Hey Team Captain!
Your local soccer team is gearing up for the championships and as captain you want to get your teammates custom sports jerseys that not only look great but can withstand the whole season. You’re faced with two popular printing methods: sublimation and screen printing. You’ve heard arguments for both—some say sublimation produces vibrant colors that last forever, others say screen printing is cost effective and versatile. How do you choose which one is best for your custom team jerseys? In this article we’ll break down the differences between the two and help you make an informed decision for your custom apparel needs. Whether you prioritize durability, cost or design flexibility, you’ll find out which method suits your needs and how B1 Apparel can help you get the perfect Custom Baseball Pinstripe Jerseys.
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation printing is a process where heat and pressure is used to turn solid ink into a gas which then bonds with polyester fabric. This is unique because it allows for all over prints that won’t fade, crack or peel over time. The inks are infused into the fibers of the fabric making the design a permanent part of the material.
One of the benefits of sublimation is it can produce vibrant colors and highly detailed designs. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, the result is smooth to the touch with no added layers making it perfect for athletic wear where breathability is key.
At B1 Apparel we offer custom sublimation services for sports teams looking for jerseys that look great and perform under pressure. From local leagues to professional teams, our sublimation options will ensure your designs stay vibrant even after multiple washes and wear.
Advantages of Sublimation
- Durability: Colors in sublimated prints won’t crack, peel or fade.
- Design flexibility: Sublimation allows for all over printing, so you can cover the whole jersey with complex designs and patterns.
- Breathability: Since the ink becomes part of the fabric, there are no added layers that can block airflow or make the jersey feel heavy.
Drawbacks of Sublimation
- Fabric limitations: Sublimation is best for polyester or other synthetic fabrics. If your team prefers cotton jerseys, this method won’t be ideal.
- Cost: While sublimation is great for smaller, highly detailed batches, it can be more expensive than other methods for short runs.
What is Screen Printing?
On the other hand, screen printing uses a stencil (screen) to apply layers of ink onto the surface of a fabric. This method has been around for decades and is one of the most popular printing methods because of its versatility and cost effectiveness. In screen printing each color in the design is applied with a separate stencil, so it’s better for bold simple designs rather than complex multi colored patterns.
Screen printing works on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. This makes it a versatile option for sports jerseys, particularly if you’re looking for a lower-cost solution.
At B1 Apparel, we specialize in screen printing for custom sports jerseys, offering high-quality prints that stand up to the rough and tumble of competitive sports. Whether you need a simple team logo or a detailed design, we can help you choose the right print method to match your budget and team’s needs.
Advantages of Screen Printing
- Cost-effective: For large runs, screen printing is generally cheaper, making it a good option for bulk orders.
- Versatility: It works on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
- Bold designs: Screen printing excels with bold and vivid designs, especially when using fewer colors.
Drawbacks of Screen Printing
- Less detail: Because each color is applied separately, screen printing doesn’t allow for highly intricate designs or gradients.
- Durability issues: Over time, screen-printed designs may crack or peel, particularly if the jerseys are subjected to frequent washing.
- Heavier feel: Screen printing adds a layer of ink onto the fabric, which can make the jersey feel heavier, particularly if large areas are printed.
Material Compatibility: Sublimation vs. Screen Printing
One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing between sublimation and screen printing is the type of fabric used. Sublimation works best with polyester fabrics, making it ideal for sports jerseys that need to be lightweight, breathable, and durable.
However, if your team prefers cotton jerseys or a fabric blend, screen printing may be the better choice. Screen printing can be applied to a wide range of fabrics, making it the more flexible option for teams that want different material types for their apparel.
At B1 Apparel, we understand that different teams have different preferences when it comes to jersey materials. That’s why we offer both sublimation and screen printing services to accommodate your needs, whether you’re looking for moisture-wicking polyester or a soft cotton-blend.
Design Complexity and Color Options
When it comes to design complexity, sublimation is the clear winner. Sublimation printing allows for unlimited colors and complex, detailed designs without increasing costs. You can achieve photorealistic images and intricate patterns that cover the entire jersey, which is particularly beneficial for sports teams with elaborate logos or designs.
Screen printing, on the other hand, is more limited in terms of color and design. Each color requires a separate stencil, so multi-colored designs are more time-consuming and expensive. Simple, bold designs with fewer colors work best for screen printing, making it the ideal choice for teams that prefer classic, straightforward styles.
No matter how intricate or simple your design is, B1 Apparel can help bring it to life. Our team of experts can guide you through the design process, whether you choose sublimation for its flexibility or screen printing for its boldness.
Durability and Longevity of Prints
When investing in custom sports jerseys, durability is often one of the top concerns. After all, your team’s jerseys will endure rough practices, competitive games, and frequent washes.
Sublimation stands out for its long-lasting durability. Since the ink is embedded directly into the fabric, sublimated jerseys won’t crack, fade, or peel over time. This makes sublimation a great choice for teams that want jerseys to look just as vibrant after a season’s worth of games as they did on day one.
Screen printing, while durable, may experience issues over time. The ink sits on top of the fabric, and after repeated washing and wear, screen-printed designs may begin to crack or peel. This doesn’t mean screen-printed jerseys won’t last, but they may not hold up as well as sublimated designs under heavy use.
For teams that prioritize durability, B1 Apparel recommends considering sublimation. However, if your team is on a budget or prefers screen printing, we ensure high-quality prints that will withstand a good amount of wear and tear.
Cost Efficiency: Initial Setup and Long-Term Investment
When deciding between sublimation and screen printing, cost is often a major factor. Screen printing typically has a lower upfront cost, especially for bulk orders with simple designs. This is because the setup for each stencil is relatively straightforward, and the cost per jersey decreases significantly with larger quantities.
Sublimation, on the other hand, can be more expensive initially due to the specialized equipment and higher-quality ink required. However, sublimation can be more cost-effective for smaller batches or intricate designs, as the price doesn’t increase with the complexity of the design.
At B1 Apparel, we work with teams of all sizes and budgets. Whether you’re ordering jerseys for a local league or a professional sports team, we’ll help you find the right printing method that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
Environmental Impact: Sublimation vs. Screen Printing
As more teams and organizations consider their environmental impact, it’s important to understand how each printing method affects the environment.
Sublimation is generally considered more environmentally friendly because it produces less waste. The ink is directly infused into the fabric, and there are no extra inks or screens to dispose of. Additionally, sublimation uses water-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment than some traditional screen printing inks.
Screen printing can generate more waste, especially if plastisol inks are used. These inks contain PVC, which isn’t biodegradable. However, B1 Apparel is committed to using eco-friendly practices, including offering water-based inks and ensuring proper disposal of materials to minimize environmental harm.
Conclusion: Sublimation or Screen Printing – Which is Better?
When it comes to deciding between sublimation and screen printing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, depending on your team’s needs, design preferences, and budget.
If you’re looking for highly detailed designs, long-lasting durability, and jerseys made from polyester, sublimation is the best option. However, if your team prefers cotton jerseys, bold, simple designs, and is working with a tighter budget, screen printing may be the way to go.
At B1 Apparel, we offer both sublimation and screen printing services, helping teams find the perfect custom jerseys for their needs. Whether you’re outfitting a local sports team or preparing for a major tournament, we’ve got you covered. Find the perfect custom team jerseys at B1 Apparel, and let us help you make your team stand out on the field.