How to Start a Custom Apparel Business in Irvine, CA with DTF

Starting a custom apparel business in Irvine, CA has never been more achievable — especially with the rise of DTF (Direct to Film) printing technology. Whether you're a designer, an artist, or a local entrepreneur, DTF allows you to produce vibrant, high-quality clothing without large investments, inventory hassles, or expensive equipment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your own apparel business using DTF transfers — from finding your niche to marketing your brand and fulfilling orders.

🎯 Why Irvine is a Great Place for a Custom Apparel Business

Located in the heart of Orange County, Irvine is a hub of creativity, fashion-forward consumers, and startup-friendly resources. With its mix of college students, entrepreneurs, and local artists, there's a thriving market for:

  • Streetwear & lifestyle brands

  • School & club apparel

  • Local artist merchandise

  • Event-based custom gear

  • Branded workwear for small businesses

Combine that with high foot traffic from locations like Irvine Spectrum, University Town Center, and farmers markets, and you’ve got a prime location to start and grow your custom clothing brand.

🧵 What is DTF Printing?

Direct to Film (DTF) printing is a modern garment printing method where designs are printed onto a special film and then transferred onto fabric using a heat press. It works on cotton, polyester, blends, and even dark garments, producing full-color results with rich vibrancy, stretch, and durability.

✅ Benefits of Using DTF for Apparel Businesses

  • No minimums – Perfect for small batches or testing designs

  • Full-color printing – Great for detailed art, gradients & photos

  • No weeding or vinyl cutting

  • Cost-effective & scalable

  • Ready to press – Just use a heat press, no expensive machinery required

🧠 Step 1: Define Your Apparel Niche

Before printing your first shirt, you need to define your niche. Ask yourself:

  • Who is your target customer?

  • What type of apparel will you sell?

  • What makes your designs different?

Popular niches in Irvine include:

  • Local-inspired fashion (Irvine, SoCal, OC themes)

  • College wear (UCI & nearby campuses)

  • Fitness apparel

  • Pet-themed or family-matching outfits

  • Art-based or hand-drawn designs

Your niche will drive your brand identity, marketing strategy, and product design.

🎨 Step 2: Design Your Apparel

Once you know your niche, it’s time to start designing. DTF printing supports full-color artwork with gradients, shadows, and textures — so let your creativity shine.

Design tips for DTF printing:

  • File format: Transparent PNG, PDF, or AI

  • Resolution: 300 DPI minimum

  • Colors: Design in RGB (we’ll convert to CMYK for print)

  • Avoid low-quality images or pixelation

You can create designs yourself using tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator — or work with a freelance designer.

🧾 Step 3: Order DTF Gang Sheets Locally

Here’s where DTF-UV TRANSFERS comes in! We offer fast, affordable DTF gang sheet printing right here in Irvine, CA, with no minimum order size.

You can either:

👉 Upload Your DTF Gang Sheet – If you’ve already laid out your designs.
👉 Build Your DTF Gang Sheet – Use our online builder to combine multiple designs in one layout.

📦 Same-day pickup or 1–3 day shipping available across Irvine.

🔥 Step 4: Apply Transfers with a Heat Press

All you need to apply your DTF transfers is a heat press. No vinyl cutter, printer, or pre-treatment required.

Pressing instructions (general):

  • Temperature: 300–320°F

  • Time: 10–15 seconds

  • Pressure: Medium to firm

  • Peel: Cold or warm peel depending on finish

If you don’t own a heat press, consider starting with a compact one (~$200) or using a local press service.

👚 Step 5: Source Your Blank Apparel

Choose high-quality blank garments that match your brand vibe and printing goals.

Recommended suppliers:

  • Bella+Canvas – Great for soft, premium tees

  • Gildan – Budget-friendly for bulk printing

  • Hanes / Next Level – Mid-range quality with good fit

  • Los Angeles Apparel – California-made basics

You can order online or from a local wholesaler in Irvine or Santa Ana for faster pickup.

🛒 Step 6: Launch Your Online Store or Sell Locally

Once your first batch is pressed, you’re ready to sell! You can:

➤ Sell Online:

  • Build a Shopify or Etsy store

  • Use Instagram or TikTok for free promotion

  • Accept payments via PayPal, Square, or Stripe

➤ Sell In Person:

  • Set up a booth at Irvine Spectrum, art walks, or UCI events

  • Join craft fairs or OC vendor markets

  • Offer local delivery or porch pickup

📢 Step 7: Market Your Custom Apparel Brand

Marketing is key to building brand awareness and generating sales.

Top ways to promote your brand in Irvine:

  • 🎨 Instagram & TikTok Reels – Share your designs, press process, and behind-the-scenes

  • 📦 Partner with local businesses – Sell at coffee shops or local boutiques

  • 🎓 Target UCI students – Create campus-related designs or sponsor campus events

  • 💬 Email marketing – Send new drops, promo codes, and updates to customers

  • 🧢 Wear your brand – Be a walking billboard around Irvine

💡 Bonus: Expand with UV DTF Stickers & Labels

Want to grow beyond apparel? Use our UV DTF decals to create custom:

  • Branded tumbler decals

  • Candle or jar labels

  • Acrylic keychains

  • Water bottles & hard goods

These peel-and-stick designs require no heat press and are great for gifts, giveaways, and branding.

📍 Why Work with a Local Irvine DTF Printer?

Choosing a local partner like DTF-UV TRANSFERS means:

  • ✅ Faster turnaround

  • ✅ No shipping delays

  • ✅ Local pickup available

  • ✅ Real customer support from nearby creatives

We’re proud to help local Irvine artists and entrepreneurs build businesses they love — one shirt at a time.

🚀 Start Your Custom Apparel Business Today

Here’s what to do next:

👉 Upload Your DTF Gang Sheet
👉 Build Your Gang Sheet Online
👉 Contact Us if you need help with setup, file formatting, or bulk orders.

Your creativity deserves to be seen — let’s press it into something amazing.