| Criterion | DTF | Flocking |
|---|---|---|
| Colour limit | None | 1 to 2 colours per zone |
| Minimum quantity | From 20 pieces | From 20 pieces |
| Gradients and photos | Yes | No |
| Individual personalisation | Possible | Ideal (names, numbers) |
| Wash resistance | Depends on the tested combination | Very resistant |
| Production time | 5 to 15 days | 5 to 15 days |
| Visual result | Photo-realistic | Smooth or velvet |
Technique comparison
DTF vs flocking: which to choose?
DTF or flocking? It is the question most of our clients ask. DTF takes the colour and the complexity, flocking the crisp, durable text and numbers. Here is how to decide for your project — and why the two are so often combined on the same garment.
Comparison table
When to choose what
Five concrete decision scenarios
01
Football club: 25 jerseys
The club logo on the chest in DTF, because it is multicolour and detailed; the individual names and numbers on the back in flocking. Both techniques on the same garment, each where it is strongest.
02
Summer festival: 200 t-shirts
An artistic visual with gradients and multiple colours. DTF is the only option here capable of reproducing it faithfully.
03
SME: 50 polo shirts, simple logo
A logo in one or two colours on the chest. Flocking is faster and slightly cheaper for this type of project.
04
Final-year students: 30 custom hoodies
The creative class design in DTF, each student's first name in flocking. A combination of both again.
05
Urgent event staff: 15 jackets
The word STAFF in a large font. Flocking allows faster production on a small, urgent run.
Each technique in detail
DTF in detail
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is the reference technique for complex visuals. It is particularly suited to:
- Multicolour logos with gradients
- Photographic prints
- Detailed designs with many colours
- Large runs where unit cost needs to be optimised
DTF supports a broad colour range and many fabrics, but coated, highly elastic or heat-sensitive materials require testing. Durability depends on the garment, the transfer, the pressing parameters and the wash cycle — not on the technique alone.
Flocking in detail
Flocking (heat-seal vinyl cutting) is the ideal technique for simple elements. It is particularly suited to:
- Player names and numbers on jerseys
- Short texts and clean logos, in one or two colours
- Small runs with individual personalisation
- Urgent projects
Flocking gives a clean, professional result, with a smooth or velvet finish depending on the vinyl used.
Can you combine both techniques?
Yes, and it is in fact very common. On the same garment:
- A DTF logo on the front, an individual name in flocking on the back
- An artistic design in DTF, a player number in flocking
This combination optimises both the visual quality and the cost of individual personalisation.
Frequently asked questions
Which technique is cheaper, DTF or flocking?
Flocking is generally cheaper on small runs with simple designs (text, clean logos). DTF becomes more cost-effective on large runs or complex, multicolour designs. Request a quote to compare on your own project.
For a football jersey with a name and number, which technique?
Flocking for names and numbers: that is its reference use. If the jersey also carries a multicolour club logo, that one goes in DTF on the same garment.
For a colourful, complex design, which technique?
DTF, without hesitation. Flocking, cut from vinyl, reproduces neither gradients nor photographs.
Can you combine both on the same garment?
Yes, and it is the most common solution in sport and for class hoodies: logo in DTF, first name or number in flocking.
Pour aller plus loin
Explorez le reste du site.
✦ NEW Shipping · Europe
Beetee ships to 5 countries.
Production in Belgium, tracked shipping across Europe. Click your country to see lead times and conditions.