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Decoration

Uniform decoration methods compared: sublimation vs screen print, twill and more

Six ways your design goes onto the uniform: sublimation for most game wear, stitching for the traditional finish, and four more methods for the jobs those two cannot do. There is no minimum on any of them.

Dye sublimation is the usual choice for jerseys, shorts and singlets: unlimited colors dyed into polyester, included in the price, with nothing to crack. Screen printing suits cotton-rich tees and hoodies and is priced by ink color. Stitched tackle twill and embroidery give the traditional finish and are quoted on request. DTF handles one-offs and full color on cotton.

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  1. 01What are the six decoration methods?
  2. 02How do the decoration methods compare?
  3. 03Sublimation or screen printing: which lasts longer?
  4. 04What do teams usually choose for each sport?
  5. 05What artwork should we send?

What are the six decoration methods?

Included in the price

Dye sublimation

Dye sublimation is a print process that dyes the design into polyester: ink is turned to gas with heat and bonds inside the fiber, so the print is part of the fabric. Edge-to-edge designs weigh no more than a plain garment and never crack or peel.

Works on
Polyester-rich fabrics (80%+)
Colors
Unlimited, gradients and photo detail
Watch for
No white ink on a dark fabric; not for cotton

Priced by ink color

Screen printing

Screen printing is a method where a stencil for each color lays ink on the surface of the garment, and heat sets it. The result is solid, opaque color, and it is the natural partner for cotton-rich tees and hoodies.

Works on
Light or dark garments, cotton to polyester
Colors
Spot colors matched to Pantone
Watch for
Each extra color adds a screen and cost

Quoted on request

Embroidery

Embroidery is your mark sewn into the garment in thread, for crests, club marks, chest scripts and staff polos. It wears for years and gives a raised, textured finish.

Works on
Polos, fleece, jackets, caps, bags
Colors
Thread shades chosen to match your colors
Watch for
Very fine detail and small lettering fill in

Quoted on request

Stitched tackle twill

Stitched tackle twill is cut twill fabric, shaped into numbers and letters and stitched down around the edge: the traditional game-day finish on football, hockey and baseball. Printed numbers are offered too, when weight matters more.

Works on
Game jerseys and sweaters
Colors
Single or layered, in your colors
Watch for
Heavier than a print; suited to game wear

For one-offs and add-ons

DTF transfer

DTF (direct-to-film) is a full-color print on a transfer film, bonded to the garment with heat. With no setup per design, it is the method for one-off names, replacements and photo-style art on cotton.

Works on
Cotton, blends, most performance knits
Colors
Full color, including white
Watch for
A surface layer; sublimation lasts longer on game jerseys

Included in the price

Own labels and sewn color panels

Own labels mean neck, care and size labels that carry your brand, never a supplier's. Sewn color panels build colors in as separate pieces of cloth sewn together, for hoops, yokes and mesh side vents.

Works on
Every garment in the range
Colors
Any number of panels
Watch for
Panels add sewing time per garment

How do the decoration methods compare?

Sublimation vs screen printing vs embroidery, tackle twill, DTF and sewn panels
Method Best on Colors Finish Price basis
Dye sublimation Polyester jerseys, shorts, singlets (80%+ polyester) Unlimited, gradients and photo detail Dyed into the fiber: no added weight, nothing to crack or peel Included in the price
Screen printing Cotton-rich tees and hoodies; light or dark garments Spot colors matched to Pantone Solid, opaque ink on the surface Priced by ink color
Embroidery Polos, fleece, jackets, caps, bags Thread shades matched to your colors Raised and textured; very fine detail fills in Quoted on request
Stitched tackle twill Game jerseys and sweaters Single or layered, in your colors Traditional game-day finish; heavier than a print Quoted on request
DTF transfer Cotton, blends, most performance knits Full color, including white A surface layer bonded with heat No setup per design; suits one-offs
Own labels and sewn panels Every garment in the range Any number of panels Built into the garment Included in the price

Whatever applies to your order is itemized in the written quote before you commit.

Sublimation or screen printing: which lasts longer?

On a polyester jersey, sublimation. The design is dyed into the fiber, so there is no surface layer to crack, peel or wash off, and it adds no weight however many colors the design has.

Screen printing lays ink on top of the cloth, which is what cotton-rich tees and hoodies need, because sublimation cannot color cotton. On those garments, screen print, embroidery or DTF is the right choice.

What do teams usually choose for each sport?

Typical decoration choices per sport
Sport First choice Often added Also used
Baseball Stitched script and numbers Sublimation Cut-and-sew panels
Basketball Sublimation Cut-and-sew panels Screen print
Esports Sublimation Embroidery Labels
Flag football Sublimation Screen print DTF
Football Sublimation Stitched twill numbers Cut-and-sew panels
Ice hockey Stitched crest and numbers Cut-and-sew stripes Sublimation (practice)
Lacrosse Sublimation Screen print Cut-and-sew panels
Rugby Sewn hoops and panels Embroidery Sublimation (training)
Soccer Sublimation Cut-and-sew panels Labels
Softball Sublimation Stitched chest script Screen print
Volleyball Sublimation Cut-and-sew panels Screen print
Wrestling Sublimation Cut-and-sew panels DTF

A starting point, not a rule: one garment can combine methods, such as a sublimated body with a stitched chest script.

What artwork should we send?

  • Send vector artwork where you can: AI, EPS, PDF or SVG, with text converted to outlines.
  • For a print, a raster image needs to be large enough at its finished size; send the biggest file you have.
  • Note the Pantone number beside every color that must come out exact.
  • Only have a photo or a sketch? Send it. We prepare the artwork and show it to you in a free digital mockup before anything is made.
What is tackle twill?

Tackle twill is cut twill fabric shaped into numbers and letters and stitched onto the jersey around the edge. It is the traditional game-day finish on football, hockey and baseball, and it is quoted on request.

Does sublimation crack or fade?

It does not crack or peel, because the ink is dyed into the polyester fiber rather than sitting on top of it. Wash it as the care label says to keep the colors at their best.

Does sublimation cost extra?

No. Full sublimation is included in the garment price, with no charge per color and no setup fee, however many colors the design uses.

Can one garment combine methods?

Yes. A sublimated body with a stitched chest script, or sewn color panels with printed numbers, are common. The quote lists each method used on each piece.

Is there a minimum for any method?

No. Every method is available from a single piece, and DTF in particular suits one-off names and replacement pieces.

Ready to price your kit?

Send the sport, quantities and deadline, with any artwork you have.