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Sublimation vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Which Is Best for Team Uniforms?
For polyester team jerseys, sublimation is usually the best choice. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fibres, so the design becomes part of the fabric and will not crack, peel or block airflow. Screen printing suits cotton tees and hoodies, and embroidery suits chest logos on polos, jackets and sweatshirts.
Sublimation vs screen printing vs embroidery
| Sublimation | Screen printing | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester, light colours | Cotton, blends, polyester | Almost any fabric |
| Design | Unlimited colours, edge to edge | One screen per colour | Logos and small text |
| Feel | No feel, fabric stays light | Ink layer on top | Raised stitching |
| Durability | Does not crack or peel | Can crack over time | Very durable |
| Best for | Soccer, basketball, volleyball and rugby kits, rash guards | Cotton T-shirts, hoodies, fan wear | Polos, softshell jackets, sweatshirts |
Sublimation: best for team uniforms
Sublimation prints the whole garment in one go. Extra colours, sponsor logos, names and numbers do not add screens, so a busy design costs the same to print as a simple one.
It only works on polyester, and it works best on white or light base fabric. That is why almost every modern soccer, basketball and volleyball kit is sublimated.
Screen printing: best for cotton and simple logos
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen, one colour at a time. Colours look bright on cotton, and for large runs of a one or two colour logo it can be very good value.
The ink sits on top of the fabric, so a big print can feel heavy on a performance jersey and may crack after many washes.
Embroidery: best for a premium logo
Embroidery stitches the logo with thread. It looks smart and lasts as long as the garment, which is why clubs use it on staff polos, coaches’ jackets and sweatshirts.
It is not suited to large designs or light mesh jerseys, where the stitching adds weight and stiffness.
Other options: heat transfer, tackle twill and PVC patches
- Heat transfer presses a printed film onto the fabric. It is quick for names and numbers on short runs.
- Tackle twill is cut fabric stitched onto the jersey, the classic look on baseball and basketball uniforms.
- PVC or rubber patches add a raised logo to tracksuits and jackets.
How to choose
- Polyester performance kit with a full design: sublimation.
- Cotton tee or hoodie with a simple logo: screen print.
- Polo, jacket or sweatshirt with a chest logo: embroidery.
- Mixed order: combine them, for example a sublimated jersey with an embroidered crest.
Does sublimation fade?
No, not in normal use. The dye bonds with the polyester, so it does not crack or peel. Very hot washes and long sun exposure can dull any garment over time.
What is DTF printing?
DTF, or direct to film, prints a design on film and presses it onto the garment. It works on cotton and polyester and suits short runs, but it sits on top like a transfer.
Can you mix decoration methods on one kit?
Yes, and many clubs do. A common mix is a sublimated jersey with an embroidered crest, or a cotton hoodie with a screen printed back and embroidered chest logo.
Teamwear made to order
QST International is a sportswear and teamwear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. The facility is WRAP certified and certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and it shares its ethical audit data with buyers through Sedex. The minimum order is 30 to 50 pieces per design, and a sample takes 7 to 10 days before bulk production starts. Ask for a quote.
For rash guards in particular, see sublimation vs screen printing for rash guards.
Frequently asked questions
Is sublimation better than screen printing for jerseys?
For polyester jerseys, yes. The print becomes part of the fabric, so it stays breathable and will not crack or peel.
Can you sublimate on cotton?
Not well. Sublimation bonds with polyester fibres. For cotton, use screen printing, embroidery or heat transfer.
Does embroidery last longer than print?
Embroidery is very durable, but it suits logos rather than large designs. Sublimation also lasts the life of the garment.
Which is cheapest for a small team order?
For a full design on polyester, sublimation, because extra colours cost nothing more. For one small logo on cotton, screen print or heat transfer.
Why do sublimated jerseys need polyester?
Sublimation dye only bonds with polyester fibres. On cotton it washes out.
