What is Full Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a great way to custom make jerseys with your team's name and logo. The design options are truly unlimited. With full sublimation jerseys, the fabric will retain its colour and design regardless of how much wear it gets. This is in contrast to vinyl and screen printing, which fade quickly from exposure to sunlight or other elements, and are often prone to cracking and peeling.
Updated for 2026: Why Sublimation Still Makes Sense for Canadian Teams
For rec-league, school, club, and tournament teams across Canada, jerseys need to do more than look good on order day. They have to survive indoor seasons, outdoor weekends, travel bags, repeated washing, and changing weather. That is where custom sublimation jerseys continue to stand out in 2026.
Because the design is fused into the fabric rather than sitting on top of it, sublimation is especially practical for teams that want player names, numbers, sponsor logos, school crests, sleeve details, and bold colours without worrying about added layers cracking or peeling.
- Great for team identity: Add names, numbers, logos, colours, patterns, and sponsors directly into the design.
- Helpful for reorders: When new players join mid-season, a consistent design file makes it easier to keep the team looking matched.
- Practical for multi-sport programs: Schools and clubs can use the same visual identity across jerseys, hoodies, jackets, and other gear.
For teams ordering from TeamGear, this makes sublimation a strong choice when you want professional-looking uniforms without limiting the creativity of your design.
See this side by side comparison of vinyl screen printing vs full sublimation jerseys - both jerseys below were worn throughout a full softball slo-pitch season.
As you can see, full sublimation has the same quality and look as the day it was made. This is because the full sublimation process uses heat to fuse the ink to the fabric for long-lasting durability.
There are many different types of printers that can print full sublimated jerseys, so you're sure to find one that meets your specific needs. Some printers use heat-activation ink, while others use ultraviolet light or laser beams to transfer the image onto the fabric surface.
Full sublimation products allow you to fully customize every inch of your jerseys, hoodies and jackets. Vinyl or silk screening does not allow for full customization. It is typically done on a small portion of the jersey, and cannot be used for fine details.
Customization Ideas for Jerseys with Names
One of the biggest advantages of full sublimation is that names and numbers can be built into the overall jersey design instead of added as a separate layer. That means your roster details can match the style of the jersey, whether your team wants a clean school look, a loud tournament design, or a classic rec-league uniform.
When planning jerseys with names, it helps to decide early how visible you want each detail to be. For example, player names across the upper back should have enough contrast against the background pattern, while numbers should be large enough for referees, scorekeepers, teammates, and spectators to read quickly.
- Player names: Choose clear fonts and avoid placing names over busy artwork.
- Numbers: Use strong contrast so numbers stand out from a distance.
- Sponsor logos: Place logos where they are visible without competing with player information.
- Team branding: Carry colours and design elements across sleeves, collars, side panels, and backs.
For Canadian teams that play in tournaments or school leagues, this extra planning can make a big difference in how polished your uniforms look in team photos, on the bench, and during games.
Check out our custom jersey size chart here, or get your design started here!
What makes full sublimation designs superior?
There is little to no margin for error when choosing full sublimation printing for your custom team jerseys. With sublimation printing, the artwork and mockups you see are EXACTLY what your jerseys will look like when finished. We use a double-pass quality control system that ensures each and every jersey is held to the market's highest standards.
We also use state-of-the-art design software to guarantee the accuracy of your team's name and logo. This ensures that no typos in names are present on your jerseys, because we copy it right from your roster!
Ordering Tips to Help Avoid Roster Mistakes
Because names and numbers are such an important part of personalized jerseys, a clean roster is one of the best ways to keep your order moving smoothly. Before artwork is approved, have one team contact confirm spelling, number choices, sizes, and any special notes.
This is especially useful for school teams and Canadian rec-league teams where players may use nicknames, accented characters, hyphenated last names, or preferred names on their jerseys. Taking a few extra minutes to review the roster can prevent confusion once production begins.
- Collect all names exactly as they should appear on the jersey.
- Confirm that no two players have the same number unless that is intentional.
- Review youth, women’s, and adult sizing carefully using the size chart.
- Approve the final mockup only after the team contact has checked every detail.
Full sublimation makes it possible to create highly detailed custom jerseys, and a well-organized order helps ensure those details come out right.
Sublimation printing is a great option for custom jerseys if you want something that lasts through several seasons of wear and tear. With full sublimation jerseys, there is virtually no chance of the artwork or design fading or becoming illegible over time.
What kinds of products can be made with full sublimation?
From team hoodies to a customized jacket or coach coat, full sublimation designs made with custom patterns ensure that your options are limitless.
As long as you have the right fabric, patterns, and design templates, you can make anything with full sublimation printing.
Fabric, Fit, and Care Considerations
The right fabric matters just as much as the design. Full sublimation works best on performance fabrics that are made for colour transfer, comfort, and movement. For active teams, that usually means lightweight, breathable materials that can handle sweat, stretching, and repeated washing.
Different sports may call for different fits. A softball or slo-pitch team may prefer a relaxed fit for comfort through long tournament days, while a school volleyball, basketball, or hockey team may want a more athletic cut. If your roster includes a wide range of ages or body types, it is worth reviewing size options before the order is finalized.
To help your sublimated gear last, wash jerseys in cold water, avoid bleach, and hang to dry when possible. The design is built to last, but good care habits help preserve the fabric feel and overall appearance season after season.
Click here for a complete listing of our available styles. If you're interested in a particular design or style and don't see that product listed, just ask! We are frequently updating and expanding our product catalogue to include custom style and design requests from previous customers.
Conclusion
Custom jerseys are a great way to show your team spirit and support. When you choose full sublimation jerseys, you can ensure that you and your team will look awesome for years to come. If you're looking for a personalized jersey that makes a statement, we highly recommend choosing full sublimation. No matter the sport, your team will always look great on the field and have full control over the style, design and final look of your gear.
If your team is planning new custom sublimation jerseys, hoodies, or team apparel, you can explore options and start the conversation with TeamGear Canada.
