Direct to Garment Printing Market

Direct to Garment Printing Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The direct to garment printing market is expected to be worth around US$ 861.2 million in 2024. The expansion of the market is linked to the quickly evolving fashion trends and the requirement for manufacturers to follow those trends to remain competitive. The direct to garment printing market is expected to rise at a 4.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, with a predicted market value of US$ 1.32 billion.

Consumption Analysis of the Direct to Garment Printing Sector

• The growing desire for distinctive, customized clothing with elaborate patterns and eye-catching colors is driving the growth of the direct to garment printing sector.
• Innovation in printing technology, including improved print heads, ink formulations, and color management systems, enhances the quality and speed of direct to garment printing, drives demand for more efficient solutions, and provides novel product solutions for the market players.
• The demand for direct garment printing solutions is rising due to consumers' growing awareness of environmental sustainability and preference for eco-friendly printing techniques, including digital processes and water-based inks.
• The growth of e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces facilitate direct to garment printing in various industries outside of fashion, such as corporate apparel, personalized gifts, and promotional products.
• The growing popularity of printed textiles in automotive interior decor and vehicle wrapping is expected to drive the direct to garment printing industry’s growth, encompassing soft signage, home decor, and various products like blankets, pillowcases, and furniture.

Historical Performance and Future Growth of the Direct to Garment Printing Market

The direct to garment printing industry has experienced a positive trend over the past five years, with a historical CAGR of 4.6%, and is projected to continue growing at a CAGR of 4.4% until 2034.

High initial investment costs and production constraints compared to traditional printing processes limit the demand for direct to garment printing; concerns about print quality and material compatibility further obstruct wider adoption in specific market sectors.

Crucial factors that are anticipated to impact the demand for direct to garment printing through 2034.

• For smaller companies or startups, the substantial upfront expenditures connected with acquiring technology and equipment for direct to garment printing are expected to hinder market growth.
• The usefulness of direct to garment printing for large-scale manufacturing or high-volume orders is affected by its slower production volume and speed than traditional printing processes' impending market expansion.
• Demand for direct-to-garment printing is limited in some sectors when customers believe that alternative methods produce prints with better quality, especially when it comes to detailed designs or vivid colors.

Industry participants are going to desire to be wise and flexible over the anticipated period since these difficult attributes position the industry for success in subsequent decades.

Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Talk to Analyst

Key Trends Influencing the Direct to Garment Printing Market

Customization in Clothing Crafts the Demand for the Direct to Garment Printing

The growing demand for customized clothing and accessories has led to considerable growth in the direct to garment printing (DTG) industry. Technology has transformed the fashion industry by enabling consumers to make one-of-a-kind, custom clothing pieces, especially with 3D printing. DTG printing offers countless customization options by allowing the direct printing of detailed patterns, vivid colors, and high-resolution images into clothing.

DTG printing has made customization more accessible and affordable, drawing small companies, freelance designers, and individual customers. The environmentally friendly and ethically created fashion consumers are increasingly choosing is in line with the sustainability feature of DTG printing.

Technological progress, customer demand, and the environmental advantages of DTG printing have combined to make direct-to-garment printing a major force in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

Advancements in the Smart Direct to Garment Printing Technology Designs Demand from Fashion Industry

The integration of digital technology in the fashion supply chain, including virtual fashion shows, digital fittings, and online shopping experiences, is a shift in consumer behavior towards a more digitally-driven shopping experience.

This has led to a growing demand for unique and personalized fashion items as consumers increasingly engage with digital content, driving demand for the direct to garment printing.

Digital fittings, powered by augmented reality and virtual reality, allow consumers to try on clothing virtually, facilitating more informed purchasing decisions and reducing the need for physical store visits.

The rise of online shopping experiences has accelerated the demand for on-demand and customizable fashion solutions. By providing made-to-order and customized clothing and cutting waste and inventory expenses, DTG printing aids brands in satisfying consumer demand for distinctive and customized items.

Rise in Corporate Events Boosts the Demand for DTG Products

The rise in corporate events has boosted demand for direct to garment printing (DTG), allowing businesses to create personalized and branded apparel for their events. DTG printing is anticipated to enable companies to create high-quality, vibrant branded apparel that enhances brand visibility and recognition.

