Sublimation Printing Guide

Sublimation printing is the standard for vibrant, all-over sports and performance apparel — here's exactly how it works and why it lasts so much longer than other methods on polyester.

1. How Sublimation Actually Works

Sublimation uses heat to turn special dye directly into a gas, which bonds permanently with polyester fibers at a molecular level — rather than sitting on top of the fabric like ink from other methods.

2. Why It Only Works on Polyester

The sublimation dye needs polyester's fiber structure to bond correctly; cotton doesn't have the right chemical properties, which is why sublimation is reserved for polyester and poly-blend garments.

3. Best Applications

Sports jerseys, gym wear, and any design needing bold, all-over color or gradients are ideal for sublimation — it's the standard across professional and amateur sports apparel alike.

4. Caring for Sublimated Garments

Sublimated designs are essentially part of the fabric itself, so they resist fading and cracking even after years of regular washing — making care instructions simpler than most other printing methods.

💡 Pro Tip

If your design has gradients or an all-over pattern, sublimation is almost always the right call — it's one of the few methods that reproduces this kind of design without compromise.

Key Takeaways

Sublimation bonds dye directly into polyester fibers at a molecular level.
It only works on polyester and poly-blend fabrics, not cotton.
It's the standard for sports jerseys and bold, all-over designs.
Sublimated designs resist fading and cracking exceptionally well.
It handles gradients and complex color blends better than most methods.

No, it only works on polyester or poly-blend fabrics.

Yes, it's widely used for gym and performance apparel.

It resists fading exceptionally well compared to other methods.

Yes, this is one of sublimation's biggest strengths.

It's competitive, especially for full-color, all-over designs.

Yes, as part of the same sublimation process.

Standard washing is fine — the design won't crack or peel.

No, we accommodate orders of any size.

Yes, including gradients and complex color blends.

Send your design and garment type for a quick quote.

James Whitfield

Founder & Head of Print at TShirtPrintLondon, with 8+ years in custom apparel production.

In This Article

1. How Sublimation Actually Works

2. Why It Only Works on Polyester

3. Best Applications