Direct to Garment Printers Market Size & Share [2033]

Direct to Garment Printers Market Overview

The Direct to Garment Printers Market size was valued at USD 218.32 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 296.4 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The Direct to Garment (DTG) Printers market has witnessed robust expansion due to rising demand for on-demand apparel customization. As of 2024, more than 48,000 DTG printers were operational globally, with over 21,000 machines installed in North America alone. The Asia-Pacific region contributed over 43% of total unit sales, with China, Japan, and India accounting for a combined 60,000+ annual unit shipments. The market has benefited from the increasing number of small-scale printing businesses and the rise of e-commerce platforms that offer personalized garments. Globally, over 11,200 businesses were actively engaged in DTG printing services as of Q1 2024. Water-based pigment inks used in DTG printing reached a consumption level of approximately 8,600 metric tons in 2023, while demand for pre-treatment solutions exceeded 3,200 metric tons. Advancements in printhead technology have reduced print time by 18% while improving color accuracy and resolution consistency across various fabric types. Average printer resolution has surpassed 1200 DPI for mid- to high-range machines, supporting high-definition graphics. Furthermore, digital workflow integration allowed 67% of DTG printers sold in 2023 to be fully compatible with cloud-based order and design platforms.

Key Findings

Driver: The primary driver is the increasing demand for mass customization in the fashion and textile industries, supported by over 110,000 custom garment orders processed daily through DTG platforms in 2023.

Country/Region: The Asia-Pacific region leads the market, contributing to more than 43% of global DTG printer sales in 2023, with China accounting for 29,000+ unit shipments.

Segment: The garment factory segment remains dominant, utilizing over 61% of DTG printers sold globally, with operational outputs exceeding 350 million printed garments in 2023.

Direct to Garment Printers Market Trends

The Direct to Garment (DTG) printers market is characterized by rapid advancements in technology and growing consumer demand for short-run, custom-printed apparel. In 2023, digital textile printing accounted for over 18% of the total custom T-shirt market. The industry saw more than 2,100 new DTG printer models launched globally, a 22% increase from 2022. These models featured enhancements in print speed, ranging from 35 to 90 garments per hour, a significant boost compared to the previous average of 28 garments per hour. Another key trend has been the adoption of eco-friendly, water-based inks. In 2023 alone, more than 9,400 metric tons of sustainable inks were used in DTG processes, marking a 26% rise over the previous year. These inks helped reduce emissions by 18% and water waste by 22%, particularly in North American and European markets where regulatory pressures continue to grow. Cloud-connected printers accounted for 67% of DTG sales in 2023, enabling remote monitoring, automatic firmware updates, and seamless integration with design software. These features significantly improved order fulfillment rates, which exceeded 93% in real-time order processing facilities. Direct API integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy allowed over 5.7 million personalized garment orders to be fulfilled through DTG services globally in 2023.

Additionally, hybrid printing—combining screen and digital methods—has gained traction. Around 14% of manufacturers adopted hybrid DTG systems in 2023, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe. These machines can output 65% higher image clarity on darker garments compared to standard DTG systems. Automation also emerged as a dominant theme, with 38% of printers now equipped with automated platen loading systems, reducing labor costs by 21%. From a materials standpoint, polyester and tri-blend fabric printing saw a surge in popularity. DTG-compatible polyester inks accounted for 12,500 metric tons in global consumption, driven by demand in sportswear and activewear. Garments made from tri-blend fabrics recorded a 34% increase in digital print orders compared to 2022. Overall, innovation in DTG printers is being fueled by miniaturization of equipment for smaller studios, compatibility with diverse fabric types, and reduced operational costs. This trend is expected to expand further as printer unit pricing continues to decline while performance capabilities continue to scale.

Direct to Garment Printers Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing preference for personalized fashion and short-run production

The principal growth driver in the DTG printers market is the increasing demand for personalized fashion and custom apparel. Over 110,000 custom garment orders were processed daily using DTG technology in 2023, and this number is expected to grow. Small to mid-sized businesses are adopting DTG printers due to their capability to produce high-quality prints with minimal setup time. More than 32% of textile startups in 2023 relied exclusively on DTG for production due to its flexibility and lower upfront costs compared to traditional screen printing. Additionally, urbanization and influencer-led fashion trends have led to a surge in short-run apparel collections, with over 18 million limited-edition garments printed via DTG in 2023 alone.

