How your logo goes onto a garment affects how it looks, how long it lasts and what it costs. Here's a plain-English comparison of the methods we use every day.
Sublimation
The design is printed onto paper, then heat-pressed so the ink turns to gas and bonds into polyester fibres. The design becomes part of the fabric.
- Best for: match jerseys, cycling and hockey jerseys, anything with full designs, stripes or gradients
- Pros: unlimited colours at no extra cost, won't crack, peel or fade, lightweight and breathable
- Limits: only works on light-coloured polyester, not cotton
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the garment, one colour at a time. It's the classic method for t-shirts and hoodies.
- Best for: cotton tees and hoodies, bold logos with a few colours, larger quantities
- Pros: vivid, durable, cost-effective as quantities grow; puff and specialty inks available
- Limits: each colour needs its own screen, so very colourful designs cost more
Embroidery
The logo is stitched with thread by computerised machines.
- Best for: crests on tracksuits, half-zips, polos and jackets; premium-looking chest logos
- Pros: looks premium, extremely durable, adds texture
- Limits: best for small to medium logos; fine detail and gradients don't stitch well
DTF / heat transfer
The design is printed onto a film and heat-pressed onto the garment.
- Best for: names and numbers, small runs, full-colour logos on cotton or dark fabric
- Pros: full colour, works on most fabrics, great for personalisation
- Limits: slightly stiffer feel than screen print on large areas
Quick guide
| Garment | Usually best |
|---|---|
| Match jersey | Sublimation, crest embroidered or sublimated |
| Tracksuit / half-zip | Embroidered crest, initials by heat transfer |
| Cotton tee / hoodie | Screen print, or embroidery for small logos |
| Names & numbers | Sublimation (jerseys) or heat transfer |
| Fight shorts | Sublimation or embroidered waistband |
Not sure? Tell us the garment and your logo, and we'll recommend the best method for the look and budget. Or see how each choice affects the price in our pricing calculator.