DTF Transfer Placement Guide
Recommended DTF Transfer Placement
Use this guide to decide where to press your transfer. Pair it with our DTF Shirt Size Guide, which tells you how wide to print it.
All measurements are taken with the shirt laid flat and smooth. "Below the collar" means from the bottom of the collar seam (where the collar ribbing meets the shirt body) down to the top of the design. Center designs left to right using the shirt's center fold.
Front Center Print (most common)
| Garment Size | Top of Design Below Collar |
|---|---|
| Onesie (0–18 months) | 1–1.5" |
| Toddler 2T–5T | 1.5–2" |
| Youth XS – Youth Large | 2–3" |
| Adult Small – Adult Large | 3–3.5" |
| Adult XL – Adult 4XL | 3.5–4" |
Tip: a design placed too low ends up near the stomach once the shirt is worn. When in doubt, go higher, about four fingers below the collar for most adults.
Left Chest Logo
| Measurement | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Logo width | 3–4" (see the Size Guide) |
| Top of logo below the collar | Adult: 2.5–3.5" · Youth: 2–2.5" |
| Center of logo from the shirt's center fold | Adult: 3.5–4.5" toward the wearer's left · Youth: 3–3.5" |
An easy check: the logo should sit roughly halfway between the center fold and the side seam, a little above the armpit line.
Pocket Print
| Measurement | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Width | 3–4" |
| Position | Centered on the pocket, top of design about 0.5" below the pocket opening |
Back Prints
| Placement | Top of Design Below Back Collar | Typical Width |
|---|---|---|
| Back neck / yoke (small logo or text) | 1–2" | 2–4" |
| Upper back (across the shoulders) | 2–3" | 10–12" |
| Full back, adult | 3–5" | 11–12" |
| Full back, youth | 2–3" | 8.5–9" |
| Oversize back | 3–4" | 12–14" |
Sleeve Prints
| Placement | Position | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|
| Short sleeve | Centered on the outside of the sleeve, top of design 1–1.5" below the shoulder seam | 2–3" wide |
| Long sleeve, vertical | Running down the outside of the arm, top about 2–3" below the shoulder seam | 2–3" wide, 10–12" tall |
| Wrist / cuff | Bottom of design about 2–3" above the cuff | 2–3" wide |
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
| Placement | Position |
|---|---|
| Hoodie front | Top of design about 3–4" below the neckline, centered between the drawstrings. Keep the bottom of the design at least 1" above the front pocket. |
| Crewneck sweatshirt front | Same as an adult tee: 3–4" below the collar |
| Hood | Centered on the side panel of the hood, 3–4" wide |
| Back | Same as a tee back print: 3–5" below the hood or collar seam |
Other Spots
| Placement | Position |
|---|---|
| Bottom hem / hip | Bottom of design 2–3" above the hem, toward one side |
| Inside neck label | Centered, about 1" below the inside back collar seam, 2–2.5" wide |
| Tote bag | Centered, top of design about 2–3" below the top edge |
| Apron | Centered on the bib, top of design about 2–3" below the top edge |
Placement Tips
- Fold to find center. Fold the shirt in half lengthwise and press lightly to make a center crease, then line the middle of your transfer up with it.
- Measure from the seam, not the fold of the collar. Collars are different heights; the seam is consistent.
- Use a ruler or T-square so the design is straight. A crooked transfer is the most common "it looks off" complaint.
- Test on one shirt first when you start a new garment brand or size run. Cuts vary between brands.
- Matching sets: keep the same distance below the collar on every size in an order, and scale the width with the Size Guide.
Placement FAQ
How far below the collar should a shirt design be?
For most adult shirts, put the top of the design 3–4" below the collar seam. Youth shirts: 2–3". Toddler: 1.5–2".
Where does a left chest logo go?
About 3.5–4.5" from the center of the shirt toward the wearer's left, with the top of the logo 2.5–3.5" below the collar on adult shirts.
How far down should a back print be?
For a full back print, start 3–5" below the back collar seam on adult shirts. A small neck logo goes 1–2" below the seam.
Do these placements work for DTF transfers on hoodies?
Yes. Place the front design 3–4" below the neckline and make sure it clears the front pocket. DTF transfers press well on cotton, polyester and blends.
Know your sizes and placements? Print them.
Fit front prints, left chest logos and sleeve hits on one 22" gang sheet and pay only for the inches you use. Printed and shipped same day when you order by 10 AM CST.
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