DTF Transfer Size Chart
The right transfer size depends on the placement and the garment size. Use this chart to pick sizes for shirts, hoodies, hats, and youth tees, then check where to place each one and how many pixels your artwork needs.
Sizes are width first. Every size below is the design's width. Height scales with your artwork, so a wide logo and a tall logo at the same width will print at different heights.
DTF transfer size chart by placement
These are the most common sizes print shops use. They're starting points, not rules. Size up for oversized and streetwear fits, and size down for fitted and women's cuts.
| Placement | Adult | Youth | Toddler / infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left chest | 3.5" to 4" | 3" to 3.5" | 2.5" to 3" |
| 3" to 4" | 3" | 2.5" | |
| Full front | 10" to 12" | 8" to 10" | 5" to 7" |
| Oversized front | 12" to 14" | 10" | Not recommended |
| Full back | 12" to 14" | 9" to 11" | 6" to 7" |
| Back of neck | 2" to 4" | 2" to 3" | 1.5" to 2" |
| Short sleeve | 2.5" to 3.5" | 2" to 3" | 1.5" to 2" |
| Long sleeve (down the arm) | 2.5" to 3" wide, up to 11" long | 2" wide, up to 9" long | Not recommended |
Sizes for hoodies, hats, and bags
| Item | Placement | Recommended size | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodie | Front | 10" to 11" | Keep the bottom of the design above the pouch pocket seam. |
| Hoodie | Back | 12" to 13" | Start 3" to 4" below the hood seam so it isn't hidden when the hood is down. |
| Hat | Front panel | 4" to 4.5" wide, 2" to 2.5" tall | Structured hats press best. Use a hat press or hat pillow. |
| Hat | Side or back | 1.5" to 2.5" | Small text and simple marks hold up best on curved panels. |
| Tote bag | Front | 8" to 10" | Leave at least 1.5" of clearance from the seams and handles. |
Where to place DTF transfers
Measure down from the bottom of the collar seam to the top of the design. These distances are for adult tees. Scale them down a little for youth sizes.
- Full front
- 3" to 4" down
- Left chest
- 3" to 4" down
- Full back
- 2" to 3" down
- Back of neck
- 1" down
- Full front: center the design on the shirt. A quick trick is four fingers down from the collar.
- Left chest: center it roughly between the collar and the sleeve seam, on the wearer's left side.
- Full back: center it between the shoulder seams.
- Sleeves: center it on the sleeve, about 1" above the hem on short sleeves.
Placing a design too low is the most common mistake. A full-front print that sits at the stomach looks off once the shirt is on. When in doubt, go higher.
How many pixels your artwork needs
We print at 300 DPI, so your file needs 300 pixels for every inch of print width. Anything less prints soft or blurry. Multiply the print width in inches by 300 to get the minimum pixel width.
| Print width | Minimum file width | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5" | 1,050 px | Left chest |
| 4.5" | 1,350 px | Hat front |
| 8" | 2,400 px | Youth front, tote bag |
| 11" | 3,300 px | Adult full front |
| 12" | 3,600 px | Full back |
| 14" | 4,200 px | Oversized front or back |
Files should be PNG or PDF with a fully transparent background. See our artwork specs for the full checklist.
FAQ
What size DTF transfer do I need for a shirt?
For an adult full-front design, 10" to 12" wide is standard. Left chest logos are usually 3.5" to 4" wide. Youth shirts run a couple inches smaller.
What size is a left chest DTF transfer?
Most left chest designs are 3.5" to 4" wide on adult shirts and about 3" on youth shirts.
What's the biggest DTF transfer you can print?
As big as you need. We print from a large roll, so oversized and all-over designs aren't a problem, and our gang sheets are 44" wide. Order oversized prints on our order by size page.
Can I use one size for every shirt size?
Many shops do. A 10" or 11" full-front works on most adult sizes from S to XXL. For a spread from youth to 3XL, order two or three sizes so the design looks proportional on everyone.
How far down from the collar should a front design go?
About 3" to 4" below the collar seam, measured to the top of the design.
Order in the exact size you need
Pick your sizes and quantities, or put every size on one gang sheet and save. Orders placed before 1PM PT ship the same business day.
Order by size Build a gang sheet
Pressing your first batch? Get the exact temp, time, and pressure on our DTF heat press settings page.