A parent’s guide to non-toxic, kid-safe clothing

__About the author:__ We recently launched of [kid-sized t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts) at Sticker Mule. To dive into this exciting release, we’ve invited Matthew Rhome, our Director of Quality and Efficiency, to share his expertise. With over 45 years in the t-shirt printing industry—including inventing Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology—Matthew knows a thing or two about creating safe, high-quality apparel. In this post, he’ll explore why safety matters just as much as style when it comes to custom t-shirt printing for kids. 

Read on to learn what sets our new line apart!

##What materials are used in kids’ t-shirts?

The safety of custom shirts comes down to the materials used—fabric, dyes, inks, and finishes. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your little ones stay safe.

###Fabric materials

Kids’ t-shirts are typically made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two—versatile fabrics that perform well. However, the best manufacturers go beyond the basics, avoiding harmful substances like formaldehyde or toxic dyes that might linger from the finishing process.

At Sticker Mule, we take this seriously. Our kids’ shirts are manufactured to meet strict Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) standards, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals. We source only from reputable manufacturers who prioritize safety and quality, using non-toxic dyes and child-safe fabric treatments. This means you can rest easy knowing your child’s shirt is crafted responsibly.

![t-shirt blanks ready for printing](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/62f97169-483e-4050-bd9c-a37c0b70752b)

###Printing and dyeing

Not all printing processes are created equal. While some inks and dyes may contain harmful substances like lead or phthalates, Sticker Mule takes a different approach. After decades of perfecting shirt printing, I’ve found that water-based, non-toxic inks are the ultimate solution.

Our non-toxic inks are Oeko-Tex certified, a global standard ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and pesticides. This certification guarantees that every shirt we print—for kids and adults alike—is not only safe but also sustainable. At Sticker Mule, safety and quality always go hand in hand.

![packaging t-shirts](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7487092a-f34a-42ef-a303-9feac340adff)

###Key safety standards for kids’ t-shirts you should know

Comprehensive regulations exist to protect children from harmful materials in clothing. Here are the key standards that ensure printed kids’ shirts are safe:

__Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA)__

The CPSA is a U.S. law that helps regulate children’s clothing, focusing on flammability and toxic chemical limits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces these regulations, manages recalls, and ensures compliance to keep kids’ clothing safe. Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), every children's shirt sold in the U.S. must meet strict safety standards and include a tracking label. This label links the shirt to its manufacturer, batch number, and production date—helping ensure traceability and consumer safety.

![CISPA batch number on youth-sized t-shirts](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/96a5bd4a-91e7-4d82-a232-c9e99e18dbb6) 

In this example, the number "125" serves as a unique identifier for the batch of this shirt. In the rare event that the CPSC needs to inspect a specific shirt, this identifier helps us determine exactly when it was produced.

__Oeko-Tex certification__

![oeko-tex logo on sticker mule shirts](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b27324fd-688a-44a2-916c-71991c15569f)

The Oeko-Tex certification is a global standard that guarantees inks, dyes, and fabrics are free from harmful chemicals such as pesticides, lead, and formaldehyde. At Sticker Mule, we exclusively use Oeko-Tex-certified inks, and we print all of our shirts in-house, so you can trust that every shirt we produce has been rigorously tested for safety. When you choose our products, you’re choosing peace of mind.

##Not all t-shirt printers are created equal

Not every printer prioritizes safety, especially for kids. Some cut corners on quality or skip certifications to save costs. Others outsource their printing to the cheapest contractor and have no control over the production process or what type of ink is used.

It’s essential to choose a trusted company like Sticker Mule for custom kids' t-shirts, where safety is the cornerstone of everything we do. We’ve produced thousands of shirts with safety and quality in mind, ensuring every product meets the highest standards.

Before choosing a printer, ask the tough questions:

What inks do they use?

- Are their materials certified?
- What safety measures do they follow?
- Are their shirts truly non-toxic?

Reliable printers will have the answers, and your child’s safety is worth the extra care.

![family wearing sticker mule custom t-shirts](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/41bc4f31-1bfe-4d2c-86e1-e9ecb07df431)

At Sticker Mule, we proudly print every t-shirt in-house at our own facilities in the USA and Italy, ensuring unparalleled quality in every order. Our dedicated team carefully oversees each step of the process, maintaining the strictest standards.

We’re committed to crafting t-shirts that are not only stylish but also safe—because when it comes to kids, compromise is never an option.

<ButtonCta text="Order kid's t-shirts today" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />


Discover Sticker Mule’s kid-sized t-shirts—crafted with non-toxic, Oeko-Tex-certified inks and CPSA-compliant materials. Learn from our Director of Quality why safety matters as much as style.

A parent’s guide to finding non-toxic, kid-safe clothing

DTF vs. DTG printing: What's the difference?

## DTG vs DTF printing: What's the difference?

When it comes to digitally printing custom t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel, there are two main options: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF).

We recently launched a brand-new product, [DTF Transfers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/dtf-transfers). DTF stands for "Direct-to-Film," where your design is printed on a sheet of film and transferred to fabric using a heat press—or even a household iron.

We also continue to offer [custom T-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts) using DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, a method we’ve refined for years to ensure industry-leading quality.

To understand the differences, we asked Matthew Rhome, Sticker Mule’s Director of Quality and Efficiency. Matt is widely recognized as the founder of the Direct-to-Garment printing industry. He developed and [patented the first commercially available DTG printer](https://patents.google.com/patent/US6095628), a breakthrough that revolutionized custom apparel printing. With nearly 30 years of experience in leadership roles at companies like Brother and Epson, he has also played a key role in the advancement of DTF and UV transfer technologies.

