Difference Between Sublimation and Printing Basketball Jerseys – Which Method is Best?

Introduction
When it comes to basketball jersey printing in Singapore, schools, companies, and sports clubs often ask: What’s the difference between sublimation and printing methods like heat transfer or embroidery? Choosing the right method is key to balancing cost, durability, and style. Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can decide which printing method best suits your team.

Not all printing methods are the same. In Singapore, the most common approaches for custom basketball jersey printing are:

• Sublimation printing – Full-colour, all-over designs infused into the fabric.

• Heat transfer printing – Names, numbers, and logos applied with heat and adhesive.

• Embroidery – Logos or text stitched directly into the fabric.

Each comes with its own advantages, making it important to choose wisely depending on your team’s needs.

• Design coverage – Sublimation allows for unlimited colours, patterns, and gradients across the whole jersey. Heat transfer is best for simpler elements like numbers or logos.

• Durability – Sublimation doesn’t peel or fade, while heat transfer may crack over time with frequent washing.

• Comfort – Sublimation keeps the fabric soft and breathable. Heat transfer can feel heavier in printed areas.

• Price – Sublimation is usually more cost-effective for full designs, while heat transfer is cheaper for minimal customisation.

Sublimation Printing (Pros):

• Unlimited creative designs

• Long-lasting and fade-resistant

• Lightweight and breathable

Sublimation Printing (Cons):

• Works best only on polyester fabrics

• Higher setup cost for very small orders

Heat Transfer Printing (Pros):

• Affordable for simple names/numbers

• Works on a variety of fabrics

• Good for small runs or one-off designs

Heat Transfer Printing (Cons):

• Can peel or crack with heavy use

• Less suitable for full-jersey designs

For a premium look, many schools and companies in Singapore still choose embroidery basketball jerseys. Embroidery is durable and classy, making it ideal for logos or team crests. However, it’s less suited for full-jersey designs since stitching can add weight and reduce breathability.

• Schools & sports clubs – Sublimation is best for creative team designs.

• Corporate teams – Embroidery works well for logos and branding.

• Budget-conscious teams – Heat transfer is suitable for simple, low-cost printing.

👉 For most teams in Singapore, sublimation basketball jerseys strike the best balance between cost, style, and durability.

At Zurlique, we offer custom basketball jersey printing in Singapore with sublimation, heat transfer, and embroidery options. Whether you need full-print sublimation jerseys, embroidered logos, or affordable heat transfer designs, we’ll help your team look sharp at factory-direct prices.

📞 Call us at 9774 8888 today for a free consultation and bulk discounts.

👉 Explore our custom sublimation jerseys or check out our custom basketball jerseys to get started.