USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) 2023-24 Cruise Hoodie - DTF

DTF TEST RUN: ONE COLOR, ONE SIZE. This hoodie is available in Black, size XL only. It's a limited test of the DTF printing we're planning to roll out across more of The Ship's Store.

What is DTF?

DTF stands for Direct-to-Film. The design is printed in full color, with a white ink base so it stays vibrant on dark fabric, onto a specialty film. A hot-melt adhesive is bonded to the print, and the film is then heat-pressed into the garment so the adhesive locks the design into the fabric fibers. The film is peeled away and the print is pressed again to set it.

This is not an iron-on

The craft-store iron-on is a sheet of vinyl cut into shapes. DTF is a professionally printed, full-color graphic made with water-based inks and an industrial adhesive, applied by commercial heat press. It is the same family of process used for athletic and team apparel, the kind of print on professional sports jerseys: built to be worn hard and washed repeatedly, not a one-and-done decoration.

What to expect

The print sits on top of the fabric instead of soaking into it, so you'll feel a thin layer, most noticeable in large solid areas. That's the nature of the process. It's what gives the artwork its sharp detail and bold color. Wash inside out in cold water, tumble dry low or hang dry, and don't iron directly on the print.

The design

Front: ship's crest on the left chest. Back: full USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) 2023-24 MED Cruise artwork, Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The hoodie

Unisex Gildan 18500 heavy blend hoodie.
• 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²)
• Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling
• Double-lined hood with matching drawcord
• Quarter-turned body to avoid crease down the middle
• 1 × 1 athletic rib-knit cuffs and waistband with spandex
• Front pouch pocket
• Double-needle stitched collar, shoulders, armholes, cuffs, and hem
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras or El Salvador

Made to order just for you, so it takes a bit longer to arrive. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction.