How to Wash & Care for Sublimated Soccer Jerseys (So They Last All Season)

October 2, 2026 · 6 min read

You just spent $300–500 on custom sublimated jerseys for your team. If you wash them wrong, the colors fade, the fabric wears thin, and you're ordering new kits halfway through the season. Here's exactly how to keep them looking fresh.

First: Why Sublimation Is Different

Sublimated jerseys don't have printed logos or numbers sitting on top of the fabric — the ink is dyed directly into the polyester fibers. This means the print won't peel, crack, or flake (unlike heat transfer vinyl or screen printing). But the fabric itself still needs proper care.

            Good news: Sublimated jerseys are actually easier to care for than printed ones. You don't have to worry about peeling. The main risk is fabric damage from hot water, harsh detergents, and high-heat drying.
        

Washing: The Do's and Don'ts

Do:

Turn jerseys inside out before washing — this protects the print and reduces friction on the outside surface.
Use cold water (30°C / 86°F or below). Hot water breaks down the fabric fibers and can cause fading over time.
Use a mild, sports-friendly detergent. Avoid anything with bleach, fabric softener, or heavy enzymes.
Wash similar colors together. Dark jerseys with dark, white with white. Even with sublimation, new kits can have slight color bleed on the first wash.
Zip up or button everything. Close zippers and turn shorts inside out too.
Use a gentle cycle. Normal cycle is fine for modern machines, but avoid heavy-duty or sports cycles that use extra heat.

Don't:

Never do these:

Never use bleach or bleach alternatives — they strip the dye and cause permanent discoloration.
Never use fabric softener — it coats the fabric and blocks the wicking properties that keep players dry.
Never wash in hot water or warm water above 30°C.
Never leave jerseys sitting wet in a laundry basket or gym bag — hang them up immediately.
Never dry clean — the chemicals destroy the fabric and print.

Drying: Air Dry Is Best

This is where most teams mess up. Tumble drying on high heat is the #1 cause of premature jersey wear.

Hang dry on a clothesline or drying rack, away from direct sunlight.
If you must use a dryer, use the low heat or air-fluff setting only, and take jerseys out while slightly damp.
Never hang jerseys on wire hangers — they stretch the shoulders. Use padded hangers or fold them.

Stain Removal: Grass, Mud, Blood

Grass stains are inevitable. Here's how to treat them without damaging the print:

Brush off dry mud before wetting the jersey.
Rinse the stain with cold water from the back side to push the stain out, not further in.
Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain and gently rub with your fingers.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as normal.
For stubborn grass stains: mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply to the stain, let sit 30 minutes, then wash.

            Pro tip: Treat stains immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Keep a small spray bottle of water at practice to rinse stains before they set.
        

Between Games: Quick Tips

Air out jerseys after each game. Hang them up, don't ball them up in the gear bag.
Machine wash after every 2–3 wears if they're not visibly dirty — frequent washing shortens fabric life.
Don't iron sublimated jerseys. If needed, iron on low heat through a towel, only on the reverse side.
Store in a cool, dry place. Don't leave jerseys in a hot car trunk — heat and humidity cause fabric breakdown.

How Long Should a Sublimated Jersey Last?

With proper care, a good quality sublimated jersey should last 2–3 full seasons for a weekly league team. Lower quality jerseys (thin fabric, poor print) might last only one season. The fabric weight matters: 140GSM match jerseys are lightweight but less durable, while 160GSM training jerseys handle more abuse.

Want Jerseys That Last?

Our sublimated jerseys use premium 140–160GSM polyester built to withstand a full season of play and washing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my jersey in the dryer?
On low heat only. High heat will shrink the fabric and cause pilling. Air drying is always preferred.

Why is my jersey pilling?
Pilling (small fabric balls) happens from friction in the wash, especially with cheap detergents. Use a laundry bag, wash inside out, and avoid fabric softener.

How do I remove sweat smells?
Add a half cup of white vinegar to the wash along with detergent. Vinegar neutralizes odor without damaging the fabric. Skip the fabric softener.

Can I customize the care label?
Yes — when ordering private label jerseys, we can add custom woven care labels with your brand and washing instructions.