When it comes to custom sportswear, choosing the right printing method is just as important as selecting the right fabric. The printing technique affects the appearance, durability, comfort, and overall quality of your apparel.
Among the most popular printing methods are Sublimation Printing and Screen Printing. Both techniques are widely used in the sportswear industry, but each has its own advantages depending on the type of garment, design, and intended use.
At RideOn Sports, we offer both sublimation and screen printing solutions to ensure our clients receive the best results for their custom apparel projects.
In this guide, we’ll compare both printing methods to help you decide which one is best for your sportswear brand.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a modern digital printing process where special inks are transferred into polyester fabric using high heat and pressure. Instead of sitting on the surface, the ink becomes part of the fabric itself.
This creates vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t crack, peel, or fade over time.
Advantages of Sublimation Printing
- Bright and vibrant colors
- Full-color printing without limitations
- Lightweight and breathable finish
- No cracking or peeling
- Long-lasting durability
- Perfect for complex designs
- Ideal for all-over printing
Best Applications
- Football Jerseys
- Basketball Uniforms
- Cricket Kits
- Cycling Jerseys
- Running Shirts
- Esports Jerseys
- Team Uniforms
- Custom Sportswear
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a traditional printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each color requires a separate screen, making it an excellent choice for simple logos and bold graphics.
Screen printing produces vibrant prints with excellent color opacity, especially on cotton garments.
Advantages of Screen Printing
- Rich and solid colors
- Cost-effective for bulk orders
- Excellent print durability
- Ideal for simple artwork
- Works well on cotton fabrics
- Professional finish
Best Applications
- T-Shirts
- Hoodies
- Sweatshirts
- Polo Shirts
- Promotional Apparel
- Corporate Clothing
- Casual Wear
Sublimation vs Screen Printing
Print Quality
Sublimation
Sublimation produces photo-quality prints with unlimited colors and detailed graphics. Since the ink becomes part of the fabric, the design remains smooth and vibrant.
Screen Printing
Screen printing delivers bold, sharp graphics with excellent color coverage, making it ideal for logos and simple artwork.
Winner: Sublimation for detailed graphics, Screen Printing for bold logos.
Durability
Sublimation
The design becomes part of the fabric, meaning it won’t crack, peel, or fade even after repeated washing.
Screen Printing
High-quality screen prints are very durable but may gradually show signs of wear after extensive use and frequent washing.
Winner: Sublimation
Fabric Compatibility
Sublimation
Works best on:
- 100% Polyester
- Performance Fabrics
- Moisture-Wicking Sportswear
Screen Printing
Works well on:
- Cotton
- Cotton Blends
- Polyester Blends
- Fleece
- Hoodies
Winner: Depends on the fabric.
Color Options
Sublimation
- Unlimited colors
- Gradients
- Photographic images
- Full-body artwork
Screen Printing
- Best for 1–6 colors
- Bold graphics
- Simple logos
- Text-based designs
Winner: Sublimation
Comfort
Since sublimation ink is absorbed into the fabric, the garment remains lightweight, breathable, and soft.
Screen printing leaves a thin layer of ink on the fabric surface, which can feel slightly heavier depending on the design.
Winner: Sublimation
Cost
Sublimation
Best value for:
- Small to medium orders
- Custom team uniforms
- Personalized apparel
Screen Printing
Most economical for:
- Large production runs
- Simple designs
- Bulk promotional apparel
Winner: Screen Printing for large quantities.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sublimation Printing | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Print Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color Range | Unlimited | Limited |
| Durability | Outstanding | Very Good |
| Fabric Type | Polyester | Cotton & Blends |
| Breathability | Excellent | Good |
| Large Graphics | Excellent | Good |
| Small Orders | Excellent | Good |
| Bulk Orders | Good | Excellent |
| Complex Designs | Excellent | Limited |
| Cost Efficiency | Medium | High for Bulk |
Which Printing Method Should You Choose?
Choose Sublimation If You Need:
- Sports jerseys
- Team uniforms
- Bright colors
- Full-body graphics
- Lightweight performance apparel
- Long-lasting prints
- Moisture-wicking sportswear
Choose Screen Printing If You Need:
- Cotton t-shirts
- Hoodies
- Sweatshirts
- Promotional apparel
- Company uniforms
- Large bulk orders
- Simple logo designs
How RideOn Sports Ensures Premium Printing Quality
At RideOn Sports, we use advanced printing technology and premium materials to produce apparel that looks professional and performs exceptionally well.
Our printing services include:
- Sublimation Printing
- Screen Printing
- Heat Transfer Printing
- Embroidery
- Vinyl Printing
- Custom Branding
Every garment undergoes strict quality checks to ensure vibrant colors, accurate logo placement, and long-lasting durability.
Why Businesses Choose RideOn Sports
Businesses around the world trust RideOn Sports because we combine premium manufacturing with advanced printing solutions.
Here’s why clients partner with us:
- High-quality sportswear manufacturing
- Professional printing techniques
- OEM & Private Label services
- Premium fabrics
- Low Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
- Competitive factory pricing
- Strict quality control
- Fast production
- Worldwide shipping
- Dedicated customer support
Conclusion
Both sublimation and screen printing are excellent choices for custom apparel, but the best option depends on your fabric, design, and business goals.
If you’re creating high-performance sportswear with vibrant, full-color graphics, sublimation printing is the ideal choice. For cotton garments, promotional apparel, and bulk orders with simple designs, screen printing remains a reliable and cost-effective solution.
At RideOn Sports, we help brands choose the right printing method to achieve outstanding quality and long-lasting performance. Whether you’re launching a new clothing brand, ordering team uniforms, or creating custom sportswear, our experienced team is ready to deliver products that exceed expectations.
Get Started with RideOn Sports
Looking for premium custom sportswear with professional printing?
Contact RideOn Sports today to discuss your project, request a quotation, or start manufacturing apparel that reflects your brand’s quality and identity.
RideOn Sports – Built for Performance. Crafted for Your Brand.
