and the approach is direct, prints are ready fast, making them perfect for last-minute orders or next-day delivery throughout the London province.
Above all, the quality is self-evident. DTF prints keep their brightness, flexibility, and softness to the communication whether you are printing a complex structure or a noticeable logo on a black hoodie.
DTF Printing Operation
DTF prints resist fading and breaking even after many washings. Perfect for activewear, streetwear, and workwear, especially when printing on darker garments like black cotton or blends.
Design Creation: High-resolution programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop are used to create or modify your artwork. This ensures that your design is tailored to dark clothing.
Film Preparation: Using a specialised printer and efficient inks, the finished design appears on a clear DTF film. Even when applied to dark textiles, these inks are designed to remain bold and long-lasting.
Film Transfer:
After being printed, the film is placed over the clothing and heated. This creates a lasting connection by transferring the ink straight into the cloth, unlike vinyl, which feels elevated or rigid.
Post-Printing:
Any remaining film is taken out after the transfer. During a final press, the product's design is locked in place for future usage.
Benefits of Employing DTF for Black Garments
High-Quality Prints: DTF provides sharp, detailed, and vivid prints — perfect for full-colour artwork on black hoodies and tees.
Versatile:
Compatible with cotton, poly, and blends — so whether it’s a black sweatshirt or a mixed-fibre t-shirt, the print stays bold and intact.
Cost-Effective:
Large quantities are not required; DTF is perfect for small operations, limited-edition drops, and testing in London.
Eco-Friendly:
Our DTF technique makes use of non-toxic, water-based inks that are kinder to the skin and safer for the environment.
PERFECT FOR:
• Multi-coloured artwork on black hoodies
• Custom names/numbers on football kits
• Workwear logos on black hi-vis garments
• London-based fashion labels and local artists
Want to see what DTF can do for your black hoodie designs?
Get in touch with BlackHoodies.co.uk for top-quality DTF printing in London — where black garments meet bold prints.
Eco-Friendly Direct To Film Printing
Great for full-colour designs!
We need you to submit your artwork at the highest possible standard in order to guarantee that you get the ideal finish. We are limited to becoming as flawless as your artwork files.
THE BEST OF THE BEST IN DIRECT TO FILM PRINTING
Direct Film printing, also known as DTF, is one of the specialist services we offer here at Black Hoodies. This contemporary method prints your full-color artwork onto a transfer film, which is subsequently heat-pressed straight into your clothing. Imagine printing on paper, but instead of feeding paper through the machine, your printed film is applied to your hoodie or tee with heat and pressure.
DTF printing allows for stunning, detailed designs on cotton, polyester, and mixed fabrics. It’s transformed the custom clothing industry by making full-colour prints easier, more affordable, and more versatile—whether you're ordering a single piece or a large batch.
Minimums
DTF printing comes with no minimum quantity and no setup fees, making it a super cost-effective choice for one-offs or short runs, even with full-colour, complex designs. Although single units are more expensive than bulk orders, DTF is perfect for producing samples to check colours, placement, and sizing. It's an ideal way to test your product before launching a full collection—without any extra screen charges or prep work.
What Machine are you working with?
Another reason to work with Black Hoodies—we’ve invested in top-tier DTF technology. Our system includes high-performance film printers and curing ovens that provide a professional finish every time. We avoid common DTF issues like peeling or patchy transfer with our advanced heat and adhesive techniques. No press marks. No hazing. Just clean, vibrant results from edge to edge.
Direct to Film Printing – What it is?
DTF stands for Direct to Film. In simple terms, it’s a digital printing method where your artwork is printed onto a transfer film using water-based ink, coated with an adhesive powder, and then heat-transferred onto your garment.
In disparity to DTG, DTF prints seem graphic on both light and dark clothing. Full-color, intricate designs—including gradients and photos—can be applied consistently. Cotton, polyester, mixes, fleece, and other materials are all excellently treated by it. Tell us what sort of clothing you are wearing before you begin since the fabric quality and substance still affect the final result.
Direct to Garment Printing Sample
Need to preview how your design will look? No problem. You can request a DTF sample print to check colours, placement, and size. This gives you peace of mind before moving ahead with your final order.
NOTE: MOST COLOURED GARMENTS need a pretreatment process.
Unfortunately, it’s not unusual to get a slight haze or edge effect on some fabrics after heat application. This is due to the way adhesive reacts with certain dyes and finishes. While many garments print beautifully, some may show these side effects. It’s outside of our control and varies from item to item. Ask away if you have any questions; we are here to assist you in selecting the ideal printing blanks.
Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have highly specific designs or Pantone colours in mind. We will be more than happy to discuss the options available to create the finish you are looking for.
DTF can be quite complicated or hard to understand, so check out some of the questions we have had before below or go to our FAQ section.
Advantages of Direct To Film Printing
Another huge benefit of DTF printing is durability. Unlike screen prints that may crack or peel over time, DTF designs bond tightly to the garment and stay vibrant after repeated washes. They also remain soft to the touch—no thick plastic feeling, no flaking.
DTF is also eco-friendly. It uses water-based, non-toxic inks and produces minimal waste compared to traditional methods. With no harsh chemicals involved, it's safer for workers and customers alike.
Light-coloured garments often produce the cleanest results, but DTF is just as effective on dark items too—thanks to the white under base we print as part of the process. You may notice some press marks or variation around the edges due to pretreatment, but overall, DTF offers crisp lines, bold colours, and unmatched detail. From photos to logos to fine lettering—it all prints beautifully.
And best of all? It’s better for the planet.
