What is a Sublimated Jersey? Meaning, Benefits, and Process

A sublimated jersey means the sportswear uses sublimation printing. Sublimation printing is a popular printing technique that stands apart from traditional printing methods.

Traditional printing methods, like screen printing, apply the graphic or logo on top of the fabric. In contrast, the sublimation printing puts the design right into the fabric. The colors remain vibrant over time, with no fading, cracking, or peeling.

These make sublimated jerseys great for sports teams and custom apparel. At JerseyOne, you can find hundreds of sublimated basketball, baseball, hockey, and football jerseys.

Benefits of Sublimated Jerseys

The image below shows which parts of the jersey use sublimation.

As you can see, you can use sublimation printing on both the full fabric and for adding logos, names, or numbers. Traditional printing methods (Screen Printing, DTF, etc) can only add logos, names, and numbers.

Moreover, here are some additional advantages of sublimation printing:

Colorful Designs:Dyed fabric comes in just one solid color. In contrast, sublimation lets you print designs, like gradients, edge blur, and pinstripe. Perfect for custom-designed jerseys.

It also has a high printing resolution. You can even use it to print photos, 3D effect graphics, and other intricate designs.

Cost-effective:Sublimation printing is simpler than screen printing or heat transfer vinyl (HTV). It does not require extra steps or printing plates. To make a full sublimation jersey, you simply print the design, cut out the jersey panels, and sew them together. This process uses less labor and offers a faster turnaround time.

Vibrant Colors:Sublimation dyes penetrate deep into the fabric, becoming a part of the fabric. This means the print's lifespan matches the garment's, offering exceptional durability.

Great Airflow:Traditional printing methods add a layer to the fabric. This layer makes the fabric less breathable. In contrast, sublimation embeds the color into the fabric, preserving its airflow.

Durable after washing:Sublimation jerseys hold up incredibly well, even after dozens of washes. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, not just sitting on top. Graphics applied via screen printing often crack over time, while HTV and DTF prints can peel off.

Soft feel:With screen printing, HTV, or DTF, develop a rubbery-like feel that’s noticeably different from the fabric. In contrast, sublimation preserves the jersey’s original soft texture, making it even more comfortable and ideal for sportswear.

Eco-Friendly: Sublimation is a cleaner way to print. No need for water or washing, so it reduces waste. Plus, the equipment is simple, and the whole process is easier on the environment.

How Are Sublimated Jerseys Made?

The sublimation jersey process includes 5 steps. 

1. Sublimated Jersey Design: Design the jersey in Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW.
2. Copy the Design: Copy all the sublimation designs to the sublimation print software. Adjust the position of each element.
3. Sublimation Printing: Print the design onto special transfer paper.
4. Heat Transfer: Transfer those designs on the transfer paper onto the fabric roll using by heat transfer machine.
5. Cut and Sewn: Cut all parts from the printed fabric roll and sew them together.

Sublimation Jersey FAQ

What is a sublimation jersey material?

Most sublimation jerseys are made from knit polyester fabric, with 100% polyester knits being the best choice. Some jerseys use polyester‑blend fabrics, but these blends almost always contain at least 80% polyester.

That’s because sublimation work uses water-based inks that can only chemically bond with polyester. Materials like cotton or nylon cannot be dyed this way. In general, the minimum polyester content for sublimation is 60%; anything below that won’t achieve the expected results.

What are the limitations of sublimated printing jersey?

Here are the limitations of subliated printing jersey:

Fabric Restriction: Sublimation can only be applied to polyester materials.

Dark Colors: Poor results on deep dark jerseys (e.g., solid black).

Fine Detail: Ultra‑fine designs (such as lines under 1 mm) cannot be reproduced accurately.

Lightfastness: Colors may fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

White Backside: The backside is white. Over time, pilling or snags can show white fibers. This can make the jersey look less appealing.

What is full sublimation jersey meaning?

A "Full Sublimation Jersey" refers to a sports jersey that jersey's logo, color, and graphics are all sublimated. Some jerseys are with stitched logo on blank sublimation jerseys.

Can you sublimate on dark colors?

No, sublimation can only be applied to white or light-colored jerseys.

What is sublimated clothing meaning?

It mean the graphics of the clothing are sublimation printed.