Sublimated Jerseys vs Printed Jerseys: Which Is Right for Your Team?
Choosing team jerseys involves more than finding the right club colours. You also need to decide how the design will be applied, how players will be identified and whether the kit suits the sport.
Sublimation is itself a printing process. In everyday teamwear discussions, however, “printed jerseys” often means ready-made garments decorated with screen printing or digital printing.
This guide compares an all-over sublimated jersey with a stock jersey that has branding applied to selected areas.
What is a sublimated jersey?
Dye sublimation uses heat to transfer a design into suitable polyester fabric. For custom cut-and-sew jerseys, the artwork can be printed onto fabric panels before the garment is assembled.
That creates room for patterns, club colours and graphics across the jersey. Player names, numbers and sponsor artwork can be included in the planned design.
Because the colour is in the fabric rather than a separate print layer, the sublimated design does not have a film edge. The final garment's comfort still depends on its fabric, construction and fit.
Explore our sublimation printing service for more about this approach.
What is a printed stock jersey?
A stock jersey starts with an existing garment style and colour. Your crest, sponsors, names or numbers are then added to suitable areas.
This approach can work well when a standard garment already matches the team's needs. You might only require a chest logo and a back number rather than a completely custom pattern.
Different decoration processes suit different designs. DTF printing is one option for full-colour graphics on compatible garments. Fabric suitability and print placement should be checked before choosing the process.
Compare the two approaches
Design coverage. All-over sublimated jersey: Artwork planned across garment panels. Decorated stock jersey: Artwork added to available decoration areas.
Base garment. All-over sublimated jersey: Usually a suitable polyester construction. Decorated stock jersey: Existing styles and available colours.
Personalisation. All-over sublimated jersey: Names and numbers incorporated before production. Decorated stock jersey: Names and numbers added using a suitable process.
Design feel. All-over sublimated jersey: No separate film layer from the sublimated colour. Decorated stock jersey: Varies with print method and coverage.
Later changes. All-over sublimated jersey: Existing sublimated artwork cannot simply be removed. Decorated stock jersey: Changes may be possible, depending on garment and placement.
Repeat orders. All-over sublimated jersey: Check minimums and current production scheduling. Decorated stock jersey: Check stock continuity and decoration requirements.
Choose around your team's priorities
Sublimation is worth considering when you want a distinctive club design, several sponsor placements or a coordinated pattern across jerseys and shorts.
A decorated stock jersey may be enough for a social team, a training top or a simpler club identity built around one available garment colour.
For example, a new futsal club wanting patterned sleeves and personalised match shirts has a different brief from a workplace team needing plain tops with a small logo.
Neither process guarantees the right fit. Compare the selected jersey's measurements, neckline, sleeve shape and fabric before approving the order.
Compare complete quotes rather than headline prices
A useful quote should identify the garment, decoration locations, personalisation, setup, delivery and any additional artwork costs.
For larger runs of repeated, limited-colour artwork, screen printing may be another option for suitable team garments. Individual names and numbers may require a separate process.
Ask how the quote handles multiple sizes, sponsor logos and future top-ups. A low starting price is difficult to compare if the competing option already includes more of the finished kit.
Organise names, numbers and sizing early
Keep one roster containing every player's size, printed name and number. Ask each player to check their own entry before approval.
Use the size guide for the chosen garment, and ask about sizing samples if fit is uncertain. Do not assume a junior size, women's fit and unisex fit share equivalent measurements.
Our custom sports jerseys and teamwear service can help coordinate the match kit with training and supporter items.
Make the choice before finalising the artwork
The production method influences what is practical, so settle it before investing too much time in the final design.
Send your team size, sport, artwork ideas and first-match date when you request a jersey quote. We can help you compare a suitable garment and decoration approach around the kit you actually need.
Frequently asked questions
Is sublimation different from printing?
Sublimation is a printing process. In this comparison, printed stock jerseys means existing garments decorated in selected areas, while sublimated jerseys have artwork incorporated into suitable polyester fabric.
Which option is best for an all-over jersey design?
Sublimation is usually the more suitable starting point for patterns and graphics across jersey panels. The garment template and production process should be confirmed before the artwork is finalised.
Can we order extra jerseys for new players later?
Ask about top-up minimums, garment availability, pricing and production time before placing your initial order. Keep the approved design and previous order details so the supplier can check the options.
