Details of Sublimation Printing vs Screen Printing:

Sublimation printing and screen printing are both excellent options for creating your own unique sportswear, but the question still remains: Which is better? Your specific needs and goals will determine the answer!

The Procedures:

Sublimation, a digital printing technique powered by heat, is where ink transforms from a liquid to a gaseous state and enters the fabric. Our computer begins the design process, which then passes to the printer. Screens are not required. Our printers can reproduce any color rainbow with a single print. After printing, the fabric is cut and sewn into your custom uniform or jersey.

Screen printing, on the other hand, works differently. As it sounds, each color in your design requires its own custom screen. These screens have a fine mesh aligned with your design that allows ink to be transferred onto the fabric.

The screen is secured above the fabric and then a towel pushed over the top of the screen transfers the ink to your garment. Repeat this process for each color of your clothing item until you are finished.

Fabric Requirements:

Sublimation is only available on polyester fabrics. Our extensive range of fabrics will cover all your needs, from sweat-absorbing tee shirts to lightweight basketball jerseys. Fabrics that are comfortable and soft will allow you to wear them all day. Sublimation printing dyes the fabric completely since the ink goes through the fiber.

Screen printing, on the other hand, can be used with almost any fabric. Contrary to sublimation, however, ink is not engaged into the fabric but simply rests on top.

Cost Implication:

Sublimation printing offers a wide range of customization options and low-order quantities. No additional charges are applied regardless of the color quantity.

Due to setup and labor costs, screen printing is more expensive for smaller quantities. Screen printing becomes more affordable with higher quantities, but each additional color in your design will incur extra costs.

The Decision:

Sublimation is the preferred method of sublimation for most of our clients. It is a cost-effective way to produce clothing in large quantities without requiring large orders.

Comparing Sublimation and Screen Printing for Athletic Apparel:

When choosing between sublimation and screen printing for athletic apparel, some elements should to be considered:

Fabric Type: If your apparel is primarily polyester or polyester-mixture, sublimation printing is an incredible preference due to its durability and vibrant color output. For polyester or different fabrics, display screen printing might be more suitable.

Design Complexity: For designs with many colors, gradients, or complicated information, sublimation printing offers advanced results. Screen printing is more acceptable for simpler designs with fewer colors.

Order Size: Screen printing becomes more cost effective for large orders, making it ideal for team uniforms or bulk production. Sublimation printing is more applicable to smaller batches or custom designed gadgets due to its better initial setup cost.

Durability and Comfort: Both methods offer durable prints, but sublimation printing provides higher comfort because it doesn’t upload any extra layer to the fabric. This makes it  more suitable for high-performance athletic wear.

Are you ready to start your order for a custom sports uniform? Contact us by clicking here.