What Is Sublimation Printing on Jerseys?

Sublimation printing is a method where the jersey’s design is dyed directly into the fabric instead of sitting on top of it. Heat turns the ink into gas, which bonds with the polyester fibers permanently. The result: colors that never crack, peel, or fade, no matter how many games and washes the jersey survives.

How it works

Think of it like a tattoo for fabric. The design is printed on special paper, then pressed onto the jersey with heat. The ink soaks into the fibers and becomes part of the shirt itself. You cannot feel it with your fingers because there is nothing on the surface. Traditional screen printing, by contrast, lays ink on top of the fabric, where it can crack over time.

Why it is great for kids

Kids are brutal on jerseys. They slide, they wrestle, they get washed twice a week. Sublimated designs handle all of it. Stripes, sashes, numbers, and sponsor-style graphics stay as bright as day one. The print also does not affect breathability, since there is no plastic layer trapping heat. For team kits that need to look sharp all season, sublimation is the gold standard. If you are ordering for a squad, our guide to choosing youth team soccer kits covers what to ask about.

What to ask about

When comparing jerseys, ask whether the design is sublimated or screen printed. Sublimated jerseys cost a bit more to produce, but they last far longer, which usually makes them the better value for growing kids. Also confirm the base fabric is polyester, since sublimation only works on synthetic fibers. Our jersey fabrics and care guide explains why that matters.

More jersey know-how in Soccer Jersey Styles and Colors Explained and the Complete Kids Soccer Jersey Guide.

Want jerseys with designs that last? Ask us about sublimated styles in the collection.