Sublimation
Decoration method
Dye Sublimation for All-Over-Print Jerseys and Performance Polyester Apparel
Sublimation infuses dye directly into polyester fibers using heat and pressure, producing prints with zero hand-feel that cover the entire garment edge to edge.
Quick Answer
When to choose Sublimation
Sublimation is the right choice for fully custom polyester apparel — sublimated jerseys for sports teams, all-over-print performance shirts, custom shorts, and any garment that needs decoration that does not crack, fade, or peel. It only works on light-colored polyester. Cotton is not a sublimation candidate.
Strengths and trade-offs
What Sublimation does well — and where it does not
Strengths
- Print covers the entire garment — sleeves, hems, seams
- Zero feel — print is in the fabric, not on top
- Will not crack, peel, or fade
- Photo-realistic full-color reproduction
Trade-offs
- Only works on polyester
- Only works on light-colored fabric (white or pastel base)
- Requires garment manufacturing planning — usually cut-and-sewn from printed fabric
Decoration Guide
Best uses for sublimation
Sublimation is the gold standard for performance apparel and all-over print jobs that demand zero hand-feel and total durability.
Sports jerseys
Hockey, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, cycling — full color, full coverage, no print to crack.
All-over print apparel
Designs that wrap from front to back, sleeve to sleeve, or include patterns and gradients.
Performance polos
Moisture-wicking polyester polos with embedded patterns or color blocking.
Custom uniforms
Mascot suits, character costumes, and uniforms with full-bleed graphics.
Decoration Guide
How sublimation is priced
Sublimation is priced as a complete custom garment — design + printed fabric + cut-and-sewn construction.
Garment design
A one-time art and pattern setup turns your design into a printable layout matching the garment cut.
Quantity
Per-piece cost drops at 12, 24, 50+. Most sublimated team orders land in the 12–25 range.
Garment style
Crew, V-neck, raglan, polo, cycling jersey — each style has a different base cost.
Lead time
Sublimated apparel is manufactured custom — plan 4–6 weeks for production after artwork approval.
FAQ
Sublimation — common questions
Can sublimation be done on cotton?
No. Sublimation only bonds with polyester fibers. For cotton apparel, screen printing or embroidery is the right choice.
Why are sublimated jerseys more expensive than screen printed ones?
Sublimated jerseys are custom-manufactured — the fabric is printed, cut, and sewn for each order. Screen printing decorates an existing blank. The trade-off is unlimited color, full coverage, and decoration that lasts the life of the garment.
How long does sublimation last?
The dye becomes part of the fabric — it cannot crack, peel, or wash out. Color may fade slightly over years of UV exposure, but the print itself is permanent.
What is the lead time for sublimated team jerseys?
Plan 4–6 weeks from artwork approval to delivery. Rush options exist but cost more. Place team orders early in the season.
Can sublimation include names and numbers?
Yes. Names and numbers are designed into the printed fabric, so each jersey is fully custom from the print stage onward.
Ready to price out a sublimation order?
Tell Black Dog Apparel the product, quantity, logo, and deadline. We will recommend the right decoration path and quote it within one business day.
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