If you're wondering whether you can use DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers to press on jerseys, we've got great news: not only can you use them, but they're actually an exceptional choice.

DTF transfers are truly a game-changer when it comes to jersey customization, especially for polyester and performance materials. They offer several significant advantages over traditional methods like cut vinyl and screen printing:

• Lightweight: DTF transfers add minimal bulk to your jersey, maintaining comfort and breathability. Athletes can perform at their best without feeling weighed down by heavy graphics.
• Stretchable: Unlike other printing methods, DTF transfers are flexible and stretch with the fabric. This is crucial for athletic wear, as it allows the design to move with the athlete, preventing cracking or peeling during intense activity.
• Versatile: DTF transfers adapt well to various performance fabric types, from moisture-wicking polyester to breathable mesh. This versatility ensures consistent results across different jersey styles and materials.
• Easy application: They're simpler to apply than other methods, saving you time and effort. This is especially beneficial when customizing uniforms for an entire team.
• Durability: Despite their lightweight nature and ease of use, DTF transfers are just as durable as other printing methods. They can withstand repeated washing and wear, maintaining their vibrant appearance throughout the season.
• Full-color designs: With DTF, you're not limited in your color choices. You can create vibrant, multi-colored designs with ease, allowing for more creative and eye-catching jerseys.
• Team customization: DTF transfers excel at producing names and numbers for entire teams. You can easily create a gang sheet with all team members' information, streamlining the production process and ensuring consistency across all jerseys.
• Fine detail: DTF transfers can reproduce intricate designs and small text with clarity, perfect for team logos, sponsor information, or detailed graphics.
• Cost-effective for small runs: Unlike some methods that require expensive setups, DTF is cost-effective even for small quantities, making it ideal for individual customization or small teams.

That being said, printing jerseys with DTF transfers does require some specific techniques to achieve the best results. Different types of jerseys-from mesh to reversible to button-up styles- each have their own considerations. In this guide, we walk you through the best practices for applying DTF transfers to various jersey types, ensuring your custom designs look professional and last through many washes and wears.

Printing jerseys with DTF transfers

While DTF transfers work great on jerseys, different styles require specific techniques for optimal results. In the following subsections, we'll cover how to handle various jersey types, from mesh to button-ups, and address common challenges like seams and sizing. These tips will help you achieve professional, long-lasting results on any jersey you're customizing. Let's jump in.

Mesh jerseys

Mesh athletic jerseys are a common choice for their breathability, but their perforated structure requires special attention when applying DTF transfers. Most athletic mesh jerseys have small holes, which work well with DTF transfers. Fabrics with larger, see-through holes may not be suitable for DTF printing (but these are less common).

The trick to successfully printing on mesh is using parchment paper. This prevents the transfer from sticking to your heat press platen through the fabric's holes. By following this technique, you'll achieve clean, durable prints on mesh jerseys without any damage to your heat press.

1. Prepare the jersey: "Sleeve" the shirt onto the bottom platen of your heat press. Only the layer you're printing should be on top.
2. Insert parchment paper: Slide a piece of parchment paper (or craft/butcher paper) between the fabric layer and the bottom platen.
3. Position the transfer: Use an Alignment Ruler to accurately place your DTF transfer and Thermal Heat Tape to keep it in place.
4. Add protection: Lay down a protective guard sheet or silicone pad over the transfer.
5. Heat press: Apply heat and pressure according to your transfer's specific settings.
6. Cool down: Allow the transfer to cool for 15-30 seconds, or use a Cool Peel Air Blower to speed up the process.
7. Remove transfer sheet: Carefully peel off the transfer's carrier sheet.
8. Second press: Place the protective cover sheet back on and give the print a second press.
9. Remove and separate: Take the jersey off the heat press and gently peel the fabric away from the parchment paper. It may stick slightly.

Important Note: After printing, you might notice that some holes in the mesh are still covered while others have "punched through." This is normal. The remaining covered holes will likely open up after washing or with regular wear.

Reversible jerseys

Reversible jerseys are a popular choice for athletic programs where players may need to switch teams quickly. These jerseys are typically printed on both the inside and outside, often in contrasting colors or light and dark shades. They usually consist of two layers of fabric, which requires a slight modification to our printing technique.

While the process is similar to printing on mesh jerseys, the trick here is the placement of the parchment paper. Instead of putting it under both layers, you'll slide it between the two fabric layers.

1. Prepare the jersey: "Sleeve" the jersey over the bottom platen of your heat press, with the side you're printing facing up.
2. Insert parchment paper: Carefully slide a sheet of parchment paper between the two layers of the jersey. This prevents the transfer from sticking to the opposite side.
3. Position the transfer: Use an Alignment Ruler and Thermal Heat Tape to accurately place your DTF transfer.
4. Add protection: Lay down a protective cover sheet or silicone application pad over the transfer.
5. Heat press: Apply heat and pressure according to your transfer's specific settings.
6. Cool down: Allow the transfer to cool for 15-30 seconds, or use a Cool Peel Air Blower to speed up the process.
7. Remove transfer film: Carefully peel off the transfer's carrier sheet.
8. Second press: Place the protective cover sheet back on and give the print a second press.
9. Remove and separate: Take the jersey off the heat press and gently peel the fabric away from the parchment paper.
10. Repeat for the other side: Once cooled, turn the jersey inside out and repeat the process for the other side.

