What is Sublimation Jersey? (Benefits, Process...)

Q: What is the difference between sublimated and non-sublimated jerseys?

The main difference lies in how the designs are printed . With sublimated jerseys, the prints are permanently fused into the fabric itself for vibrant colors that don't crack or peel. Non-sublimated jerseys have the designs printed on top of the fabric, so they are more prone to fading, cracking, and wear over time. Sublimated prints last much longer.

Are you looking to upgrade your team’s uniforms with vibrant, customized designs that will make you stand out on the field?

Then sublimation jerseys are the way to go!

In this article, we’ll explore what is sublimation jerseys, the benefits they offer, how they are made, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Let’s dive in!

What is Sublimation Jersey?

Sublimation jerseys are sports uniforms that have been personalized using a special printing technique called sublimation printing.

It allows for permanent, full-color designs to be transferred into the fabric of the garment. The result is a jersey with eye-catching graphics and detailing that truly makes it unique.

The sublimation process infuses the ink design directly into the jersey fabric rather than simply laying ink on top of the material.

This creates a long-lasting bond at the molecular level that resists cracking, peeling, and fading over time.

Let’s take a closer look at the key advantages of sublimation jerseys.

Benefits of Sublimating Your Jersey

1. Vibrant, Customizable Designs

Since the sublimation process handles the full-color spectrum, you can incorporate all kinds of colors, gradients, and visual effects into your jersey graphics.

The images and artwork will be embedded into the fabric itself, ensuring the designs pop and come to life in stunning detail.

You have the freedom to sublimate just about anything onto the jerseys too. This means you can fully customize them with your team logo, mascot, names, numbers, slogans, or anything you want!

The customization possibilities are endless. Sublimation allows you to make your jerseys truly unique to your team’s brand and identity. Your squad will look sharp and coordinated when they hit the field.

2. Permanent Coloring

Another major advantage of sublimated jerseys is that the colors stay bold and vibrant wash after wash.

Because the ink bonds at the molecular level with the polyester fibers, it will not peel, crack, or fade over time.

The permanent infusion of dye into the fabric means you can trust the dazzling designs will hold up well even after intense games, practices, and repeat washings.

No need to worry about the graphics losing their luster or falling apart after constant wear and tear. Your team can sport their sublimated jerseys with confidence for seasons to come.

3. Soft, Breathable Fabric

Since sublimation only works on polyester fabrics, this means the jerseys will be lightweight, smooth, and comfortable to wear.

Polyester is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and allows for good airflow. This keeps players cool and focused out on the field.

The sublimation process does not affect the natural feel or breathability of the polyester either. The printed designs fuse right into the fabric without altering its soft, flexible texture.

Sublimated jerseys move with players freely and won’t feel stiff or uncomfortable during competition.

4. Cost-Effective Customization

You pay the same per jersey regardless of how complex your design is or how many elements are included.

Since sublimation directly prints the graphics into the fabric, there are no vinyl/printing materials to pay for.

You do not have to worry about incurring added charges if you want multiple colors, gradient effects, names, numbers, etc. You can customize the jersey designs fully at no extra cost.

This makes sublimated jerseys very budget-friendly, especially for detailed custom designs. You can get pro-level vibrant artwork without paying a premium.

5. Boosts Team Spirit

Lastly, sublimated jerseys are fantastic for boosting team spirit! Your squad will be fired up to take the field rocking their dazzling, one-of-a-kind jerseys. The sleek, professional uniforms will make them feel united and pump up their confidence.

Having unique gear customized just for your team helps build camaraderie and pride. The bold, eye-catching designs sublimated right into the fabric create lasting jerseys full of spirit that always look fresh.

With benefits like permanent vibrant prints, comfortable polyester, endless customization, cost-effectiveness, and team spirit, it’s easy to see why sublimated jerseys are gaining popularity! Now let’s look at the production process.

How to Make Sublimated Jerseys

Creating custom sublimated jerseys requires specialized tools, techniques, and knowledge. Here is an overview of the key steps in the sublimation process:

1. Design Creation in Graphic Software

The first step is to create the jersey design digitally using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

Work closely with your team to brainstorm ideas and create a mock-up that brings your vision to life.

Incorporate all the visuals you want like logos, numbers, names, stripes, camo prints, etc.

Make sure to format the design in high resolution for the best printing quality. Don’t forget to flip the design horizontally so it transfers properly.

2. Printing with Sublimation Printer

After finalizing the design, it’s time to prepare it for sublimation. You’ll need to print the graphic onto special sublimation paper using professional sublimation printers and inks.

The paper and inks contain specialized heat-activated dyes that turn into a gas when heat is applied.

Make sure to use paper that is optimized for your printer model for proper feeding and transfer.

3. Preparing the Polyester Fabric

While the design is printing, the jersey fabric needs to be prepped. Cut and prepare blank polyester jersey material according to the dimensions needed.

Polyester works best because the pores readily accept the gaseous dyes.

Inspect the fabric to ensure it is high quality, wrinkle-free, and clean. Imperfections can affect the transfer results. Pre-washing can help reduce the risk of shrinkage as well.

4. Heat Press Transfer

Here is where the magic happens! Place the printed sublimation paper onto the polyester jersey fabric with the design facing the material.

Use a professional heat press to apply high heat (usually 380-400 F) and pressure (medium to firm pressure) for 30-60 seconds.

This causes the dyes to gasify and infuse into the fabric.

5. Cooling and Curing

After removing from the heat press, allow the fabric to cool and cure for a good minute before peeling away the paper.

The cooling sets the dyes while curing makes the colors permanent.

Don’t rush this step! Premature peeling can mess up the transfer. Letting it rest ensures the prints bond correctly.

6. Finishing Touches

Finally, do any stitch work needed to assemble the full jersey and carefully inspect the prints. Check for any imperfections that may need a re-press or touch-up.

Once finalized, provide proper wash instructions to your team to maintain the brilliant designs. And you’ve created custom sublimated jerseys ready for game day!

As you can see, creating quality sublimated jerseys requires specialized tools like graphic software, sublimation printers, heat presses, and polyester fabrics.

But the results are worth it! Your team will be thrilled with their vibrant, customized uniforms.

FAQs About Sublimated Jerseys

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sublimation jerseys:

What kind of fabric is used for sublimation jerseys?

Polyester fabric is ideal for sublimation printing since the pores readily accept the gaseous dyes. Polyester also makes lightweight and breathable athletic wear.
A polyester blend can also work well, as long as it contains at least 60% polyester.

What is the difference between sublimated and non-sublimated jerseys?

The main difference lies in how the designs are printed. With sublimated jerseys, the prints are permanently fused into the fabric itself for vibrant colors that don’t crack or peel.
Non-sublimated jerseys have the designs printed on top of the fabric, so they are more prone to fading, cracking, and wear over time. Sublimated prints last much longer.

Do sublimated jerseys shrink when washed?

There will be a small degree of shrinkage after the first few washes, usually around 5% or less. Pre-washing the fabric before sublimating helps minimize this.
Proper cold washing and low heat drying will help the jerseys maintain their size and fit.

Wrapping Up

I hope this gives you a helpful overview of the world of sublimated sports jerseys!

When designed and produced properly, they are a fantastic way to give your team comfortable, unique, and lasting uniforms that will make them stand out on the field.

The vibrant full-color prints infused right into the fabric create jerseys full of team spirit that always look fresh and professional.

And you can incorporate all kinds of graphics, visuals, and custom details without worrying about peeling, fading, or added costs.