Sublimated vs screen printed jerseys: which is right for your club?

Both methods have a place. The right one depends on your design, your fabric and how the garment will be used. Here's how they compare.

How each method works

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the fabric, one colour at a time. The ink sits on top of the fabric. Sublimation turns the ink into a gas that bonds inside polyester fibres, so the design becomes part of the fabric.

Side by side

• Durability: sublimation can't crack or peel because there's no ink layer. Screen prints are durable too, but can crack over time with heavy washing and stretching.
• Design: sublimation handles unlimited colours, gradients and all-over patterns. Screen printing suits bold designs with a few solid colours.
• Fabric: sublimation needs polyester. Screen printing works on cotton, blends and polyester.
• Feel: a sublimated print can't be felt. A screen print has a slight raised feel, more so with large solid areas.
• Names and numbers: sublimation prints every player's name and number in the same pass. With screen printing they're usually added separately.

When to choose sublimation

Match day jerseys, rash guards, cycling kits, singlets and anything with a full-colour or edge-to-edge design. It's the standard for performance sportswear for good reason.

When to choose screen printing

Cotton tees and hoodies for supporters, merch and casual team wear, especially with a simple one or two colour logo.

You don't have to pick just one

Most clubs end up with both: sublimated playing kits, plus screen printed or embroidered hoodies and tees for training and supporters. We make both under one roof, so it all matches.