Dye Sublimation Printing: Every Color, Edge to Edge
What is dye sub printing? Dye sublimation printing turns solid ink into gas under heat and pressure so it bonds inside polyester fibres; there is no ink layer on the surface, so the fabric stays breathable and the print does not crack, peel or fade.
What is dye sub printing? Dye sublimation printing turns solid ink into gas under heat and pressure so it bonds inside polyester fibres; there is no ink layer on the surface, so the fabric stays breathable and the print does not crack, peel or fade.
Permanent Full-Color Printing
100% Breathable Feel
No Cracking or Peeling
5pcs MOQ
THE SUBLIMATION
What is sublimation?
Akilex runs a dye sublimation printing service on 12 sublimation printing lines in Guangzhou: the digital process that gives personalised sportswear its color and its wash life, from 5 pieces per design and color.
What is sublimation printing good for? Sport. Visuals are printed at the heart of the garment’s fibres, so a jersey keeps its stretch and its weight.
Compared with flocking or a transfer, a sublimated garment is lighter, more resistant to washing and more comfortable, because nothing sits on top of the knit.
- The design will not crack, peel, or easily fade, even after repeated washing.
- The print is completely breathable because there is no thick ink layer sitting on the surface.
- Sublimation supports unlimited colors, gradients, shadows, and photorealistic artwork.
- The fabric keeps its natural texture, softness, stretch, and performance properties.
- It is especially suitable for polyester sportswear and custom team uniforms.
Sublimation Guide
How it works sublimation
Sublimation vs DTF vs screen print vs embroidery: each suits different fabrics, quantities, budgets and designs. Here is a practical comparison for custom jerseys and sportswear production.
1.Design
Design creation and adjustment
2.Print
Printing on sublimation paper
3.Sublimation
Transferring paper to fabric
4.Manufacturing
Assembling garments
5.Delivery
Shipping your order
1.Design
Design creation and adjustment
2.Print
Printing on sublimation paper
3.Sublimation
Transferring paper to fabric
4.Manufacturing
Assembling garments
5.Delivery
Shipping your order
Sublimation Guide
Sublimation vs Screen Print vs DTF vs Embroidery
Sublimation vs DTF vs screen print vs embroidery: each suits different fabrics, quantities, budgets and designs. Here is a practical comparison for custom jerseys and sportswear production.
The ideal equipment
It's the one you can imagine without constraints. The Sublimation technique allows you to personalise your garments ad infinitum by reproducing all types of visuals on polyester garments. Colourful illustrations, logos with gradients, sponsor logos, text or photos - there are no limits to how you can personalise your garments!
The ideal equipment
It's the one you can imagine without constraints. The Sublimation technique allows you to personalise your garments ad infinitum by reproducing all types of visuals on polyester garments. Colourful illustrations, logos with gradients, sponsor logos, text or photos - there are no limits to how you can personalise your garments!
The ideal equipment
It's the one you can imagine without constraints. The Sublimation technique allows you to personalise your garments ad infinitum by reproducing all types of visuals on polyester garments. Colourful illustrations, logos with gradients, sponsor logos, text or photos - there are no limits to how you can personalise your garments!
The ideal equipment
It's the one you can imagine without constraints. The Sublimation technique allows you to personalise your garments ad infinitum by reproducing all types of visuals on polyester garments. Colourful illustrations, logos with gradients, sponsor logos, text or photos - there are no limits to how you can personalise your garments!
Sublimation Guide
Sublimation vs Screen Print vs DTF vs Embroidery
Sublimation vs DTF vs screen print vs embroidery: each suits different fabrics, quantities, budgets and designs. Here is a practical comparison for custom jerseys and sportswear production.
| Feature | Sublimation | Screen Print | DTF | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Medium per piece | Low for bulk orders | Medium | High |
| Durability | Excellent, permanent bond | Very good | Very good | Excellent |
| Hand Feel | No surface feel, in fabric | Slight texture | Slight texture | Raised texture |
| Color Range | Unlimited full color | Limited by screens | Full color | Thread colors only |
| Minimum Order | 1 piece available | Usually 10-50 pieces | 1 piece available | Usually 5-10 pieces |
| Best For | Complex full-color designs and polyester jerseys | Simple logos and bulk orders | Versatile logos on many fabrics | Premium logos and corporate branding |
| Breathability | 100% breathable | Reduced in print area | Reduced in print area | Reduced in stitch area |
| Fabric Type | Polyester only | Most fabrics | Most fabrics | Most fabrics |
For custom team jerseys with full-color graphics, gradients, player names, numbers, and complex patterns, sublimation is usually the best option when the fabric is polyester.
For simple logos on large bulk orders, screen printing may be more cost-effective. For mixed fabric types or small logo applications, DTF can be flexible. For premium badges, club crests, and corporate logos, embroidery provides a raised and durable finish.
Sublimation Guide
When Should You Choose Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation suits performance sportswear, team uniforms and custom polyester apparel: the dye sub fabric has to be 100% polyester or a high-poly blend, which is what gives bright colors, complex graphics and breathable comfort.
- Choose sublimation when your design has multiple colors, gradients, shadows, or photorealistic elements.
- Choose sublimation when you want a completely breathable garment with no heavy ink layer on the surface.
- Choose sublimation when you need small quantities or samples: the MOQ is 5 pieces per design and color.
- Choose sublimation when your fabric is 100% polyester or a high-polyester blend.
- Choose sublimation when you need the design to resist cracking, peeling, and fading during repeated washing.
- Choose sublimation when you want player names, numbers, sponsor logos, and complex patterns printed together in one full-color layout.
- Soccer / football jerseys and team kits
- Cycling jerseys and triathlon wear
- Esports team jerseys
- Basketball, rugby, hockey, and volleyball uniforms
- Running shirts and training wear
- Promotional custom t-shirts and event merchandise
- Custom fan jerseys and supporter wear
Sublimation Guide
Sublimation Quality Showcase
At Akilex Sport the checks are color accuracy against the approved file (95% matching), edge sharpness, wash durability and fabric performance, so every sublimated jersey looks professional and lasts.
Color Vibrancy
Deep, saturated colors that match your design files through professional color management and production control.
Edge Sharpness
Crisp and clean edges, even on intricate patterns, small text, sponsor logos, names, and numbers.
Wash Durability
Tested for repeated washing with minimal color fading and no cracking or peeling.
Stretch Performance
The print stretches with the fabric, helping prevent cracking around seams, shoulders, sleeves, and high-movement areas.