When you order custom team jerseys, one decision shapes how they look, feel and last: the printing method. The two most common options are dye sublimation and screen printing. They’re very different processes, and the right choice depends on your design, your sport and your budget. Here’s a clear, no-jargon comparison so you choose correctly the first time.
What is dye sublimation?
Dye sublimation uses heat to turn solid dye into gas, which bonds directly into the fibers of a polyester fabric. The color becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top of it. That’s why sublimated jerseys feel smooth (you can’t feel the print), don’t crack or peel, and can carry unlimited colors, gradients and all-over patterns. It’s the method XROAD Sports uses for custom uniforms.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a stencil (screen) onto the fabric surface, one color at a time. It’s excellent for simple, bold designs on cotton garments and short on color count — but each additional color adds a screen, and therefore cost. Over time, thick prints can crack, fade or peel, especially on stretchy performance fabric.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Dye is in the fabric — won’t crack or peel | Ink sits on top — can crack/fade |
| Colors | Unlimited, including gradients | Cost rises per color |
| Feel | No texture, fully breathable | Can feel heavy where printed |
| Best fabric | Polyester / performance blends | Cotton |
| All-over / number+name | Easy and seamless | Difficult / costly |
| Best for | Team sports uniforms | Casual tees, simple logos |
Which is best for which sport?
For active team sports — football, basketball, baseball and hockey — sublimation is almost always the better choice. Players sweat, stretch and collide, and a print that’s woven into the fabric holds up far better than one sitting on the surface. Screen printing still shines for cotton fan tees, simple booster-club shirts, or one-color logos.
Why XROAD uses sublimation for custom uniforms
- True full customization — names, numbers, logos, sponsor marks and patterns with no per-color penalty.
- Performance feel — lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
- Longevity — colors stay vivid season after season, backed by our one-season warranty.
- Free design — we create your mockup at no cost, usually within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does sublimation fade over time?
No. Because the dye bonds into the fibers, sublimated jerseys resist fading, cracking and peeling far better than surface prints.
Is sublimation more expensive than screen printing?
For multi-color or full-color team designs, sublimation is usually more cost-effective because there’s no per-color charge. For a single-color logo on cotton, screen printing can be cheaper.
Can I get names and numbers with sublimation?
Yes — names, numbers and logos are printed seamlessly as part of the design with no added bulk.
Design your sublimated uniform
Ready to see your team in vivid, durable, fully custom gear? Start your free design or talk to a uniform specialist about the best fabric and finish for your sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sublimation and screen printing?
Sublimation dyes the design directly into the fabric so it never cracks or peels, while screen printing layers ink on top of the fabric surface. Sublimation allows unlimited colors and full-coverage graphics; screen printing works best for simple, few-color designs.
Is sublimation better than screen printing for team jerseys?
For full-color, durable team jerseys, sublimation is usually the better choice because the design is permanent and breathable. Screen printing can be more economical for very simple one- or two-color logos on cotton.
Does sublimation printing fade or crack over time?
No. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, sublimated jerseys won’t crack, peel, or fade with washing and wear. That makes them ideal for full seasons of play.
Which printing method does XROAD Sports use?
XROAD Sports specializes in dye-sublimation for custom football, basketball, hockey, and baseball uniforms. This lets us offer unlimited colors, names, and numbers with no setup fees.
