Sublimated, Printed or Embroidered? How Soccer Jerseys Get Their Design
Two soccer jerseys can look identical in a photo and feel completely different in your hands. The reason is usually the way the design has been applied. Clubs comparing quotes for custom soccer jerseys will see terms such as sublimation, screen print, heat transfer and embroidery, and each one behaves differently on the pitch and in the wash.
Quick answer: Sublimation dyes the design into the fabric, so it adds no weight and cannot crack or peel. Screen printing and heat transfer sit on top of the fabric and suit simple designs on plain jerseys. Embroidery gives a raised, premium finish for crests but adds weight. For full custom team designs, sublimation is usually the most practical choice.
How does sublimation work on a soccer jersey?
In sublimation, the artwork is printed onto transfer paper and then pressed against white polyester fabric with heat. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the fibres, so the colour becomes part of the cloth. The printed panels are then cut and sewn into a jersey.
Because the design is inside the fabric, you cannot feel it with your fingers. Stripes, hoops, gradients, crests, sponsor logos, names and numbers are all applied in one step. The fabric stays breathable across the whole shirt, which matters for a sport played over ninety minutes.
How are screen printing and heat transfer different?
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto a finished garment. Heat transfer applies a pre-cut film or printed sheet with a heat press. Both methods place a layer on top of the fabric.
They work well for adding a number or a sponsor to a plain stock jersey, and they are common for small top-up jobs. The trade-off is that large printed areas can feel heavier and less breathable, and over many washes the surface layer may begin to crack or lift at the edges, especially if the shirts are tumble dried hot.
When does embroidery make sense?
Embroidery stitches the design into the garment with thread. It gives a club crest a raised, traditional look and it is very durable. Many clubs like it on polo shirts, jackets and other off-field clothing.
On a lightweight match jersey it has limits. The stitching and its backing add weight and stiffness, and the patch can rub against the skin. For that reason many teams choose a sublimated crest on the playing shirt and keep embroidery for tracksuits and travel wear.
Which method suits each part of the jersey?
It helps to think about the jersey element by element:
- Body pattern and colours: sublimation, because it covers the whole panel with no added weight
- Club crest: sublimated for match shirts, embroidered for off-field garments
- Sponsor logos: sublimated when known in advance, heat transfer if a sponsor is added later
- Player names and numbers: sublimated when the roster is fixed, transfer when shirts are shared or reassigned
- Small one-off additions: screen print or transfer on existing stock
The key question is how much you know at the time of ordering. Sublimation rewards teams that have their roster, numbers and sponsors confirmed before production starts.
What should you ask a supplier about decoration?
Ask which method is used for each element and whether everything is included in the quoted price. Ask to see a sample or clear photos of finished work so you can judge colour and sharpness. If your club colours are specific, send colour references and ask how they will be matched, because colours on a screen do not always look the same on fabric.
It is also worth asking what file format is needed for your crest. A vector file gives the cleanest result at any size. If you only have a small image, ask whether the supplier can redraw it before printing.
Frequently asked questions
Do sublimated jerseys fade?
The colour is bonded into the fibre, so it holds up well to regular washing. Follow the care label and avoid high heat to keep the fabric in good condition.
Can sublimation be done on cotton?
No. The process needs polyester fibres to bond with, which is one reason performance jerseys are made from polyester.
Can a number be changed after sublimation?
No. It is part of the fabric, so confirm every name and number before production.
Key takeaways
- Sublimation puts the design inside the fabric and keeps the jersey light and breathable
- Screen print and heat transfer sit on the surface and suit small additions
- Embroidery looks premium but is better on off-field clothing than match shirts
- Confirm roster, numbers and sponsors early to get the most from sublimation
Final thoughts
Knowing how a design is applied helps you compare quotes fairly and choose a jersey that still looks sharp at the end of the season. For most clubs wanting a unique kit, a fully sublimated shirt is the simplest route. Stitch Next, a sportswear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan, specialises in sublimated teamwear, and you can explore its custom soccer jerseys to see match shirts designed around a club's own colours and crest.