Sublimation vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Sports Uniforms?
When choosing the right custom uniforms for your sports team, the printing method matters just as much as the fabric or fit. Two of the most popular techniques for decorating sports apparel are sublimation printing and screen printing. But which one is better for performance, durability, and design flexibility?
At Hegemon Sport, we specialize in high-quality custom team uniforms and offer both printing methods to match your team’s needs. Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right fit for your squad.
1. What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation is a digital printing process where dye becomes part of the fabric. The design is printed onto special paper and then heat-pressed onto polyester garments. The dye converts to gas and bonds with the fabric at a molecular level.
✅ Pros of Sublimation:
- Unlimited colors & designs: Create intricate patterns, fades, or gradients.
- No fading, cracking, or peeling: The ink becomes part of the fabric.
- Lightweight & breathable: Perfect for activewear and hot climates.
- Durable with repeated washing.
❌ Cons:
- Only works on polyester or polyester-blend fabrics.
- Best suited for white or light-colored garments.
2. What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing uses ink pushed through a stencil (screen) onto the fabric. Each color is applied one at a time, requiring separate screens.
✅ Pros of Screen Printing:
- Vibrant, bold colors, even on dark fabrics.
- Ideal for cotton or mixed-fabric garments.
- Cost-effective for large quantities with the same design.
❌ Cons:
- Limited design complexity (each color adds time & cost).
- Prone to cracking and peeling over time.
- Heavier ink layers can affect breathability.
3. Which One Should You Choose?
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Best on 100% polyester | Works on cotton or blends |
| Design Complexity | Unlimited, full-color designs | Simple designs with few colors |
| Durability | Extremely durable | May crack/peel with time |
| Comfort | Lightweight, no ink feel | Ink adds weight |
| Cost (Small Orders) | More cost-effective | More expensive per piece |
| Cost (Large Orders) | Affordable, scalable | Economical in bulk |
4. Our Recommendation
If your team needs lightweight, full-color, durable uniforms, sublimation printing is the way to go. It’s especially ideal for sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and esports jerseys.
However, if you’re printing simple logos on cotton apparel (like t-shirts, hoodies, or warm-ups), screen printing can still be a strong choice—especially in high volumes.
5. Get Custom Sports Uniforms with Hegemon Sport
At Hegemon Sport, we offer both sublimated uniforms and screen-printed apparel to suit every team and every budget. Whether you’re outfitting a school, club, or corporate team, we help you bring your vision to life with top-quality printing and performance fabrics.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote or explore our catalog of custom sportswear.
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