sweatshirts for sublimation

What Are the Best Sweatshirts for Sublimation?

Sublimation can transform ordinary sweatshirts into extraordinary items, offering unmatched color vibrancy, durability, and customization opportunities. Ready to explore why sweatshirts for sublimation are the game-changer in your sweatshirt collection? Let’s dive in and uncover the irresistible appeal of sublimation sweatshirts.

Why Use Sublimation for Sweatshirts?

1. Vibrant and durable prints

Do you want to make your sweatshirts as vibrant and bold as possible with striking, colorful designs? Sublimation can do that for you. This printing technique is the best when it comes to delivering colors and intricate designs with a high level of precision. With sublimation, you will see your design come to life vividly and flawlessly.

Even better, sublimation prints are known for their durability. No dullness, no fading over time. Unlike other printing techniques like screen printing or DTG where the ink will sit on the fabric surface, sublimation lets the ink infused with the fabric, creating permanent prints that won’t fade or peel off.

all-over print sweatshirt

2. Customization opportunities

One unique feature of sublimation printing is that it must be printed on an uncut edge-to-edge fabric. It means that the printing must be done before cutting and sewing, unlike with DTG or screen printing where you can print directly on pre-sewn garments. This allows opportunities to print custom designs one by one, allowing easy personalization. Moreover, it also enables custom printing on all parts of the sweatshirt, and not only restricting to the front, back, or sleeve.

With sublimation, the world is your oyster. You can personalize sweatshirts for individuals, making each piece unique.

At Merchize, we provide a wide range of sweatshirt options for sublimation printing. With print on demand business model, you are allowed to create your own custom sublimated sweatshirts with no minimum quantity.

3. Versatility in design

Another bonus point of sublimation printing is that it can abolish many limitations in printing, allowing you to get creative with your designs.

  • Design complexity: Sublimation printing can deliver a broader range of colors, resulting in more electrifying and vibrant prints. In addition, sublimation is ideal for intricate and detailed designs, from photographic images to complex patterns.
  • Printing areas: Sublimation doesn’t add any additional layers or texture to the fabric. This way, the fabric can retain its original softness and flexibility. You can stretch the fabric without worrying it would damage the prints. It also means that you can add prints to parts that are usually exposed to stretching like collars, armholes, or cuffs

Sublimation supports all-over printing capabilities, giving you a canvas as vast as your creativity. Whether it’s intricate and detailed graphics or bold and abstract patterns, sublimation can handle everything.

4. Competitiveness

Sublimation sweatshirt offers excellent opportunities for an entrepreneur working in the apparel market to stand out from the crowd.

While the market is full of DTG-printed sweatshirts, sublimation sweatshirts, with their impressive and bold designs, shine as a much cooler alternative. Don’t worry if your sublimation sweatshirts look a bit overboard. There is always a market for people looking for unique items that can capture eyeballs constantly. This is the niche that you can target with your bold sublimation sweatshirts.

sublimation vs DTG sweatshirt

>>> To have a better understanding of this printing technique, read our comprehensive guidelines about Sublimation Printing.

Best materials for sublimation sweatshirts

1. 100% Polyester

Polyester is the perfect match for sublimation. Why? Polyesters can withstand high pressure and temperatures released during the sublimation process without losing quality.

The synthetic fibers of polyester can bond well with sublimation dyes, ensuring that the ink infuses into the fabric rather than merely sitting on top. This results in vibrant, detailed prints that are permanent and resistant to fading. That’s why sublimation prints on polyester fabrics look much better with brighter, richer colors and sharper details.

2. Polyester Blends

There’s no denying that sublimation print looks the best with polyester. However, it is a widely known fact that polyester is not always the preferred choice of material for many customers. They are durable, yet not the most comfortable or breathable to wear.

To solve this dilemma, you can try polyester blends. This material offers a middle ground where you can balance durability and comfort. By adding a small percentage of spandex or cotton, the fabric can feel much softer on skins without sacrificing the quality and durability of polyester. On top of that, polyester blends still offer a great canvas for sublimation prints to show their best colors.

Why not cotton?

Now, let’s talk cotton. Everyone loves cotton. It’s cozy and breathable. However, it’s not the best choice for sublimation. The colors won’t pop as much, and the prints might fade faster. Moreover, 100% cotton isn’t likely to survive the high heat and pressure from the sublimation printing process.

If you’re set on cotton, consider a polyester-cotton blend instead. You get the comfort of cotton and the vibrant prints of polyester still. Best of both worlds, don’t you think?

Besides looking at the material composition, you can expand your material search by looking at the material weight and texture. These characteristics can give you some great ideas about what material to choose for your sublimated sweatshirts.

Best sublimation sweatshirt styles

Classic Unisex Sweatshirt

The classic unisex sweatshirt is a timeless piece, a must-have for every wardrobe. It fits everyone comfortably and works for any occasion. Want a laid-back look? Pair it with jeans. Need something cozy for a chilly day? This sweatshirt has your back.

With sublimation, you can take this classic item and transform it into a statement piece that can take a casual outfit to the next level.

Merchize currently offers two versions of the Dye Sublimation Classic Unisex Sweatshirts: All Over Print Sweatshirt (Lightweight) for a soft and light feeling and All-over Print Sweatshirt (Midweight) for a more durable and warmer variation.

Youth Unisex Sweatshirt

Youth sweatshirts are not just mini versions of adult wear. They’re a whole different ball game. Teenagers are active, playful, and messy sometimes. Their clothes need to keep up. They must be durable and comfortable. With sublimation, you can rest assured about the quality and durability.

Moreover, it also offers wonderful opportunities to create custom sweatshirts that reflect the unique identity of the kids.

Especially with custom sublimation printing, you can make a unique design for your kids and let them have their special moment and show their own identity confidently and proudly.

Similar to the Classic Unisex Sweatshirt, Merchize also has Youth Unisex Sweatshirt in two versions: All-over Print Youth Sweatshirt (Midweight) and All-over Print Youth Sweatshirt (Lighweight).

Women’s Off-shoulder Sweatshirt

For all the stylish ladies out there, Women’s Off-should Sweatshirt will be the perfect twist to your casual attire. The off-shoulder style adds a touch of elegance to the sweatshirt without compromising the comfort.

It doesn’t end with the flair in silhouette. When combined with the sublimation printing, you will be able to make the sweatshirt even more chic and full of characters. It is easy to customize the sweatshirt in whatever style fits you best, from floral patterns to whimsical designs.

Wrapping Up

Sublimation opens doors to a world of creativity and durability. From vibrant, lasting prints to endless customization and design possibilities, it’s a worthwhile option for sweatshirt printing.

is a senior writer at Merchize covering products, services, and consumer tech issues and trends. Previously, she was a content writer for trustworthy brands and International corporations. With her deep knowledge in multiple industries, Bich has become a professional writer and has chosen Merchize to explore eCommerce, MMO, and Print on Demand... In her free time, she loves reading, listening to music, and hanging out at cafes.