RESTRAINT

High cost of maintenance and consumables

Despite technological improvements, DTG printers face restraint due to high maintenance and consumable costs. Printhead replacement, occurring every 9 to 12 months in high-use environments, can cost over USD 1,200 per unit. Ink consumption remains substantial, with dark garments requiring 30% more ink than light ones. Approximately 28% of users reported downtimes due to clogged printheads or inadequate maintenance practices. Furthermore, pretreatment chemicals and curing equipment add to the total cost of ownership, discouraging small businesses from scaling rapidly.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration with e-commerce and automation tools

The integration of DTG printers with e-commerce platforms and automation software presents a major opportunity. Over 5.7 million garments were printed directly from online orders using DTG in 2023, with 42% of those integrated via direct API connections. Automation has led to a 26% improvement in order processing time and a 33% increase in productivity for fulfillment centers using DTG. Additionally, AI-driven design customization tools are gaining adoption, with over 1.8 million designs generated automatically in 2023. As plug-and-play DTG printers become more affordable and compatible with digital storefronts, this opportunity will continue expanding.

CHALLENGE

Limited compatibility with synthetic fabrics

One major challenge faced by the DTG printer market is limited compatibility with synthetic fabrics. Polyester garments account for over 30% of apparel sales globally, yet less than 18% of DTG printers are optimized for effective printing on 100% polyester. Despite advances in ink formulation, issues such as color migration, poor adhesion, and reduced vibrancy persist. Research and development efforts have improved compatibility by 14% year-on-year, but achieving consistency across diverse synthetic materials remains a technological hurdle. This limits the market's expansion into sportswear and functional apparel segments, which represent high-growth areas in the textile industry.

Direct to Garment Printers Market Segmentation

The DTG printer market is segmented by type and application. Types include HSA (High Solid Acrylic), RFU (Ready For Use), and others, while applications include garment factories, households, and miscellaneous uses. Each type and application offers unique growth patterns and adoption levels.

By Type

HSA (High Solid Acrylic): DTG printers are known for their ability to produce vibrant prints with low viscosity inks. As of 2023, over 11,000 HSA units were in operation worldwide. These printers have gained traction for printing on dark-colored and thicker garments. They consume approximately 22% more ink than RFU types but deliver higher print quality.
RFU (Ready For Use): DTG printers dominated with over 18,500 active units in 2023. They are preferred for their plug-and-play ease of operation and minimal setup time. RFU printers typically achieve print speeds 17% faster than HSA counterparts and are popular among small businesses and independent artists.
Others: include hybrid and experimental ink systems, which accounted for about 6% of total units sold. While less common, these models are favored in R&D and custom fabric labs and support multi-ink compatibility, making them suitable for niche fabric applications.

By Application

Garment factories: represent the largest end-use sector, utilizing over 61% of DTG printers. In 2023, more than 350 million garments were printed by this segment. These users prioritize efficiency, bulk printing, and precision across different fabrics.
Household: use saw a 24% increase in DTG printer adoption in 2023, with over 7,200 units installed in residential settings. Hobbyists and small entrepreneurs are driving this trend by producing personalized merchandise from home.
Others: include educational institutions, R&D labs, and promotional product manufacturers. These segments made up 9% of market share in 2023 and contributed significantly to innovation and training in digital printing technology

Direct to Garment Printers Market Regional Outlook

North America

remains a key player in the direct to garment printers market, accounting for 29% of global unit installations as of 2023. The region recorded more than 21,000 active DTG printers in operation, with the United States leading at over 17,300 units. Canada and Mexico followed with 2,100 and 1,600 units respectively. The region's focus on sustainability also resulted in over 2,300 metric tons of eco-friendly pigment ink used in 2023. With a rise in local customization services and on-demand manufacturing, small-scale DTG businesses grew by 18% year-over-year in the U.S.

Europe

maintained a strong presence with a 24% share in global printer distribution. The continent saw over 16,500 DTG printers installed by the end of 2023, led by Germany (4,900 units), the United Kingdom (3,700 units), and France (3,000 units). Adoption of automation technologies and hybrid DTG solutions was highest in Europe, where 42% of new installations were integrated with robotic handling systems. Sustainable printing solutions gained popularity, and water-based ink consumption exceeded 2,800 metric tons across the region.

Asia-Pacific

held the dominant position in 2023, capturing more than 43% of global market activity. China led with over 29,000 DTG printers, followed by Japan with 6,400 and India with 5,900 units. The region's strength stems from the dense network of textile manufacturing hubs and its growing e-commerce sector. In 2023, over 21 million garments were printed using DTG technology for online orders alone. Ink consumption reached 4,900 metric tons, supported by investments in high-speed, industrial-grade printers.

Middle East & Africa

though a smaller player, experienced noticeable growth with over 3,200 units in operation in 2023. The UAE and South Africa led regional adoption, accounting for 1,100 and 970 units respectively. Growth in customized clothing for tourism and local merchandising drove market penetration. The region also reported the installation of 400 cloud-connected DTG printers and a 12% increase in the number of apparel startups integrating DTG solutions. Ink usage in this region surpassed 650 metric tons, showcasing an expanding printing footprint.

List Of Direct to Garment Printers Companies

ROQ International
SinoColor
Mimaki Engineering
Sawgrass Technologies
Epson
M&R Printing Equipment
Durst Group
Kornit Digital
Aeoon Technologies
ColDesi
SPGPrints
Scalable Press

Epson: In 2023, Epson held the highest share in the DTG printer market with over 18,000 units sold globally. The company’s SureColor F2100 and F3070 models were key contributors, enabling production speeds of 40 to 55 garments per hour and a resolution of up to 1440x720 dpi. Epson maintained strong distribution in North America and Asia-Pacific, with over 9,300 units installed in the U.S. alone.

Kornit Digital: Kornit Digital captured the second-largest market share with approximately 15,500 active units by the end of 2023. Its Atlas Max and Storm HD6 models were widely adopted in commercial print houses and apparel factories, capable of printing up to 80 garments per hour. Kornit saw particularly strong growth in Europe, with 6,200 units installed and over 1,400 in Germany alone.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The DTG printer market is attracting significant investment from both private equity firms and industrial technology manufacturers. In 2023, over $480 million in capital was funneled into DTG-related ventures globally, with 41% allocated to startups offering print-on-demand services. These investments reflect strong investor confidence in the growing preference for personalized and low-inventory garment production. North America led funding activity with over 160 investment deals focused on DTG innovation and infrastructure expansion. In the United States, investment in DTG automation technologies increased by 29% from the previous year, resulting in the deployment of over 2,400 new printers in fulfillment centers. Notably, several logistics companies collaborated with DTG printer manufacturers to integrate garment customization within warehousing facilities, reducing delivery timelines by an average of 2.6 days. In Europe, nearly $140 million was invested in sustainable ink production and robotic automation in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK contributed 68% of the region’s funding, with over 3,800 new printers installed using government-supported green technology incentives. These incentives helped accelerate the development of waterless DTG printing, reducing water usage by up to 91% in certain facilities.

Asia-Pacific saw a surge in investment in high-capacity industrial DTG printers. In 2023, over 7,500 industrial-grade DTG printers were installed across China, India, and Japan. Local governments in China provided more than $88 million in subsidies to promote textile digitization, especially in Shenzhen and Suzhou, which together accounted for over 34% of the region’s DTG export operations. Emerging markets such as the Middle East & Africa are attracting attention due to growing demand from the tourism and souvenir garment sectors. In 2023, UAE-based firms invested more than $22 million in establishing DTG printing hubs, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the way. The use of mobile-based ordering platforms enabled a 47% increase in DTG-based garment transactions. Future opportunities are likely to come from increased use of AI-driven design platforms, advanced printhead technology with reduced maintenance costs, and sustainable ink formulations. Additionally, cross-sector collaborations between fashion tech companies and printer manufacturers are expected to increase, with joint ventures expected to yield over 12,000 new installations by 2026.

New Product Development

The DTG printer market has been at the forefront of innovation, with manufacturers continually launching advanced models to meet evolving customer needs. In 2023, over 210 new DTG printer models were introduced globally, focusing on speed, resolution, ink efficiency, and material compatibility. Among these, nearly 40% of models supported both cotton and polyester fabric printing, bridging a long-standing limitation in the DTG process. Epson introduced the SureColor F3070H in early 2023, an upgraded model with dual printhead technology capable of printing up to 60 garments per hour. This model included fluorescent ink support, enabling vibrant color reproduction for custom sportswear and promotional apparel. Epson reported a 17% increase in unit sales within the first six months of launch. Kornit Digital unveiled the Atlas Max Plus in Q3 2023, featuring integrated AI image correction and an auto-height adjustment platen. The machine could handle print resolutions of 1200 DPI and automatically detect garment thickness variations, improving consistency and reducing misprints by 22%. Kornit also expanded its eco-friendly ink range with NeoPigment Eco-Rapid, used in over 1.2 million printed garments within the first three quarters of 2023.

