If you need full-color, all-over designs on lightweight performance fabric, choose sublimation. If you need a simple logo on a large run at the lowest possible unit cost, screen printing can be the better value. Most custom uniform factories, including ZHONGKANG in Xiantao, Hubei, use sublimation as the default method for team kits — here is the full comparison so you can decide with your supplier.
How sublimation printing works
Dye sublimation turns solid ink into gas at high temperature and bonds it into the fabric's fibers. The design becomes part of the garment rather than sitting on top of it. That is why sublimated jerseys:
- Support unlimited colors and gradients — full-color logos, photos, gradients and all-over patterns print in a single pass.
- Never crack, peel or fade with normal washing, because there is no ink layer on the surface.
- Stay lightweight and breathable — ideal for performance sports where sweat management matters.
Sublimation is the standard for custom soccer, basketball and hockey kits. ZHONGKANG runs in-house digital sublimation printing as part of a 4-in-1 equipment setup (sublimation, heat transfer, embroidery and cutting beds), which is why sublimated jerseys are available from a 10-piece MOQ with samples delivered within 7 days.
How screen printing works
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the fabric — one screen per color. It is a proven, cost-effective method, but it has design constraints:
- Each color needs its own screen, so multi-color designs and gradients get expensive and complicated.
- The ink layer sits on the surface, so heavy prints can crack over time, especially on stretchy performance fabrics.
- Print areas are limited, and all-over prints are not practical.
- It becomes highly economical at large quantities where the per-piece cost of screen setup is amortized.
Screen printing remains a strong choice for simple logos, single-color team crests, and large-scale programs where the design is flat and the volume is high.
Sublimation vs screen printing: comparison table
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen printing |
|---|---|---|
| Design complexity | Unlimited colors, gradients, all-over prints | One screen per color; gradients difficult |
| Durability | Bonded into fabric — no peeling or cracking | Surface ink can crack over time |
| Feel & weight | Lightweight, breathable | Heavier ink layer |
| Minimum order | Low — 10 pcs at ZHONGKANG | Setup cost favors larger runs |
| Unit cost at low volume | Competitive | Higher due to screen setup |
| Unit cost at high volume | Stable | Drops sharply |
| Best for | Soccer, basketball, hockey, full-color kits | Simple logos, large runs, budget programs |
Which method should your team choose?
Choose sublimation if you want:
- A full-color design with gradients or all-over patterns — for example a soccer kit with a fading sash or a basketball uniform with a photorealistic graphic.
- Lightweight, breathable jerseys for match play.
- A small trial order — sublimation works from a 10-piece MOQ, so youth teams and clubs can test before scaling.
Choose screen printing if you have:
- A simple, flat logo (one to three colors) on a large order.
- A tight budget where the lowest possible unit cost at volume matters more than all-over design.
- Workwear or practice gear where print weight is not a concern.
A note on American football and baseball: teams often combine methods — sublimated body panels with tackle twill or embroidered numbers for a premium, durable finish. Ask your supplier what they can combine; ZHONGKANG's in-house embroidery line makes hybrid kits possible under one roof.
FAQ
Does sublimation fade over time?
No — sublimated ink is bonded into the fabric fibers, so it resists fading and does not crack or peel with normal washing, unlike surface-applied screen-print ink.
Is sublimation good for jerseys?
Yes. It is the industry standard for custom soccer, basketball and hockey jerseys because it is lightweight, breathable and supports full-color designs.
What is the MOQ for sublimated jerseys?
At ZHONGKANG the MOQ is 10 pieces, so even a small team can order a sublimated kit. Samples are delivered within 7 days.
Can I combine sublimation with embroidery or tackle twill?
Yes — many football and baseball programs combine sublimated panels with embroidered or tackle-twill numbers for a premium finish. Confirm the option with your factory.
Which is cheaper, sublimation or screen printing?
For small and medium orders with multi-color designs, sublimation is usually cheaper because screen printing charges per color screen. For simple, one-color designs at very high volume, screen printing can reach a lower unit cost.
Where can I order sublimated custom jerseys?
Request a quote at zkjersey.com — tell us your sport, quantity, sizing and timeline, and ZHONGKANG replies within 24 hours. Explore our lines: soccer uniforms, basketball uniforms, football uniforms, hockey jerseys and baseball uniforms.
Get your sample
Not sure which method fits your design? Order a sample — it is the fastest way to feel the difference. ZHONGKANG produces digital samples within 7 days and can air-ship a physical sample for your review before you commit to bulk production.