The preparation of disperse inks for direct inkjet printing was carried out using disperse dye, dispersant (TD-1109, hydrophilic polyacrylic acid block copolymer), wetting agent (diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol), water-based polymers (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or waterborne polyester), deionized water, etc. The suitability of disperse inks for polyester fabrics was assessed via measurement of conductivity, pH, particle size surface tension and viscosity. The theological behavior of disperse inks was evaluated by rotational viscometry; the disperse inks had the characteristics of a Newtonian fluid. The inkjet printability of disperse inks was investigated by monitoring droplet formation dynamics, where the viscosity and surface tension of disperse ink were 2.78 mPa s and 33.28 mN m⁻¹, respectively. The disperse ink has excellent ejection performance. The printing accuracy of disperse inks was evaluated by inkjet printing quality of lines on untreated polyester fabrics. The fastness properties of printed polyester fabrics were also evaluated and they presented excellent color fastness. Compared with different printed polyester fabrics, the polyester fabrics printed with disperse ink made from water-based polymers have high color strength (K/S) and saturation (C*) values.