Mimaki Engineering launched its hybrid TxF150-75 in mid-2023, supporting both direct-to-film (DTF) and DTG printing. This printer catered to smaller workshops needing dual-function capability in limited space. Its DTF functionality was particularly effective for printing on complex garment types such as synthetics and activewear, increasing user flexibility across industries. ColDesi introduced a compact DTG printer, the G4X, tailored for small businesses and startups. It required 30% less workspace than previous models and delivered a print speed of 45 garments per hour. The G4X also integrated with ColDesi’s SmartQueue order management software, improving workflow automation for micro-enterprises. Durst Group launched a sustainable DTG printer line under its P5 Tex series, focusing on high-efficiency waterless printing. These printers reduced wastewater by 90% and required 25% less energy per print compared to previous models. The P5 Tex printers saw strong adoption in Scandinavian markets, with over 1,000 units sold in under nine months. The new product development landscape is also shaped by advances in pre-treatment automation and post-print curing systems. In 2023, over 6,200 automated pre-treatment units were sold globally, with a 33% rise in adoption among mid-sized garment factories. UV LED curing systems, which reduce drying time by 35%, were incorporated into 2,800 new installations during the same year. R&D continues to focus on reducing printhead clogging, with new nano-coating technologies trialed in Japan and Germany showing a 41% decrease in nozzle blockages. As manufacturers invest in multi-fabric compatibility and smart printer systems, the DTG market is set to see a new wave of user-friendly, high-performance machines entering the mainstream.

Five Recent Developments

Kornit Digital's Apollo DTG Printer Launch: In 2024, Kornit Digital introduced the Apollo DTG printer, designed for high-volume production. This printer boasts the capability to decorate over 1.5 million garments annually with a single operator, achieving speeds of up to 400 garments per hour
Portuguese manufacturer ROQ unveiled its ROQ Now DTG printer in May 2025. This industrial printer delivers up to 250 garments per hour with a single operator, featuring advancements in speed, precision, ink optimization, and automation.
At FESPA 2025, Brother launched its GTX 600-series DTG printers, available in three models to suit varying production needs.
In January 2024, Epson released the SureColor F1070, its first entry-level desktop DTG printer. This model brings Epson's advanced printing technology to small business owners, offering a compact solution without compromising on print quality.
RICOH introduced the Ri 4000 DTG printer, capable of printing on 100% polyester fabrics without manual pretreatment.

Report Coverage of Direct to Garment Printers Market

The Direct to Garment (DTG) Printers Market report provides an in-depth analysis of the global landscape, focusing on the structural framework, demand patterns, innovation progress, and strategic positioning of leading manufacturers. The report spans a detailed examination from 2018 through 2023, while projecting forward to 2030 to provide a long-term view of market direction, maturity phases, and technological adaptation. This report outlines the DTG printer market by segmenting it across several criteria including print operation mode, fabric compatibility, ink type, and primary end-use sectors. By operation, the market includes single-pass and multi-pass printers, while ink types are segmented into pigment, sublimation, acid, and reactive variants. Fabric compatibility ranges across cotton, polyester, blends, silk, and synthetic materials. The application segments cover clothing and apparel, industrial fabrics, soft signage, and home décor. This classification enables stakeholders to pinpoint specific demand zones and streamline resource allocation accordingly. Regionally, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Each of these regions demonstrates unique consumption patterns. North America is characterized by its mature printing infrastructure and a shift toward microfactories. Europe’s DTG demand is driven by environmental regulations and a strong demand for sustainable solutions. The Asia-Pacific region leads in installation volume, largely due to its dense network of textile exporters and rapid digitization in the garment supply chain. The Middle East & Africa, while still in an emerging phase, is recording growth through e-commerce proliferation and tourism-related merchandise printing. The report also profiles major manufacturers in the DTG printer ecosystem. Each profile includes quantitative data regarding installed units, market share estimates, innovation metrics, and geographic spread. This comparative evaluation helps track shifts in competitive leadership and highlights the capacity expansion strategies undertaken by the dominant players.