Flocking, DTF or Embroidery: Which Technique Should You Choose for Your Textiles?
You have a design, garments to mark, and a deadline. The real question is: which personalisation technique should you choose? Flocking, DTF, embroidery: these three processes are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends on your project. It comes down to quantity, the visual effect (solid colour or photo), the type of fabric, and the durability you need. This guide helps you decide, criterion by criterion. To be clear about what we do: at our workshop in Manciet (32), we produce flocking and DTF, which you can order online; embroidery is done by a partner, on quote.
The three techniques at a glance
Before we compare, let's lay out the basics. Each process has its own logic, which determines what it's best suited for.
Flocking: precision for small runs
How it works. A heat-transfer film (flex) is cut to the exact shape of the design, then heat-pressed onto the fabric.
Strengths.
- Crisp, opaque finish, even on dark fabric
- Suited to small runs
- Ideal for numbers, names and simple logos
- Excellent wash durability
Limitations. Flocking doesn't handle complex visuals well: each colour requires a separate film, so beyond 2 or 3 colours, both cost and time climb. Gradients and photos are out of reach.
Best for? Small-run personalisation: flocked names on club kit, jersey numbers, one- or two-colour logos, event t-shirts in small quantities.
DTF: what it is, and why everyone's talking about it
How it works. DTF stands for Direct To Film. The design is printed in full colour onto a special film, coated with a heat-activated adhesive powder, then transferred onto the fabric with a heat press.
DTF is the rising star of textile printing, and that's no accident. It combines three advantages that classic processes don't offer together:
- Unlimited colours. Photos, gradients, complex visuals: anything goes, with no extra cost per colour since printing is done in full CMYK.
- Small runs stay affordable. No screen or film to cut per colour: a small run, or pieces that are all different, remains accessible.
- Fabric versatility. DTF transfers adhere to most materials: cotton, polyester, blends, technical fabrics, light or dark.
Durability. Contrary to a common assumption, DTF holds up very well in the wash: prints withstand repeated washing without cracking or fading, a level comparable to the best techniques for everyday use.
Limitations. The feel of the transfer is slightly noticeable on very large surface areas.
Best for? The Swiss Army knife of modern personalisation: photo or multicolour visuals, gradients, small and medium runs, varied collections (every piece different), prototypes and reprints. It's often the best choice when the design is rich in detail or the quantity is modest.
Embroidery: the premium finish, on quote
How it works. The logo is stitched with thread directly into the fabric, stitch by stitch.
Strengths.
- Raised, high-quality and long-lasting finish
- Ideal for logos on polo shirts, caps and workwear
Limitations. Less suited to fine details, gradients and photos; more expensive for highly detailed or large-format designs.
With us. Embroidery is not done in our workshop: we entrust it to a partner, on quote only.
How to choose, in practice
To decide without getting it wrong, ask yourself three questions, in this order.
- How many pieces? The minimum quantity depends on the technique. Small run: flocking or DTF. For a large run, ask us for a quote.
- What visual? A photo, gradients, lots of colours: DTF is the obvious choice. A simple 1- or 2-colour logo: flocking. A logo with a premium finish on a polo shirt, a cap or a jacket: embroidery, on quote.
- What fabric and what use? A technical fabric or delicate material, heavy washing: the process gets matched to the fibre. This is where a workshop's advice makes all the difference.
To put it into practice, from choosing the garment to placing your order, follow our practical guide to custom textiles. See our full offer on our custom textiles service page.
Summary table: which technique for which project
| Technique | Ideal Use | Run Size | Visual | Durability | At 2M Numérique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flocking | Names, numbers, simple logos | Small run | 1 to 3 colours, solid areas | Very good | In our workshop, online |
| DTF | Photo visuals, varied collections | Small to medium run | Unlimited colours, gradients | Very good | In our workshop, online |
| Embroidery | Logos on polo shirts, caps, workwear | Depends on the project | Simple logos, little detail | Excellent | By a partner, on quote |
What our Manciet workshop does
At 2M Numérique, in Manciet in the Gers, we produce flocking and DTF in our workshop: on each product page, the configurator prices them when it offers them for the item, with the price and lead time. Embroidery is done by a partner, on quote. We do not offer textile screen printing.
Customise your garments online with flocking or DTF. For embroidery, or if you are still unsure, tell us what you need and get a free quote within 72 hours, with no obligation.