What does “sublimated” mean?
Dye-sublimation is a printing method where special ink turns from a solid straight into a gas under heat and pressure. That gas bonds with polyester fibres and becomes part of the fabric. When it cools, the colour is locked inside the material rather than sitting on top of it.
A sublimated uniform is a jersey, short or full kit decorated this way. Every part of the design, from the base colour and patterns to the crest, sponsors, player names and numbers, is printed in one go. That is why sublimated kits can carry complex graphics, gradients and photo-quality artwork that other methods cannot.
How sublimated uniforms are made
- Artwork and sizing. Your design is laid out on every pattern piece (front, back, sleeves, collar) for each size, with names and numbers placed per player.
- Printing on transfer paper. A large-format printer prints the mirrored design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks.
- Heat press. The paper is pressed onto white or light polyester fabric at around 190–205 °C (375–400 °F). The ink turns to gas and dyes the fibres.
- Cutting. The printed panels are cut to pattern.
- Sewing and QC. Panels are stitched into finished garments, checked piece by piece, then folded and bagged.
Sublimation vs screen printing vs heat transfer
| Sublimation | Screen printing | Heat transfer / vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the ink sits | Inside the fibre | On top of the fabric | A film pressed on top |
| Cracking or peeling | Does not crack or peel | Can crack over time | Can lift and peel |
| Colours and detail | Unlimited colours, gradients, photo detail | Each colour adds a screen and cost | Best for simple names, numbers, logos |
| Breathability | Fabric stays fully breathable | Large prints feel heavy | Film blocks airflow where applied |
| Fabric | White or light polyester only | Cotton, blends, dark fabrics | Most fabrics |
| Best for | Full team kits with custom designs | Cotton tees and fan merch | Adding names to stock jerseys |
Benefits and limits of sublimated uniforms
- Durable. The design lasts as long as the fabric, through a full season of washing and play.
- Light and breathable. No heavy ink layer, so moisture-wicking fabric keeps working.
- No design limits. All-over patterns, gradients and sponsor logos at no extra cost per colour.
- Personalised in the same print. Every player's name and number is printed with the kit, not added later.
There are two limits to know. Sublimation only works on polyester, so it is not an option for cotton garments. And it needs a white or light base fabric, because the ink cannot print white or lighten a dark material.
How to wash sublimated uniforms
- Turn kits inside out and wash cold with a mild detergent.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener, which wear down performance fabric.
- Line dry or tumble dry on low heat.
- Never iron directly on the print or leave kits wet in a bag overnight.
What to ask before ordering sublimated uniforms
- Minimum order. At KITFORGE it is typically 10–30 pieces per style, so small clubs and academies can order.
- Fabric weight and type. Ask for the GSM and whether it is mesh, interlock or a moisture-wicking knit.
- A physical sample. Check colour accuracy, fit and stitching before bulk. Our sampling takes about 7–10 days.
- Names and numbers. Confirm they are included in the price and send a player list with sizes.
- Delivery terms. Ask whether the price is DDP (duties paid to your door), so there are no import charges on arrival.
Get sublimated kits for your team
See our custom team uniforms (soccer, football, basketball, rugby and more) or look inside our factory. Send your design and we reply within 24 hours with pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What are sublimated uniforms?
Sublimated uniforms are polyester team kits whose designs, colours, names and numbers are dyed into the fabric with heat, rather than printed or pressed on top. The print becomes part of the fibre, so it does not crack, peel or fade.
Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation dye only bonds with polyester, so uniforms need a high-polyester performance fabric. Cotton or dark fabrics are decorated with screen printing or embroidery instead.
Do more colours cost more with sublimation?
No. Sublimation prints the full design in one pass, so a design with 20 colours costs the same to print as a design with two. Names and numbers are included in the print.
How should sublimated uniforms be washed?
Wash cold, inside out, with mild detergent; skip bleach and fabric softener; line dry or tumble dry low; and never iron directly on the print.
Starting your own apparel line instead? Read our guide to working with a private label activewear manufacturer.