Customized apparel can instill a sense of belonging and pride among team members, promoting a cohesive corporate culture. It also allows businesses to engage with existing clients, prospects, and stakeholders, creating eye-catching and memorable promotional merchandise that drives brand engagement and recall. Customized apparel adds a professional touch to corporate events, enhancing brand image and perception.

DTG printing ensures consistent branding and quality across apparel, reinforcing a strong and reputable brand image. The demand for DTG printing is growing as businesses recognize its value in enhancing brand visibility, fostering team unity, driving marketing efforts, and projecting a professional brand image at events.

Category-wise Insights

This section offers in-depth analyses of particular direct to garment (DTG) printing market. The research's two main topics are the cotton substrate segment and the clothing and apparel as an end-use segment. Through a comprehensive examination, this section attempts to provide a fuller knowledge of these segments and their relevance in the larger context of the DTG printing industry.

Cotton Material Captures 27.7% of the DTG Printing Market Share

The demand for the cotton substrate is developing owing to its sustainability and affordability. Registering a market share of 27.7% in 2024, the following drives displays the growth of the demand for cotton for garment printing:

• Cotton is a widely used textile material in the fashion and sportswear industry due to its exceptional moisture absorption properties and extended durability.
• The high durability of cotton is attributed to its strong fiber structure, which can withstand frequent washings and wearings without losing its shape or strength, developing demand from multiple industries.
• Cotton's excellent printability makes it an ideal choice for creating vibrant and intricate designs on garments, especially fashion wear, thus developing a high demand for DTG cotton materials.
• Besides fashion and sportswear, cotton is also highly preferred for home décor items, such as bed sheets, curtains, cushion covers, and table covers. Cotton's softness, easy washability, and attractive appearance make it a top choice for home textiles.
• Moreover, cotton is a breathable material that helps regulate body temperature, making it an excellent choice for bedding and other home textiles, fostering high demand for cotton in the garment printing market.

Clothing and Apparels Segment Provides Fertile Ground for Market Growth

Utilizing clothing and apparel is in high demand for direct-to-garment printing, acquiring almost 58.9% of the market share in 2024. The development of clothing and apparel in the DTG printing market is driven by the following aspects:

• Customizing clothes and accessories with detailed patterns, vivid colors, and customized text on various materials is possible using direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
• With DTG printing, apparel businesses and merchants may produce garments on demand without placing big minimum orders, lowering their inventory expenses.
• Customers who want distinctive and one-of-a-kind clothing alternatives are going to discover DTG printing intriguing since technology makes it possible to create personalized and bespoke garment products.
• DTG printing provides faster turnaround times than traditional printing methods, enabling clothing brands to swiftly adapt to market trends and consumer demands for custom apparel production and delivery.
• The fashion industry's growing environmental consciousness has fueled a surge in demand for eco-friendly printing methods like DTG, which utilize water-based inks and minimize waste.
• DTG printing technology provides high precision and accuracy in reproducing intricate designs, allowing clothing designers to experiment with innovative and visually striking graphics on garments.

Country-wise Insights

The United States, China, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom are some of the most predominant nations on the global stage, and this section is anticipated to gaze at their direct to garment printing sectors. Examine the several aspects influencing these nations' need for, acceptance of, and interactions with DTG printing by a thorough investigation.

United States Expands the Direct to Garment Printing Sector beyond Fashion Industry

The DTG printing market in the United States is expected to develop at a CAGR of 2.5% through 2034. A significant number of clothing brands and personalized clothing businesses in the United States are driving the industry. The following factors are propelling the industry's expansion:

• Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing has penetrated the custom product market in the United States, offering branded merchandise, promotional items, and personalized gifts for companies and groups.
• DTG printing is used in event marketing for custom-printed clothes and items for trade exhibitions, conferences, and corporate events to promote businesses and engage guests.
• In the sports and athletics sector in the United States, DTG printing is used to create personalized designs and branding possibilities for team uniforms, fan gear, and athletic wear.
• To create awareness and garner support, educational institutions and charitable organizations in the United States use DTG printing for fundraiser products and bespoke garments with personalized designs.

