Sublimated vs. Screen-Printed Jerseys: What's the Difference?

When you shop for custom jerseys, you'll see two common ways of putting colors, names and numbers on the fabric: sublimation and screen printing. They look similar in photos, but they work very differently, and that affects how your jerseys feel and how long they last.

How screen printing works

Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil (the "screen") onto the surface of the fabric. Each color usually needs its own screen. The ink sits on top of the material as a layer you can often feel with your hand.

• Works on many fabrics, including cotton.
• The printed areas can feel thicker and less breathable.
• Over many washes, ink can crack or peel, especially where the fabric stretches.

How sublimation works

Sublimation uses heat to turn special dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibers. Instead of sitting on top, the design becomes part of the fabric itself.

• Nothing to crack, peel or flake off, because there's no ink layer on top.
• The jersey stays lightweight and breathable, even where it's printed.
• Full-color designs, side to side and sleeve to sleeve, with no extra cost per color.
• It works on polyester, which is why performance jerseys are made from it.

Which is better for team jerseys?

For jerseys that get sweated in, washed often and stretched during play, sublimation is usually the better choice. The colors, names and numbers hold up because they're dyed into the fabric, and the jersey keeps breathing like it should.

Screen printing still makes sense for simple cotton tees or one-color designs, but for sports jerseys with individual names and numbers, sublimation is hard to beat.

How we make our jerseys

Every jersey at Custom Jersey Maker is sublimated polyester mesh, made to order with your names and numbers. The price you see includes customization, tax and free US shipping. Browse jerseys or read how to order for your whole team.

Caring for sublimated jerseys

• Wash inside out in cold water with similar colors.
• Skip bleach and fabric softener.
• Hang dry or tumble dry low, and don't iron the printed areas.