Sublimation or Heat Transfer: Which Marking for Your Basketball Jerseys?
Two ways to put colors, names and numbers on a basketball jersey. Here is how each one works, how long it lasts and what it really costs for a full team.
Full sublimation: the gradient, the logo and the numbers are dyed into the fabric.
Sublimation and heat transfer compared
| Sublimation | Heat transfer (vinyl) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The design is dyed into the polyester with heat. | Letters and numbers cut from vinyl are heat-pressed on top of the fabric. |
| Design freedom | Unlimited: gradients, patterns, photos, colors front and back. | Plain colors, shapes cut one by one. |
| Durability | Does not crack, peel or fade: it is part of the fabric. | Can crack or peel over time with washes and dryers. |
| Feel on the skin | Nothing on top of the fabric: light and breathable. | A layer on the fabric, warmer and stiffer where it is applied. |
| Names and numbers | Printed in the same run, included in our price. | Often charged per letter or per number. |
| Best for | Full team uniforms with your own design. | Adding a name or number to a jersey you already have. |
How sublimation works
The design is first printed on transfer paper with special inks. Under heat and pressure, the inks turn into gas and bond with the polyester fibers: the colors become part of the fabric instead of sitting on top of it. That is why a sublimated jersey keeps its colors, stays light and can carry any design, from a plain color to gradients and patterns over the whole surface.
Sublimation works on light-colored polyester fabric, which is what performance basketball jerseys are made of. Every color you see, including dark ones, is printed.
When heat transfer makes sense
Heat transfer applies letters and numbers cut from vinyl onto a finished jersey. It is useful to personalize a few stock jerseys, or to add a name to a jersey you already own. For a full team, the cost per letter adds up, and the marking can crack or peel after many washes.
At Clubkit, every uniform is fully sublimated: choose a design or send your own, and names, numbers and logo are included in the price per uniform.
Sublimation and heat transfer: your questions
Is sublimation better than heat transfer?
For a team uniform with your own colors and design, sublimation lasts longer and allows any design. Heat transfer remains practical to add a name or a number to an existing jersey.
Do sublimated colors fade?
No. The design is part of the fabric: our colors are guaranteed for 100 washes, without cracking or peeling.
Can a player joining mid-season get a matching jersey?
Yes. We make the extra jersey from the same design, with the player's name and number. Once your team has ordered, these top-ups are not held to the 10-kit minimum.
Are names and numbers extra?
No. With sublimation they are printed in the same run as the jersey: names, numbers and your logo are included in the price per uniform.