United Kingdom’s Home Décor Industry Propelling the Demand for DTG Printing

Due to rising environmental awareness and the industry's commitment to durability and reusability, the United Kingdom's home décor sector embraces customized decorations, particularly DTG printed products. The industry is developing with a CAGR of 2.6% from 2024 to 2034. Here are a few of the major trends:

• The United Kingdom's home decor industry uses DTG printing to create personalized textiles like pillows, blankets, and towels, allowing consumers to personalize their living spaces with distinctive designs.
• Custom wall art, including canvas prints, posters, and decals, is made possible by DTG printing, enabling customers to add artwork and photos to customize their walls.
• In the United Kingdom, customers may use DTG printing to personalize upholstery, pillows, and other soft furnishings to fit their tastes and styles.
• DTG printing enables customers to add personalized touches to their interior design by providing customization possibilities for home items such as carpets, table linens, and lampshades.
• With DTG printing, customers in the United Kingdom may celebrate important life events and milestones by creating personalized home décor products for holidays, birthdays, and weddings.

China Cultivates Customized Cotton Items Catering Direct to Garment Printing

The manufacturing industry in China is adopting customized, fast fashion trends. The sector is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2034. Some of the primary trends in the industry are:

• China is a well-known center for producing bespoke cotton goods, such as clothing, fabrics, and accessories, and offers a wide range of direct to garment printing (DTG) choices.
• China has significantly invested in cutting-edge DTG printing technology, allowing producers to create premium, personalized cotton products with exquisite patterns, vivid colors, and accurate artistry.
• Customized cotton products fit for DTG printing may be produced affordably in China owing to its efficient production skills, enabling scalability and reasonable price.
• Chinese producers meet different customer tastes and market niches by providing a wide range of cotton products for DTG printing, such as t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more.

Vivid Pop Culture of Japan Shelters DTG Printing Revolution

Japan's pop culture is boosting demand for direct to garment printing as consumers seek unique, artisanal products, where clothing brands highlight their latest apparels and experiment with innovative designs. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.6% through 2034. Among the primary drivers are:

• Japan's pop culture, characterized by anime and manga, has sparked the DTG printing revolution, with fans seeking customized apparel featuring their favorite characters and quotes.
• DTG printing adoption in Japan is driven by the demand for custom merchandise, such as anime-inspired t-shirts and accessories, which consumers appreciate for their unique and eye-catching graphics.
• Japan's cosplay community, showcasing anime, manga, and video game characters, drives demand for custom costumes and accessories, utilizing DTG printing for detailed replicas.
• DTG printing allows Japanese artists and designers to create custom apparel with original artwork, illustrations, and designs influenced by Japanese culture and aesthetics.
• The collaboration between anime studios, manga publishers, and apparel brands enables the licensing and production of official merchandise through DTG printing, providing fans with authentic, high-quality products and developing high demand in Japan.

Indian Textile Screen Printing Factories Skyrockets the Demand for Direct to Garment Printing

The Indian textile industry is experiencing a surge due to rising demand for personalized and customized products, primarily crafted by direct to garment printing. The demand for direct to garment printing is expected to increase at a CAGR of approximately 6.7% from 2024 to 2034. Some of the primary trends are:

• Indian textile screen printing factories are increasingly utilizing direct to garment (DTG) printing technology as an alternative to traditional screen printing due to its versatility and efficiency.
• India's growing demand for personalized apparel is driven by consumer preferences for unique items, with DTG printing enabling textile factories to offer various customization options.
• Compared to typical screen printing techniques, DTG printing lowers setup costs and turnaround times for small-batch manufacturing orders, increasing productivity in Indian textile companies.
• DTG printing enables Indian textile factories to expand their product range beyond traditional screen-printed garments, offering a wider range of apparel items to cater to diverse market segments.
• With the use of DTG printing technology, Indian textile companies are able to address the growing global demand for personalized clothes by producing high-quality, customized clothing for both home and international markets.

