PURPOSE: To obtain a thermal transfer sheet capable of imparting printing excellent in dry cleaning properties or ironing properties by forming an ink layer from an emulsion containing polyethylene wax having a high m.p. and a colorant.

CONSTITUTION: A thermal transfer ink layer is formed from ink consisting of polyethylene wax and a colorant. Polyethylene wax has a softening point of 100°C or higher and, when the softening point is less than 100°C, formed printing is insufficient in dry cleaning properties or ironing properties. As the colorant, org. or inorg pigment having good characteristics as a recording material, for example, carbon black is pref. The emulsion ink used in the formation of the ink layer is prepared by mixing a commercial polyethylene wax emulsion and a commercial pigment dispersion. The advantage due to the emulsion resides in such a point that the excellent transfer ink layer is formed even when polyethylene wax to be used has a relatively high softening point.