Sublimation vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Choosing a Decoration Method

Three decoration methods cover the vast majority of sportswear orders. Each has a sweet spot in terms of artwork complexity, fabric compatibility and order quantity.

Sublimation

Dye-sublimation transfers ink into polyester fibres, so the graphic becomes part of the fabric. There is no surface layer to crack or peel.

• Best for: all-over graphics, gradients, photographic detail, numbered kits, unlimited colours.
• Fabric: polyester-rich only.
• Quantity: efficient even at low volumes because there are no screens to prepare.
• Watch for: panel alignment across seams — always approve a placement proof.

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a stencil onto the garment surface. Cost per piece drops sharply as quantity rises, because screen setup is a fixed cost.

• Best for: bold logos, 1-4 spot colours, cotton and cotton-blend casualwear.
• Fabric: cotton, cotton-poly, most jersey.
• Quantity: strongest economics above a few hundred pieces per design.
• Watch for: colour count — each additional colour adds a screen and a cost step.

Embroidery

Thread is stitched directly into the fabric, giving a premium tactile finish that reads as corporate quality.

• Best for: crests, chest logos, caps, polos, jackets.
• Fabric: almost anything with enough stability, plus backing.
• Quantity: priced by stitch count, so small logos stay affordable at any volume.
• Watch for: fine text below 4mm and very thin gradients do not translate to thread.

A practical decision path

1. 1.Does the artwork include photographic imagery or gradients? Choose sublimation.
2. 2.Is the garment cotton-rich with 1-3 flat colours? Choose screen printing.
3. 3.Is the goal a premium, understated brand mark? Choose embroidery.
4. 4.Mixed requirement? Combine methods — sublimated body with an embroidered crest is common in premium teamwear.

Artwork you should send

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) for logos, 300 DPI raster for photographic panels, plus Pantone references for brand colours. Send a size chart or reference garment if fit is critical.

See how these methods are applied across our teamwear and sportswear catalogue, or review our customization process for artwork, sampling and approval timelines.

Want a recommendation for your artwork? Message our export team on WhatsApp with your design and quantity for a same-day method and price suggestion.