When it comes to designing quality, durable team uniforms, the printing method you choose can make a significant difference in both appearance and performance. One of the most advanced and popular methods in custom sportswear today is sublimation printing.
But what is sublimation printing, and why is it such a preferred option for sports teams, schools, and clubs across Australia? Discover with Team Spirit Sports in this article.
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing, also known as dye sublimation, is a heat-based printing method that infuses dye directly into the fabric fibres of a garment. Instead of layering ink on top of the material, sublimation transforms solid dye into a gas without passing through a liquid phase, which bonds the ink to the fibres on a molecular level.
The result? Bright, bold, and permanent colours that won’t crack, fade, or peel, no matter how many games, washes, or seasons your team faces.
How Does Sublimation Printing Work?
The sublimation process follows a few essential steps:
Step 1: Design Creation
The artwork is created digitally, using graphic design software. It can include logos, numbers, names, patterns, gradients, and more.
Step 2: Printing on Transfer Paper
After the design is finalised, it’s printed onto specialised sublimation transfer paper using sublimation inks. This paper temporarily holds the ink, maintaining the design’s sharpness and colour.
The accuracy of this step is crucial, as it ensures the design transfers cleanly onto the fabric in the next stage. Proper alignment and handling of the paper help achieve a flawless result.
Step 3: Heat Transfer
Using a heat press, the paper is applied to the fabric at high temperatures (around 180–200°C). The heat turns the ink into gas and opens the pores of the polyester fabric.
Step 4: Ink Infusion
As heat is applied, the sublimation ink on the transfer paper turns into gas and penetrates the fabric’s fibres. When the fabric cools, the dye solidifies and becomes a permanent part of the material.
This results in a smooth, vibrant print that won’t peel, crack, or fade over time.
Benefits of Sublimation Printing for Custom Sportswear
Whether you're ordering jerseys for a school basketball team or polos for a local cricket club, sublimation printing offers a range of advantages:
1. Unlimited Colour and Design Options
Because the design is printed digitally, you’re not limited to simple colours or screen printing restrictions. You can incorporate:
- Gradients and fades
- Full-colour graphics and patterns
- Indigenous artwork and mascots
- Intricate fonts and detailing
2. Fade-Free and Crack-Proof
Unlike screen-printed or vinyl-applied designs, sublimated prints won’t peel or fade over time. This makes them ideal for high-impact and high-wear garments, especially in outdoor conditions.
3. Lightweight and Breathable
Sublimation adds no extra weight or texture to the garment, maintaining the fabric’s breathability and flexibility, which is perfect for Australian summer sports.
4. Durable and Easy to Wash
Since the ink becomes part of the fabric itself, sublimated uniforms can withstand repeated washing without any deterioration in design quality.
5. Fully Customisable
From sponsor and logo placements to player names and jersey numbers, every element can be personalised to suit your team, school, or club identity.
What Fabrics Work Best with Sublimation?
Sublimation printing is best suited to polyester or polyester-blend fabrics. The synthetic fibres allow the dye to bond effectively during the heat transfer process.
While 100% cotton and other natural fibres don’t absorb the dye in the same way, many sportswear manufacturers (like Team Spirit Sports) use high-performance polyester blends designed specifically for athletic performance.
Popular fabric choices for sublimated garments include:
- Lightweight mesh
- Interlock polyester
- Quick-dry performance fabric
- Moisture-wicking blends
Sublimation Printing vs. Other Methods
Printing Method | Appearance | Durability | Fabric Compatibility | Best For |
Sublimation | Sharp, vibrant | Excellent | Polyester & blends | Sportswear, full-colour designs |
Screen Printing | Bold, flat colours | Good | Most fabrics | T-shirts, simple designs |
Heat Transfer Vinyl | Smooth, layered | Moderate | Cotton, polyester | Names/numbers, low-quantity orders |
Embroidery | Textured, stitched | Excellent | Most fabrics | Logos, caps, polos |
Applications of Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is used across a wide range of industries, but it shines brightest in team sportswear, where performance and appearance are critical.
Ideal for:
- Basketball, netball, AFL, and soccer kits
- Custom polos and training tops
- School sports uniforms
- Reversible jerseys
- Club apparel and supporter gear
Ready to Create Your Custom Sublimated Apparel?
Sublimation printing is the gold standard in teamwear for good reason: it delivers professional quality, vivid colour, and lasting durability, everything your team needs to perform and look its best.
At Team Spirit Sports, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you're outfitting a school squad, weekend club, or rep team, our custom uniforms are designed to impress and built to last.
Contact us today!
FAQs About Sublimation Printing
1. Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics. Cotton lacks the polymer coating needed for the dye to bond during heat transfer.
2. How long does sublimated printing last?
Sublimation is permanent. The colours don’t fade, crack, or peel, even after many washes.
3. Is sublimation printing expensive?
Sublimation is cost-effective for full-colour or high-detail designs. While the upfront cost may be higher than screen printing, the durability and design flexibility offer excellent value over time.
4. What types of products can be sublimated?
Sublimation is commonly used for polyester garments like sports uniforms, t-shirts, and activewear. It’s also popular for hard goods such as mugs, mousepads, and signage, provided they have a polymer coating compatible with the sublimation process.
5. Are there any limitations to sublimation printing?
Yes. Sublimation is limited to light-coloured, polyester-based materials. It doesn’t work well on dark fabrics or cotton, and it’s not suitable for textured surfaces like wool or thick fleece. Also, exact colour matching can be tricky due to fabric differences and heat variations.