## What is DTG printing?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) uses specialized inkjet technology to print directly onto fabric—think of it as a high-end inkjet printer, but for apparel. The ink bonds with the fabric fibers, creating a seamless print.

### Key benefits of DTG:
- **High detail and clarity**: Ideal for complex designs, gradients, and photorealistic images.
- **Soft, integrated feel**: Ink becomes part of the fabric, resulting in a smooth, non-bulky finish.
- **Best on 100% cotton**: DTG excels on cotton, which absorbs ink evenly for crisp results.

At Sticker Mule, we’ve optimized every step of our DTG process—from pretreatment to precision placement. Our printers use a five-ink system (CMYK + White) to ensure color vibrancy and opacity across all shirt colors. We also automatically add white ink behind designs to preserve brightness, even on dark fabrics.

Each shirt is manually aligned on the printer platform, allowing for careful placement of artwork relative to the collar. We also follow strict file prep guidelines to avoid common issues like blurry prints or unwanted transparency effects.

### Potential drawbacks:
- **Limited to cotton or cotton-heavy blends**.
- **Pre-treatment required**: Essential for ink adhesion and durability—but not every provider does it right. (We do.)
- **Less cost-effective for high-volume jobs**.

## What is DTF printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints your [design](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/design-custom-apparel-with-dtf-transfers) onto a special film, applies powdered adhesive, and heat-presses it onto fabric. It’s great for bold, colorful designs across various materials.

### Key benefits of DTF:
- **Works on nearly any fabric**: Cotton, polyester, blends—you name it.
- **Vivid and opaque**: Bright colors stand out even on dark garments.
- **Highly durable**: The adhesive bond resists cracking and fading.
- **Great for detail**: Excellent for logos, text, and fine lines.
- **Fast turnaround**: DTF prints are quicker to produce in bulk.

### Potential drawbacks:
- **Heavier feel**: Transfers sit on top of the fabric rather than absorbing in.
- **Less breathable**: Larger designs may slightly impact airflow.
- **Requires heat application**: You’ll need a heat press or household iron to apply the transfers.

## DTG vs DTF: Which should you choose?

| Feature         | DTG printing                   | DTF printing                                 |
|----------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Fabric          | Best on 100% cotton             | Works on cotton, poly, blends, and more       |
| Print feel      | Soft, ink-integrated            | Slightly heavier, on-surface                  |
| Detail          | Excellent for photos            | Excellent for logos and fine lines           |
| Durability      | Very good                       | Excellent                                     |
| Color vibrancy  | Very good                       | Extremely vibrant, even on dark fabrics       |

### Choose DTG if:
- You want a soft, breathable print that blends into the fabric.
- Your design is photorealistic or includes subtle gradients.
- You're printing on 100% cotton.

### Choose DTF if:
- You need to print on a wide range of fabrics.
- You want bold, vibrant colors that pop.
- You’re handling production yourself with a heat press or iron.

![dtf vs dtg printing explained](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8ecb8f9b-c59e-434e-8a89-44ab8519165c)

## Why Sticker Mule’s DTG stands out

While many DTG providers use off-the-shelf equipment and skip crucial steps like pre-treatment, we go the extra mile to ensure every shirt looks great and lasts.

- **Clean prints, every time**: Shirts are inspected and lint-rolled before printing to prevent blemishes.
- **Consistent placement**: Each shirt is carefully positioned to ensure consistent artwork placement from collar to hem.
- **Optimized color and clarity**: We fine-tune your artwork to prevent washed-out blacks or accidental transparency.
- **Vibrant white ink**: We automatically print white ink behind your artwork to ensure brightness on dark fabrics.
- **Ethical, high-quality manufacturing**: Our shirts are printed in the USA and Italy, and produced in Fair Labor Association-certified facilities.

It’s a level of attention you won’t find from low-cost DTG printers—and it shows in the final product.

## Why Sticker Mule’s DTF stands out

Our DTF transfers are designed to be as easy to use as they are high quality. While other providers might require you to navigate confusing specs or DIY prep work, we handle everything—from print optimization to precision cutting—so all you need is a heat source.

- **Vibrant, high-resolution prints**: We support artwork up to 720 PPI and match the color profile (CMYK or RGB) to your original file for accurate, vivid results.
- **Automatic white ink application**: White ink is precisely applied behind your artwork to ensure opacity on any fabric—no special setup required.
- **Flexible sizing**: Print anything from 1" x 1" to 15" x 15", in any quantity from 1 to 500.
- **Clean, border-free designs**: No need to include a cut border—just leave 0.28" of empty space between your artwork and the edge.
- **Instant peel film**: Our waterproof, UV-resistant PET film peels cleanly just one minute after pressing.
- **Simple application**: All you need is a heat press or household iron—no printers, powders, or extra equipment required.

Whether you're decorating t-shirts, totes, or something else entirely, our DTF transfers deliver professional results without the learning curve.

## Conclusion

Both DTG and DTF offer exceptional results—but they’re optimized for different needs. DTG is your go-to for soft, premium-quality prints on cotton garments. DTF, on the other hand, gives you versatility and bold color across more fabric types.

At Sticker Mule, we offer the best of both. Whether you're ordering a single DTG custom t-shirt or applying a full sheet of DTF transfers at home, you can count on unmatched quality, attention to detail, and fast, reliable turnaround.

Ready to bring your designs to life? [Try DTG](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts) by ordering a custom T-shirt, [explore DTF](https://www.stickermule.com/products/dtf-transfers) by trying DTF transfers, or try both!


Compare DTG and DTF printing to find the best method for your custom apparel. Learn the pros, cons, and why Sticker Mule delivers the highest-quality results for both.

Posts by Matthew Rhome

A parent’s guide to non-toxic, kid-safe clothing

DTF vs. DTG printing: What's the difference?