Jersey Printing Methods: Sublimation, Transfers and Embroidery Compared

Decoration decides how a football kit looks, feels and survives a season of washing. The same crest can be sublimated into the fabric, heat-pressed on as a transfer, or embroidered as a badge, and each choice changes cost, minimums, comfort and durability. This guide compares the main methods, explains which suits crests, sponsors, names and numbers, and lists the artwork and placement details suppliers need.

The main decoration methods

Full sublimation

Ink is printed on transfer paper and turned into gas under heat, bonding into polyester fibres. The design becomes part of the fabric.

Best for: all-over designs, gradients, patterns, multiple sponsors, low-to-medium quantities of a design
Pros: no added weight or stiffness, does not crack or peel, unlimited colors at no extra cost
Limits: works on white or light polyester (high polyester content); colors can shift slightly between batches; cannot be applied on cotton or dark fabric

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a mesh screen, one screen per color.

Best for: simple logos in few colors on large quantities
Pros: low cost per piece at volume, strong opacity on dark fabric
Limits: setup cost per color, thicker ink layer, less suitable for very stretchy performance fabric unless stretch inks are used

Heat transfer

Pre-made designs are pressed onto the garment with heat and pressure. Types include cut vinyl (single color), printed transfers, and silicone or high-density transfers for a raised look.

Best for: names and numbers, small sponsor logos, personalisation on finished garments
Pros: each piece can be different, sharp edges, works on dark colors
Limits: sits on top of the fabric, can feel stiff on large areas, can peel if pressed at the wrong temperature or washed too hot

Embroidery and badges

Thread is stitched directly into the garment, or a badge is made separately and sewn or heat-applied.

Direct embroidery: premium look for crests on polos, jackets and tracksuits; priced by stitch count
Woven badges: finer detail than embroidery, flatter
Silicone or TPU badges: raised, modern look on match jerseys, heat-applied
Limits: embroidery adds weight and can pucker light jersey fabric; a backing on the inside can feel rough against skin

Choosing a method per element

Element	Common choices	Notes
Body design and colors	Sublimation	Fabric must be polyester
Club crest	Embroidery, woven or silicone badge, sublimation	Embroidery on heavier garments; badge or sublimation on light jerseys
Main sponsor	Sublimation, heat transfer, screen print	Sublimation if the sponsor is the same on all shirts
Names and numbers	Heat transfer (vinyl or printed)	Individual per player
Sleeve logos	Sublimation or heat transfer	Check league size rules
Shorts numbers	Heat transfer	Small and flexible

Mixing methods is normal: sublimated body, silicone crest, vinyl names and numbers is a common combination for club kits.

Names and numbers

Send a locked player list with name spelling, number and size for every garment
Choose a font and confirm character height (for example, back numbers are often in the 20–25 cm range for adults, smaller for youth), checking any competition rules that apply
Confirm the transfer material is suitable for stretch polyester
Ask the supplier to check the transfer's recommended press temperature, time and pressure, and to wash-test a sample
Decide how accents and special characters will be handled

Sponsor logos and placement

Competition and league rules often limit the number, size and position of sponsor and manufacturer logos. Check your league's kit regulations before finalising artwork. Then specify placement precisely:

Position measured from a fixed point (for example, "centre front, top edge 8 cm below neck seam")
Width and height in cm for each size group, since one logo size does not suit both youth XS and adult 3XL
Which logos change between home, away and goalkeeper kits
Written confirmation from the sponsor that the logo version and colors are approved

Ask for a placement drawing per size range as part of the mockup.

Artwork requirements

Suppliers can only print what you give them. Provide:

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) for logos, crests and text, with fonts outlined
High-resolution raster files (at least 300 dpi at print size) only where vector is impossible, such as photographic sublimation designs
Color references in Pantone (TCX for textiles where possible) for brand colors
Separate layers for each element so positions can be adjusted per size
The license or permission to use any third-party logos or sponsor marks

For sublimation, ask about the supplier's color profile and whether it can match spot colors; screen colors (RGB) are not a reliable target.

Durability expectations

Sublimation: does not peel or crack; may fade slightly over many washes in strong sunlight
Heat transfers: durable if correctly applied; wash inside out at the recommended temperature and avoid tumble dryers and ironing over prints
Embroidery: very durable; watch for thread snagging on Velcro or studs

Decoration checklist

☐ Method chosen per element (body, crest, sponsor, names, numbers)
☐ Fabric compatible with method (polyester for sublimation)
☐ League rules checked for logo count, size and numbers
☐ Placement drawing per size range approved
☐ Vector artwork with outlined fonts and Pantone references sent
☐ Sponsor approval of logo version obtained
☐ Player name/number list locked
☐ Transfer wash test on sample passed
☐ Care label temperature matches decoration

FAQ

Is sublimation better than heat transfer?

For full designs on polyester, sublimation is more comfortable and more durable because nothing sits on the fabric surface. For names and numbers that differ per player, heat transfer is usually the practical choice.

Can you embroider on a lightweight match jersey?

It is possible but can pucker the fabric and feel stiff. Many clubs choose a woven, silicone or sublimated crest for lightweight jerseys and keep embroidery for polos and jackets.

Why do my prints look different from the screen?

Screens show RGB light; textiles absorb ink. Use Pantone references and approve a physical strike-off or sample.