3 October 2026 / Amazing Sports

Sublimation, screen printing, DTF or embroidery: which should you choose?

Four ways to put a design on a garment, and how to pick the right one for your fabric and your order.

Every method can look good. The right one depends on three things: the fabric, the design and how many you are ordering.

Sublimation

The ink becomes part of polyester fabric, so the design does not crack or peel. It is the usual choice for football, cricket and rugby kits, because the whole garment can be printed in full colour.

It works on polyester only, and it works best on white or light fabric.

Screen printing

Ink is pressed through a stencil onto the fabric. It is strong and bold, and it suits simple logos and slogans on cotton, especially in bigger quantities.

Each colour needs its own stencil, so designs with many colours cost more.

DTF

The design is printed onto a film and transferred to the garment. It handles detail and many colours well, and works on many fabrics. It is a good choice for smaller runs.

Heat transfer

Often used for player names, numbers and small badges. It is quick and clean for short runs and personal details.

Embroidery

The design is stitched into the fabric. It looks premium and lasts a long time, which is why it is common on club crests, hoodies, caps and staff uniforms.

Very fine detail may not stitch cleanly at a small size. If your logo is detailed, we will tell you and suggest a fix.

A quick way to choose

  • Full-colour design across a polyester kit: sublimation
  • Simple logo on cotton, large quantity: screen printing
  • Detailed design, smaller quantity: DTF
  • Names and numbers: heat transfer
  • Premium logo on a hoodie, polo or cap: embroidery

If you are unsure, tell us the garment, the design and the quantity. We will suggest a method and show you a sample before the full order.

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