What is sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing process where dye is turned into a gas under heat and pressure, and that gas bonds directly into the fibers of the fabric. The design becomes part of the material itself instead of sitting on top of it.
How the process works
We print your design onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink. That paper is then pressed against the fabric under high heat, which turns the ink into a gas that permeates the fibers and bonds as it cools. Once it's done, the design is embedded in the fabric, not printed on the surface.
Why teams use it
Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, sublimated uniforms can carry full-color, edge-to-edge designs — gradients, patterns, sponsor logos, and player names — without adding weight or stiffness to the garment. It works especially well on lightweight polyester athletic fabrics.
What sublimation is best for
Sublimation is the standard choice for jerseys, shorts, and uniform sets that need bold, full-coverage graphics. It's less suited to cotton or heavy blends, since the ink needs synthetic fibers to bond with properly.
How it compares to other methods
If you're deciding between sublimation and embroidery for logos and lettering, the two methods serve different purposes and are often combined on the same uniform.
See sublimation on your own design
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