Design tips: They need to look good on the inside and outside of the garment. You may want to use different colors for each side, typically one light and one dark design. Often, different design files with varying colors are used for each side. Always mock up your designs on the computer before printing the DTF transfers.

Jerseys with seams

Some jerseys, particularly football jerseys, may have seams running across the front or back. These seams can present challenges when applying DTF transfers, but you can still achieve great results with the right techniques. Here are some tips for handling jerseys with seams:

• If the seam is fairly flat, it may not cause issues. However, using a heat press pillow is the best way to ensure even pressure across the entire design, including over seams.
• Instead of a thin, non-stick protective sheet, use a silicone application pad. These are more flexible and can better accommodate seams and other fabric irregularities.
• If the seam is prominent, consider cutting your transfer where it meets the seam. Position the pieces above and below the seam. This will create a small break in the design but can prevent issues with uneven pressure.
• When possible, create designs that don't cross over seams. For example, on the back of a jersey, place the player's name above the seam and the number below it.
• If your design consists of multiple elements (like name and number), you can press these separately or simultaneously if your heat press is large enough.
• Before applying the transfer, pre-press the jersey to flatten the seam as much as possible.
• If you're pressing over a seam, you may need to increase the pressure slightly to ensure the transfer adheres properly across the entire design.
• If possible, do a test press on a similar garment with seams before committing to the final jersey.

Button-up jerseys

Button-up jerseys, typically baseball jerseys, present a unique challenge when applying DTF transfers. The buttons prevent direct heat pressing over the entire front. Here are some tips to successfully apply transfers to these jerseys:

• Button up the jersey and thread the front over the heat press platen.
• Lay your transfer sheet over the jersey, positioning the design as desired. Cut it vertically at the edge of the placket (the fabric that overlaps where the buttons are).
• You may want to nudge the bottom piece slightly inward to ensure there's no gap when the jersey is buttoned.
• Use Thermal Heat Tape to hold both pieces in place.
• If you're using heat press pillows, you might be able to press the entire design at once, as the pillows can help distribute pressure around the buttons.
• Alternatively, use a two-step pressing process: First, lay parchment paper over the lower section of the design (slide it under the placket) while you press the top part (on the placket) with less pressure. For the second press, remove the parchment and press the whole design with full pressure.
• The exact method may vary depending on the jersey type, fabric, your specific design, and your heat press model.
• It's crucial to test your method on a similar garment before working on the final jersey. This allows you to fine-tune your technique.
• When designing for button-up jerseys, consider placing key elements away from the button line if possible.
• Always pre-press the jersey to remove any moisture and wrinkles, which is especially important around the button area.

Back of jerseys

DTF transfers excel when it comes to customizing the back of jerseys with team names and numbers. You can achieve professional-looking results on the back of jerseys with less room for error compared to traditional cut vinyl methods. The ability to precisely size and position each element separately allows for greater flexibility and consistency across an entire team's worth of jerseys. Here are some tips:

• Set up the entire team's names and numbers on a single gang sheet. This streamlines your workflow and ensures consistency across all jerseys.
• Create two separate transfers for each jersey - one for the name and one for the number. This allows for optimal sizing of each element in the design file and flexible positioning during pressing to avoid seams or accommodate different jersey sizes
• Always use vector graphics for names and numbers to ensure crisp, clean edges on your prints.
• Use alignment tools to ensure perfect placement of both name and number transfers.
• Pre-press the jersey to remove wrinkles and moisture, ensuring a smooth surface.
• Be aware of any seams or features on the back of the jersey that might affect transfer placement.

Tank Top jerseys

When it comes to tank top jerseys, particularly for women and children, the key consideration is proper sizing. Here are some tips to ensure your DTF transfers look great on tank tops:

• Tank tops have significantly less print surface area than other jersey types. Consider this during the design phase.
• Adjust your designs to fit the smaller surface area without overwhelming the garment.
• One of the great advantages of DTF transfers is the ability to create multiple-sized designs proportionate to different jersey sizes. This ensures a consistent look across all sizes.
• When resizing designs for different jersey sizes, maintain the proportions to keep the design's integrity.
• If possible, print a paper template of your design and hold it up to different-sized tank tops to ensure proper fit before creating the final transfers.
• With the limited space, carefully consider the placement of your design. It may need to be higher or lower than on a standard jersey.
• Remember that tank tops, especially women's styles, may have more curves than standard jerseys. Ensure your design works with these contours.

Level up your jersey game with DTF transfers

Printing jerseys with DTF transfers offers unparalleled flexibility, durability, and quality for your custom athletic wear. Whether you're dealing with mesh fabrics, reversible jerseys, button-ups, or tank tops, DTF technology provides solutions for even the most challenging jersey types. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to create professional-looking, long-lasting custom jerseys for any sport or team.

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding the unique properties of each jersey type, proper preparation, and attention to detail during the application process. With practice and the right tools, you'll be producing top-notch custom jerseys in no time.

For all your DTF printing needs, from high-quality transfers to essential supplies, Ninja Transfers has got you covered. And if you're looking for premium athletic apparel to pair with your custom designs, check out Ninja Blanks for a one-stop shopping experience. With the right materials and techniques, you're all set to take your jersey customization game to the next level.