Introduction: The Custom Jersey Journey
Imagine this: your team just made it to the championship. The energy is electric and now more than ever you want to rep your team with custom jerseys that not only look awesome but last through every game, practice and wash. As you start to look into options you come across different printing methods—screen printing, sublimation and embroidery—each with their own benefits. The question is: which method is best for your team?
At B1 Apparel we know choosing the right printing method for custom team jerseys can be tough. Whether you want vibrant designs, durable prints or professional stitching we’re here to help you find the solution. By the end of this article you’ll have all the info you need to make a decision and if you’re ready we can create those awesome jerseys for your team. Get Baseball Pinstripe Jerseys at B1 Apparel for whichever method you choose.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is one of the oldest and most common methods in the custom apparel industry. This process uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto the fabric to create bold designs. Here’s how it works:
- A stencil of the design is placed on the mesh screen.
- Ink is applied over the screen, through the open areas of the stencil to create the design on the jersey.
- The fabric is then heated to set the ink and make it permanent.
Benefits of Screen Printing for Custom Jerseys
One of the biggest benefits of screen printing on jerseys is the vibrant color output. Because each color is printed separately you can get bold solid colors that really pop on the fabric. This is great for logos and simple designs where color accuracy is important.
Screen printing is also cost effective for bulk orders. If you’re printing a large quantity of jerseys with the same design this method gets cheaper with each additional unit printed. Plus the ink used in screen printing is thick and durable so it won’t fade even after multiple washes.
Downsides of Screen Printing
While screen printing is great for solid bold designs it has its limitations. It’s not the best for intricate or multi color designs as each color requires a new screen which increases time and cost. Screen printing works best on cotton or polyester but not on stretchy or slick fabrics.
What is Sublimation Printing?
For those looking for all over prints sublimation printing is the answer. Unlike screen printing where ink is applied on top of the fabric sublimation printing infuses the dye into the fibers of the fabric. This creates a long lasting and seamless design.
How it Works
Sublimation is where special dye-sublimation inks are printed onto a transfer paper. The design is then pressed onto the jersey with a heat press. At high heat the ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fabric to create a permanent print.
Because the ink becomes part of the fabric itself the design won’t crack, peel or fade over time. Sublimation is perfect for polyester fabrics, that’s why it’s the go to method for athletic wear and sports jerseys.
Benefits of Sublimation for Custom Jerseys
One of the biggest advantages of sublimation is it can handle full color designs with ease. If you need highly detailed graphics – team logos, player names or even photos – sublimation will reproduce them with precision.
Also the all over print design capability of sublimation gives more freedom of creativity. You can cover the entire jersey with graphics, gradients and patterns without worrying about fading or distortion.
Drawbacks of Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is great for polyester based fabrics but not for natural fibers like cotton. Sublimation can also be more expensive than screen printing especially for small orders because of the special materials and technology required.
What is Embroidery for Jerseys?
If you want to add texture, professionalism and a premium finish to your jerseys, embroidery is the way to go. Unlike screen printing and sublimation which apply ink to fabric, embroidery uses thread to stitch the design directly onto the garment. This method is perfect for logos, team names and simple designs that need to stand out.
How it Works
In embroidery a machine follows a digitized version of your design and stitches it onto the jersey using colored threads. Satin stitch and fill stitch are used to make the design durable and visible.
This adds a 3D texture to the jersey making it look striking and durable. Because the design is stitched with thread it won’t wear out or fade over time like printed designs will.
Benefits of Embroidery for Custom Jerseys
Embroidery is the way to go for a high end professional look. It’s a go to for corporate uniforms, team logos and premium designs that need to stand out on the field.
Another benefit is the longevity of embroidered designs. They’re wear and tear resistant which makes them perfect for team logos on areas like the chest or sleeve. Unlike screen printing or sublimation embroidery can be applied to a wider range of fabric types including cotton, polyester and blends.
Drawbacks of Embroidery
Embroidery is durable and luxurious but has its limitations. It’s not good for intricate designs with lots of detail or big full color graphics. Embroidering large areas of fabric can also make the jersey heavier and more uncomfortable to wear. And embroidery is more expensive than screen printing and sublimation especially for complex designs.
Screen Printing, Sublimation and Embroidery Comparison
Choosing between screen printing, sublimation and embroidery ultimately comes down to your design, fabric and budget. Here’s a direct comparison of the three based on the following:
Durability
- Screen Printing: Screen printed jerseys are durable but design will fade after several washes if not taken care of.
- Sublimation: Sublimated jerseys are super durable, design becomes part of the fabric, resistant to fading, cracking or peeling.
- Embroidery: Embroidered designs are very durable and can last for years without fading or wearing out.
Color Fidelity
- Screen Printing: Good for bold solid colors but struggles with high detail and color gradients.
- Sublimation: Best for vibrant full color designs with high detail.
- Embroidery: Limited color range due to thread availability and good for simple bold logos.
Cost
- Screen Printing: Cost effective for bulk orders especially for simple single color designs.
- Sublimation: More expensive than screen printing for small orders but good for complex colorful designs.
- Embroidery: Most expensive of the three, especially for detailed or large designs but the premium look is often worth it.
Fabric Compatibility
- Screen Printing: Works on most fabrics, cotton and polyester.
- Sublimation: Good for polyester fabrics; not for cotton.
- Embroidery: Works on most fabric types, cotton, polyester and blends.
What to Consider When Choosing
When choosing between screen printing, sublimation and embroidery consider:
- Budget: If you have a tight budget and printing many jerseys, screen printing is the way to go.
- Design Complexity: For detailed or full color designs sublimation is the clear winner.
- Durability: If you need a design that will last for many many washes and wears, embroidery is unbeatable.
- Fabric Type: Sublimation is good for polyester jerseys, screen printing and embroidery can work on different fabric types.
At B1 Apparel we take all these into account to help you find the best method for your custom jerseys. Get your custom team jerseys at B1 Apparel to get the best printing for your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right method for your custom jerseys depends on your design, budget and durability needs. Screen printing is good for bold simple designs, sublimation is for vibrant full color and embroidery is for premium textured finish.
At B1 Apparel, we specialize in helping teams create stunning custom jerseys using all three methods. Whether you need the vivid colors of sublimation, the classic look of screen printing, or the professional touch of embroidery, we've got you covered. Let us help you make your team look as great as they play!