When ordering custom soccer uniforms, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right printing method. At ProKits, we only use full sublimation printing for all of our custom kits. In this guide, we break down the differences between sublimation and traditional screen printing, so you understand why sublimation is the best choice for your team.
Full sublimation printing uses heat to turn solid ink into a gas, which bonds permanently with the polyester fabric. This means the design is actually part of the fabric, not sitting on top of it. The result is a jersey that feels soft, breathable, and will never peel, crack, or fade, even after hundreds of washes.
Screen printing uses a stencil (screen) to push ink through onto the surface of the fabric. The ink sits on top of the fabric, which means it can crack, peel, or fade over time, especially after repeated washing. Screen printing also limits the number of colors you can use, and more colors mean higher costs.
Sublimation printing is permanent. The ink is bonded to the fabric, so it will never peel, crack, or fade. Screen printing ink sits on top of the fabric, and will start to peel after 10-20 washes, especially on jerseys that are stretched and washed frequently.
Sublimation printing does not block the pores of the fabric, so your jersey stays breathable and comfortable. Screen printing creates a thick layer of ink on top of the fabric, which blocks airflow and can feel hot and sticky during matches.
With sublimation printing, you can have any design, any number of colors, gradients, photos, and complex patterns, all for the same price. Screen printing requires a separate screen for each color, so more colors mean higher costs, and complex designs like gradients are not possible.
For small orders, sublimation printing is more affordable, because there are no setup costs for screens. For very large orders (1000+ jerseys), screen printing can be slightly cheaper, but for youth teams and small clubs ordering 5-50 sets, sublimation is both better quality and better value.
At ProKits, we only use full sublimation printing for all of our custom soccer kits. We believe our customers deserve the best quality, and sublimation printing is the only way to make jerseys that look great, feel comfortable, and last for multiple seasons. All of our jerseys come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee: if the print peels or fades, we will remake your jerseys for free.
Ready to order your custom sublimated soccer kits? Get a free quote today!