News

 

Why We Use DTF Printing at Wild Mob Australia (And Why It Beats Embroidery, Screen Printing & HTV)

At Wild Mob Australia, we’re all about tough gear that looks unreal and holds up in the real world — whether you’re out chasing pigs, flicking lures on the river, working hard on the tools, or repping your brand at a local event.

Over the years, we’ve worked with embroidery, screen printing and HTV. But when it comes to quality, flexibility and long-term value for our customers, DTF (Direct to Film) printing is the clear winner.

If you’re looking at custom shirts, hoodies, workwear or promo gear, here’s why we back DTF.

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF (Direct to Film) printing is a modern garment decoration method where your design is printed onto a special film and then heat-pressed onto the fabric.

The result?

• Crisp detail
• Bold, vibrant colours
• Soft feel on the garment
• Long-lasting durability

For a brand like Wild Mob Australia — where designs are often detailed, colourful and bush-inspired — that matters.

1. DTF vs Embroidery

Embroidery: Durable But Limited

Embroidery is great for simple logos. It’s tough and professional looking. But it has limitations:

• Expensive for larger designs
• Limited detail (fine lines don’t always translate well)
• Heavy stitching can make shirts stiff
• Not ideal for large back prints

For outdoor clothing, especially lighter fabrics like fishing shirts, too much embroidery can feel bulky and uncomfortable.

Why We Prefer DTF

DTF allows us to:

• Print full-colour designs with no stitch limitations
• Keep garments lightweight and breathable
• Achieve detailed artwork without distortion
• Offer better pricing on larger prints

If you're running a business logo or a detailed custom design, DTF gives you far more creative freedom.

2. DTF vs Screen Printing

Screen Printing: Great for Bulk, Not Flexibility

Screen printing has been around for decades. It’s fantastic for:

• Very large bulk runs
• Simple, single or two-colour designs

But here’s the catch:

• Setup fees can be high
• Not cost-effective for small runs
• Each colour requires a separate screen
• Complex artwork increases cost quickly

At Wild Mob Australia, many of our customers want smaller runs — custom event shirts, personalised gear, business branding or unique designs. Screen printing just doesn’t make sense for that.

Why DTF Wins Here

With DTF:

• No setup screens required
• Unlimited colours in one print
• Cost-effective for small or large runs
• Easy customisation

That means whether you want 1 shirt or 100, you get consistent quality without inflated setup costs.

3. DTF vs HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)

HTV: Good for Names & Numbers

HTV is commonly used for:

• Sports names and numbers
• Simple cut-out designs

But it has its downsides:

• Can crack or peel over time
• Limited to solid colours
• Not great for detailed artwork
• Thicker feel on garments

In harsh Australian conditions — heat, sweat, washing, outdoor wear — HTV simply doesn’t last as well as DTF.

Why DTF Is Superior

DTF transfers:

• Stretch with the fabric
• Resist cracking and peeling
• Maintain colour vibrancy
• Feel softer and more natural

For work shirts, hoodies, fishing shirts and footy shorts, durability is non-negotiable. DTF handles the rough stuff.

Why DTF Printing Suits the Wild Mob Lifestyle

At Wild Mob Australia, we’re not about flimsy promo tees. Our gear gets worn:

• On riverbanks
• In the bush
• On worksites
• At rodeos and country events
• Around the campfire

We need prints that:

✔ Handle washing after washing
✔ Don’t fade in the Aussie sun
✔ Don’t crack under pressure
✔ Look sharp every time

DTF gives us that balance between toughness and detail.

Here’s the honest answer from us:

DTF is the most versatile and cost-effective all-round printing method available right now.

It combines:

• The colour capability of screen printing
• The durability of embroidery
• The flexibility of HTV

Without the downsides.

Why We Offer Custom DTF Printing at Wild Mob Australia

We print on-site. Every custom order is handled individually. That means:

• Better quality control
• Faster turnaround times
• Consistent results
• Real people behind your order

Whether you’re branding your business, organising an event, or creating something personal — we use DTF because we trust it.

And if we wouldn’t wear it ourselves in the bush, we don’t sell it.

Check out our range of custom printing here https://www.wildmobaustralia.com.au/collections/custom-printed-hoodies

Final Thoughts

Embroidery, screen printing and HTV all have their place.

But when it comes to:

• Detailed designs
• Small or medium runs
• Vibrant colour
• Long-lasting durability
• Comfort on outdoor apparel

DTF printing comes out on top.

If you’re looking for custom printed shirts, hoodies, workwear or fishing gear that’s built for Australian conditions — that’s why we stand behind DTF at Wild Mob Australia. https://www.wildmobaustralia.com.au