Decoration method
Sublimated jerseys and uniforms, made with dye sublimation
Sublimated jerseys carry the design inside the fabric, not on top of it. With dye sublimation, heat turns printed ink into a gas that dyes the polyester fibers, so a full-color, all-over design adds no weight and no stiffness. We cut and sew sublimated jerseys and uniforms for distributors, team dealers and private-label brands from 12 pieces per style, with the sublimation quoted per design.
01What is sublimation printing
Your artwork is printed in mirror image onto transfer paper with sublimation inks. The paper is laid on white or light polyester fabric and run through a heat press, where the ink turns to gas, bonds with the fibers and sets as the fabric cools.
For full uniforms we sublimate the fabric panels first and then cut and sew them, so the design runs edge to edge across side seams, sleeves and collars. That is why one sublimated jersey can carry stripes, gradients, sponsor logos, a player name and a number in a single pass, without the per-color screens that screen printing needs.
02Which fabrics sublimate
Dye sublimation only bonds to polyester. The higher the polyester content, the brighter and sharper the result. Cotton and cotton-rich blends do not hold the dye, and it washes out.
The base fabric also needs to be white or very light, because sublimation ink is transparent. Any white in your design is simply the fabric showing through, so there is no white ink and no printing light colors onto a dark base.
- Polyester and poly-spandex performance jersey
- Polyester mesh and interlock for game jerseys and shorts
- Poly-spandex for compression wear and wrestling singlets
- Polyester fleece for warm-ups, where a sublimated look is wanted
03Sublimated jerseys by sport
Sublimation is the standard for soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, flag football and esports jerseys, where buyers want team patterns that cannot be done with spot colors. Wrestling singlets are sublimated because a printed or stitched layer would crack or chafe on stretch fabric.
On baseball, softball, football and hockey jerseys, sublimation often covers the body pattern, then tackle twill or heat-transfer vinyl adds the numbers for the traditional raised look.
04Durability and care of sublimated uniforms
Because the color is part of the fiber, a sublimated print does not crack, peel or wear off at the seams. It keeps the stretch and breathability of the fabric underneath.
Care is simple: wash cold, inside out, with like colors, and skip bleach and high dryer heat. Polyester holds the color well, but strong sunlight over many seasons will soften bright shades, like any dyed fabric.
05Art requirements for dye sublimation
Send logos as vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) and photographic or textured elements as high-resolution raster files at full print size. List the PMS color codes for every brand color.
Screen colors and printed colors on polyester never match exactly, so we match your PMS references on the fabric and show the result on the proof. Metallic effects cannot be printed by sublimation; if your design depends on one, we add it with a transfer or thread instead.
06How sublimated uniforms are quoted
The blank garment is priced on our five quantity tiers. Sublimation is quoted on top, per design, and depends on how much of the garment is printed: a full all-over design, panels only, or a single logo area. Player names and numbers printed into the design are part of the same quote.
The minimum is 12 pieces per style, and each colorway counts as its own style. Names, numbers and sizes can change from piece to piece within those 12. We send a proof of the design, colors and placement for your approval before bulk production starts.
Q&AQuestions buyers ask
Can you sublimate on cotton or cotton-blend garments?
No. Sublimation dye only bonds to polyester, and on cotton it washes out. For cotton tees and hoodies in the same order we suggest screen printing, DTF or embroidery instead.
Can every sublimated jersey have a different name and number?
Yes. Names and numbers are printed into each jersey's design, so they can change on every piece within the 12-piece style minimum. Send the roster with sizes, names and numbers in one list.
Can you sublimate a light design on a dark jersey?
Not directly, because sublimation ink is transparent and there is no white ink. We start from white polyester and sublimate the dark color as part of the design, so light details are left as the white base.
Will sublimated colors crack or fade?
They do not crack or peel, because the dye is inside the fiber. Colors stay bright through normal washing; long exposure to strong sunlight softens them over time, as with any dyed polyester.
Can you match my exact PMS color codes?
We match your PMS references on the polyester you choose and show them on the proof. Some very bright, neon or metallic shades fall outside what sublimation inks can print, and we tell you before production if yours do.