Market Players Shaping the Outlook of the Direct to Garment Printing Industry

Market players play a pivotal role in shaping the outlook of the direct to garment (DTG) printing industry through innovation, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives. These players include manufacturers of DTG printing equipment, software developers, ink suppliers, and service providers. One key aspect of their influence lies in technological advancements.

Market leaders continually invest in research and development to enhance the performance, speed, and versatility of DTG printing machines. By introducing state-of-the-art features such as faster printing speeds, improved color accuracy, and compatibility with a wider range of fabrics, these companies drive the adoption of DTG printing across various sectors.

Market players are partnering with fashion brands, apparel manufacturers, and eCommerce platforms to integrate DTG printing into their supply chains, enabling them to meet consumer demand for personalized clothing items. They also engage in educational initiatives and training programs to empower designers, entrepreneurs, and printing professionals to utilize DTG printing effectively.

The fashion and printing industries are witnessing a shift towards sustainability, with market players focusing on eco-friendly solutions like water-based inks, energy-efficient printing processes, and recyclable materials, thereby meeting the growing demand for greener alternatives.

Through establishing distribution networks, service centers, and partnerships in emerging regions, market actors play a crucial role in increasing the global reach of DTG printing and improving access to DTG technology for businesses and entrepreneurs globally.

By pushing technical innovation, encouraging sustainability, extending market reach, and giving stakeholders the tools they need to succeed in a digital and personalized fashion, market participants have a substantial impact on the global DTG printing industry.

Recent Developments in the Direct to Garment Printing Industry

• In February 2024, Brother is expected to showcase its innovative product portfolio at FESPA 2024, including the Latex Wide Format printer WF1-L640, which was chosen to produce original copies for Kunio Okawara's 50th-anniversary exhibition, demonstrating its role as a "one-stop solution provider" for the textile and printing industry.
• In January 2024, Epson introduced the SureColor F-Series direct-to-garment (DTG) printer, a versatile entry-level device designed for various DTG and DTFilm printing applications. This hybrid printer offers excellent image quality, easy operation, and flexible performance.
• In January 2024, Kornit Digital launched its Kornit Apollo direct-to-garment platform, offering high-throughput, automated digital production to brands, retailers, and screen printers, reducing lead times, total cost of ownership, and improving margins.
• In June 2023, Stratasys showcased its 3DFashion direct-to-textile 3D printing technology at ITMA 2023, combining advanced materials with the J850 TechStyle 3D printer, allowing textile and apparel manufacturers to bond full-color, translucent, rigid, and flexible materials onto textiles.

Key Companies in the Direct to Garment Printing Market

• Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd.
• ROQ International
• Sawgrass Technologies Inc.
• Seiko Epson Corporation
• The M&R Companies
• Durst Group
• Aeoon Technologies GMBH
• ColDesi Inc.
• Scalable Press
• Print Aura
• Contract DTG
• MKK Textile Co. Ltd.
• HGS Machines Pvt. Ltd.
• Brother Industries Ltd.
• Ricoh Co. Ltd.

Key Coverage in the Direct to Garment Printing Market Report

• Direct to Garment Printing Market Analysis for the United States
• Growth Opportunity for the Direct-to-Shape Inkjet Printers Market in the United States
• Top 10 Custom Printed Clothing Brands
• Sales Assessment of Top-Coated Direct Thermal Printing Films
• Price Analysis of the DTF and DTG Printing Processes
• Development of Direct to Garment Printing innovations

Key Segments

By Printer Type:

• Industrial DTG Inkjet Printers
• Desktop DTG Inkjet Printers

By Ink:

• Reactive
• Acid
• Disperse
• Pigment

By Substrate:

• Cotton
• Silk
• Rayon
• Linen
• Polyester
• Polyamide
• Others (Wool, etc.)

By End Use:

• Clothing & Apparels
  • T-shirts
  • Pants
  • Leggings
  • Caps
  • Sweatshirts
  • Hoodies
  • Shorts
  • Golf shirts
  • Others (Jackets, Tie, etc.)
• Household
  • Bed Linens
  • Carpets & Curtains
  • Others
• Technical Textiles
• Others (Flag, Banners, etc.)

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa