Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: What’s Best for Your Team Jerseys?

The Print Behind the Pride

Team jerseys do more than identify players. They carry history. They represent schools, town pride, and shared ambition. But behind every bold logo and crisp color lies a choice—one that can make or break the look, feel, and longevity of your gear.

Sublimation or screen printing?

On the surface, both methods get ink on fabric. But beneath that, they’re worlds apart. One fuses design into the fabric itself. The other layers ink on top. And choosing the right one isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about durability, cost, comfort, and the message your team sends the moment they walk onto the field.

Let’s break it down. Here’s everything you need to know—without the jargon, fluff, or regret.

What Is Sublimation?

Think of sublimation like a tattoo—not on skin, but on fabric.

It’s a process where heat and pressure turn dye into gas, infusing the design into the fibers of the jersey. There’s no thick ink, no peeling layers. Just pure color that becomes part of the material.

The result? A smooth, breathable finish that never cracks, fades, or flakes. Even after dozens of washes and back-to-back games.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is the classic. The old-school go-to.

It involves pressing layers of ink onto the surface of the fabric through mesh screens—one color at a time. You’ve seen it on T-shirts, hoodies, and yes, some jerseys. It can be bold. It can be vibrant. But it’s still ink sitting on top.

Over time, those layers can crack or fade, especially under the stress of sweat, sun, and movement. Still, when done right, screen printing offers a budget-friendly way to get sharp designs onto team gear—especially for simpler logos and fewer colors.

Visual Impact: Which One Looks Better?

Here’s where things get personal. Do you want full, edge-to-edge graphics? Complex patterns? Fades, gradients, or photo-like detail?

Sublimation owns this space. It allows for unlimited colors, intricate shading, and seamless design coverage. Want flames down the sides? Camouflage across the back? A gradient fade that stretches from shoulder to cuff? Sublimation handles it all—without adding weight or stiffness.

Screen printing, on the other hand, works best with bold, simple designs. Think block numbers, school logos, or text-heavy graphics. It’s crisp—but limited. Each color costs extra. Intricate details can get lost. And large prints can feel stiff against the skin.

How They Feel: Comfort on the Field

If you’ve ever worn a T-shirt with a thick design that sticks to your chest mid-workout—you know what’s coming.

Sublimated designs don’t alter the fabric’s feel. The jersey stays soft, light, and breathable. Because the dye becomes part of the fabric itself, there’s no extra layer to trap heat or moisture.

Screen-printed jerseys, by contrast, can feel heavier and less flexible—especially in large print areas. The ink layer adds texture. And over time, that texture can crack, peel, or restrict airflow.

For teams playing in hot, humid conditions or high-intensity sports, comfort isn’t optional. It’s essential. And sublimation takes the lead.

Durability: Will It Last the Season?

Game after game. Practice after practice. Wash after wash.

Sublimation jerseys are built to last. The design can’t peel or fade because it’s literally part of the fabric. That means your team colors stay bold from the first whistle to the final playoff.

Screen printing, while durable at first, is vulnerable to wear. Especially with frequent washing. Cracking, fading, and peeling are all possible over time—especially if the jersey is stretched, over-dried, or handled roughly.

If you’re investing in long-term uniforms, sublimation wins. Hands down.

Price Point: What’s the Cost Difference?

Let’s talk numbers—because budget matters.

Screen printing is often cheaper up front—especially for small orders with simple one- or two-color designs. The setup is straightforward, and it’s scalable for basic jobs.

Sublimation can cost more initially. But here’s the twist: it often becomes more affordable as your design complexity increases. Why? Because you’re not paying per color. You’re not limited by design size or placement. And there are fewer post-order surprises.

For large teams, complex designs, or multi-color artwork, sublimation often delivers more value over time—even if the per-piece cost is slightly higher.

Turnaround Time: How Fast Can You Get It?

Need jerseys yesterday?

Screen printing typically offers faster production for basic designs. Once the screens are set, printing can move quickly—especially for simple layouts.

Sublimation, while equally efficient once the design is approved, may take slightly longer in pre-production. Why? The design process is more detailed, and the equipment involved requires precision.

That said, many suppliers now offer rush options for both methods. If time is tight, your best move is to communicate early, be decisive with approvals, and ask your vendor about realistic timelines.

Customization: Names, Numbers, and Unique Touches

If every jersey needs a player name, number, and perhaps even a nickname?

Sublimation crushes it. Personalization is built into the print process. You’re not layering names afterward—they’re fused in from the start. That means no vinyl peeling, no misaligned heat-press numbers, and no added bulk.

Screen printing, on the other hand, requires individual setup for every name and number. That means more labor, more chances for error, and higher cost per jersey.

For teams that want uniforms to feel truly custom, sublimation is the smarter play.

Use Case Scenarios: Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s simplify it. Here’s when to choose each method:

Choose Sublimation If:

• You’re creating full-color, all-over designs
• You want maximum comfort and breathability
• The design includes player names and numbers
• Longevity and durability are top priorities
• Your team plays a high-contact or high-sweat sport

Choose Screen Printing If:

• You have a tight budget and a small team
• The design is simple (1–2 colors)
• You need a fast turnaround for a one-off event
• You’re printing on cotton or thicker materials
• The jerseys won’t be washed or worn frequently

Real-World Example: A Coach’s Dilemma

Coach Erin runs a competitive travel soccer team. Last season, she ordered screen-printed jerseys to save money. The design looked sharp at first—but by mid-season, names were peeling, and the ink was cracking.

This year, she switched to sublimation. The upfront cost was higher. But the payoff? Players raved about the comfort. Parents were impressed with the look. And by playoffs, the jerseys looked as fresh as opening day.

“I didn’t realize how much the gear would impact morale,” she said. “Now I do.”

The Emotional Factor: What Gear Says About Your Team

Uniforms aren’t just functional. They’re psychological.

Clean, bold, consistent gear sends a message. To the other team. To your fans. And most importantly—to your players.

Sublimation lets you reinforce identity through design. Screen printing offers a budget-conscious way to show unity. Neither is wrong. But when players feel proud in what they wear, they play differently. They carry themselves with more confidence. They show up.

That’s not a printing method. That’s culture.

Final Verdict: Choose What Aligns With Your Goals

The best printing method isn’t about trend. It’s about fit.

Fit for your budget. Fit for your timeline. Fit for your vision. And most of all—fit for the experience you want your team to have.

If you’re building a program with long-term consistency… If you want every jersey to feel like a badge of honor… If you care about comfort, durability, and custom identity…

Sublimation is your play.

If you need fast, affordable, no-fuss uniforms for a short season or event… If your design is simple and your needs are short-term…

Screen printing still holds its value.

Either way, now you know the difference. And when you know better, you order smarter.

Ready to Design Jerseys That Actually Last?

If you’re thinking about ordering custom sportswear, start with what matters: comfort, confidence, and clarity. Ask your vendor the right questions. Look at real samples. And choose not just what looks good—but what feels right for your team’s journey.

Because the jersey isn’t just what they wear. It’s who they are—in motion, in sweat, in victory, and in unity.