When outfitting a club sports team, one of the biggest decisions you will make comes down to garment customization: dye sublimation or traditional screen printing.
Both methods have their place in team wear, but choosing the wrong process for the wrong garment can lead to heavy, peeling jerseys or unnecessary costs. Understanding how each technology works and where it fits into your player pack ensures your athletes look sharp and play comfortably all season long.
What Is Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is a high tech printing process where heat and pressure fuse ink directly into the synthetic fibers of the garment. Instead of sitting on top of the fabric, the design becomes a physical part of the material itself.
The Benefits for Game Day Gear
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Zero Added Weight or Stiffness: Because the ink embeds into the fabric, jerseys remain completely breathable, flexible, and lightweight.
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Unlimited Design Possibilities: Custom logos, player numbers, gradients, and side panel patterns cost the exact same as a simple one color print.
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Unmatched Durability: Sublimated graphics will never crack, peel, or fade, making them ideal for high contact sports like lacrosse.
Best Used For
Full game uniforms, custom lacrosse jerseys, reversible pinnies, and high performance game shorts.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing involves pressing liquid ink through mesh stencils onto the surface of a garment. It is the classic, reliable industry standard for cotton and heavy blend apparel.
The Benefits for Off Field Gear
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Cost Effective for Simple Designs: For single color or two color logos on large bulk orders, screen printing offers fantastic value.
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Vibrant on Dark Cottons: Screen printing lays thick, bright ink directly onto dark cotton fleece and tees, creating a bold, classic look.
The Drawbacks for Active Wear
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Heavy Breathability Block: Large screen printed designs create a "rubber patch" feel on the chest that traps sweat during intense activity.
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Potential Wear and Tear: Over dozens of industrial wash cycles, screen printed ink can crack if subjected to heavy stretching and abrasion.
Best Used For
Cotton training tees, event shirts, spirit wear, and heavy fleece warmups.
The Verdict: How to Combine Both in Your Player Packs
You do not have to choose just one method for your entire program. The most effective club teams use a hybrid approach to maximize both budget and performance:
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Sublimation for On Field Performance: Use dye sublimated gear manufactured in our warehouse for game day jerseys and performance shorts to guarantee maximum durability and athletic mobility.
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Screen Printing for Off Field Apparel: Use screen printing or heat transfers for casual sideline pieces like the Gentry Active T-Shirt or everyday layer pieces like the Gentry Midweight Hoodie.
Streamlined Delivery from Factory to Field
Whether your program needs dye sublimated game kits, screen printed training tees, or comfortable sideline bottom pieces like the Gentry Active Short and Gentry Midweight Trackpant, logistics matter just as much as print style.
By assembling your customized gear into pre sorted player packs directly in our warehouse, GOOSEIT eliminates distribution headaches so your roster gets exactly what they need with a reliable 30 day turnaround after order approval.
Ready to simplify your player packs? Launch your online team store with GOOSEIT today.