Sublimation vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery vs DTF for Team Kits
A plain-English comparison of the four main decoration methods for custom team kits: what each does well, what it cannot do, and how to choose.
A plain-English comparison of the four main decoration methods for custom team kits: what each does well, what it cannot do, and how to choose.
Sublimation transfers dye into polyester fibres using heat, so the print becomes part of the fabric. It allows unlimited colours and full edge-to-edge designs, with no feel on the skin and no cracking or peeling. It only works on polyester or high-polyester fabrics and light base colours, which is why it is the standard for football, rugby and cricket kits.
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil, one colour at a time. It is durable and economical for simple, bold artwork in a small number of colours, and works on cotton and blends as well as polyester. Each extra colour adds set-up, so complex multi-colour designs are better suited to other methods.
Embroidery stitches thread into the garment. It looks premium and lasts well, which makes it a good choice for crests, polos, jackets and fleece. It suits compact logos better than large graphics, and very fine detail may need simplifying.
DTF prints the design onto film, then heat-presses it onto the garment. It handles full-colour artwork and small runs on many fabrics, which makes it useful for names, numbers and mixed-fabric items. The hand-feel is slightly more noticeable than sublimation.
Choose sublimation for full-pattern polyester kits. Choose embroidery for crests on polos, jackets and fleece. Choose screen printing for simple one- to three-colour designs on cotton blends. Use DTF for names, numbers and short runs. Many kits combine two methods, such as sublimated bodies with embroidered crests.
Browse our sportswear catalogue, check MOQs and lead times, see the manufacturing process, or request a quote.
Tell us what you need and we will quote it, with a sample before bulk production.