How each method works
Sublimation: your design is printed onto transfer paper, then heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas that bonds with the polyester fibres. Nothing sits on top, so the surface stays soft and the whole garment can be printed edge to edge.
Screen printing: ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric, one screen per colour. The ink dries as a layer on the surface. It is quick for large runs of the same simple design, but each extra colour means another screen.
Side by side
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Permanent, never peels | Can crack over time |
| Feel | Soft, breathable | Ink layer on top |
| Colours | Unlimited, including gradients and photos | One screen per colour |
| Per-player names and numbers | Part of each jersey's design | Usually a separate step |
| Best fabric | Polyester, white or light base | Cotton and blends |
| Best for | Full-colour team kits | Simple one or two colour designs in large runs |
Why every Xipid jersey is sublimated
- ✓It lasts. The colour, crest, names and numbers are dyed into the fabric, so they survive seasons of washing and play.
- ✓It breathes. Nothing seals the surface, which matters in Indian heat.
- ✓Design freedom. All-over patterns, gradients, photographic designs and full-colour crests are all possible.
- ✓No per-logo charges. Names, numbers and sponsor logos are printed as part of the design, so adding one more costs nothing.
- ✓One piece or five hundred. There are no screens to set up, so there is no minimum order and no setup fee.
Xipid makes jerseys by sublimation only. We do not screen print, DTF print or DTG print jerseys. If you want an embroidered or printed logo on top of a sublimated jersey, ask us and we will quote it as an add-on. See custom jersey printing for how we print.
When screen printing still makes sense
Screen printing is a good choice for a large run of identical cotton T-shirts with a one or two colour logo, such as event merchandise where every shirt is the same and breathability matters less. It is not the right choice for a team kit with a different name and number on every player, all-over colour, or polyester performance fabric.
Caring for a sublimated jersey
Wash cold, inside out, with no bleach, and the print will last the life of the garment. The guide to washing sublimated jerseys covers drying and ironing too. For how designs, names and sponsors are laid out on a sublimated kit, read where logos, names and numbers go on a jersey.
See your design sublimated
Send your colours and logo on WhatsApp for a free mockup within 24 hours. No minimum order, and you pay only after you approve.
Does a sublimated jersey fade after washing?+
Is sublimation more expensive than screen printing?+
Can you sublimate on cotton?+
Does Xipid screen print jerseys?+
Ready to print? See custom jersey printing, or learn how the process works in what is sublimation printing.
