By the Rockhint team, Sialkot · Last updated: 3 October 2026
Quick answer: Choose sublimation for colourful, lightweight jerseys that never crack or peel; screen printing for a one- or two-colour logo on cotton or dark garments; and tackle twill for the raised, traditional look on baseball, hockey and American football jerseys. Rockhint, a custom sportswear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan, often combines a sublimated body with a twill or embroidered crest.
Key takeaways
- Sublimation: unlimited colours at one price, no added weight, can’t crack. Polyester only.
- Screen printing: cheapest for simple logos; cost rises with every colour.
- Tackle twill: premium stitched look; heaviest and most expensive.
- Most team jerseys today are sublimated; tackle twill is chosen for tradition.
Side-by-side comparison
| Sublimation | Screen printing | Tackle twill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Ink turns to gas and bonds inside polyester fibres | Ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto the surface | Fabric letters and numbers are cut and stitched on |
| Colours | Unlimited, including gradients and photos | Each colour adds a screen and cost | Usually 1–3 layers |
| Feel and weight | No added weight; can’t be felt | Thin layer on the surface | Heavy, raised texture |
| Durability | Doesn’t crack, peel or fade | Can crack or fade after many washes | Very durable if well stitched |
| Fabric | Polyester, white or light base | Cotton, polyester, blends | Most fabrics |
| Cost for complex designs | Low | High | Highest |
| Best for | Soccer, basketball, rugby, volleyball, hockey | T-shirts, hoodies, warm-ups | Baseball, hockey, American football, varsity jackets |
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation is a printing method that bonds ink inside polyester fibres, so the design becomes part of the fabric. The design is printed on transfer paper, then heat-pressed onto the fabric; the heat turns the ink into a gas that enters the fibres. Because nothing sits on the surface, the jersey stays soft and breathable, and the print can’t crack or peel.
- Pros: unlimited colours at the same price, all-over designs, no added weight, excellent breathability.
- Cons: works only on polyester and on white or light base fabric; not for 100% cotton.
Rockhint sublimates soccer jerseys, basketball jerseys, rugby jerseys and volleyball uniforms.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh stencil onto the fabric surface, one colour at a time. It suits a simple logo on a performance T-shirt or a cotton-rich sweatshirt, but every extra colour needs another screen, more set-up time and more cost.
- Pros: economical for one- or two-colour designs, works on cotton and dark fabrics, bold colour.
- Cons: cost rises with each colour; heavy prints can crack over time; less breathable where printed.
What is tackle twill?
Tackle twill is a decoration where letters and numbers are cut from polyester twill fabric and zig-zag stitched onto the jersey. It’s the raised look fans know from professional baseball and hockey.
- Pros: premium traditional look, raised texture, long-lasting.
- Cons: heavier and warmer, highest cost, longer production time.
Not sure which method fits your design? Upload your logo through the free quote form or send it on WhatsApp. We’ll recommend a method and send a free mockup within 24 hours.
Which decoration method is best for each sport?
| Sport | Best method | Why | Rockhint page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Sublimation | Light, breathable, unlimited designs | Soccer uniforms |
| Basketball | Sublimation | Light mesh, works for reversible jerseys | Basketball uniforms |
| Volleyball | Sublimation | Stretch fabric stays light and flexible | Volleyball uniforms |
| Rugby | Sublimation | Nothing to crack or peel in contact play | Rugby uniforms |
| Ice hockey | Sublimated body + twill or embroidered crest | Durable design with a classic crest | Ice hockey uniforms |
| Baseball | Sublimation or tackle twill | Bold designs or traditional script | Baseball uniforms |
| American football | Sublimation or twill numbers | Light jerseys, or a pro-style number | American football uniforms |
| Varsity jackets | Chenille and embroidery | Traditional patches on wool | Varsity jackets |
For sport-specific advice, read the ice hockey jersey buyer’s guide or full-button vs two-button baseball jerseys.
Which method costs the least?
For a one-colour logo, screen printing. For anything with three or more colours, sublimation. Tackle twill is the most expensive because every letter is cut and stitched. See the full breakdown in How Much Do Custom Team Uniforms Cost?
How should you wash each type?
| Method | Washing |
|---|---|
| Sublimation | Cold wash, inside out, hang dry; no bleach |
| Screen printing | Cold wash, inside out, low tumble dry; don’t iron the print |
| Tackle twill | Cold wash, inside out, hang dry to protect the stitching |
Frequently asked questions
What is sublimation printing on jerseys?
Sublimation is a printing method where the design is printed on transfer paper and heat-pressed onto polyester, turning the ink into a gas that bonds inside the fibres. The print becomes part of the fabric, so it cannot crack or peel.
Which is better for sports jerseys, sublimation or screen printing?
Sublimation is better for most team jerseys because it allows unlimited colours, adds no weight and does not crack. Screen printing is better for simple one- or two-colour logos on cotton or dark garments.
What is tackle twill?
Tackle twill is a decoration method where letters and numbers are cut from polyester twill fabric and stitched onto the jersey. It gives the raised, traditional look used on baseball, hockey and American football jerseys.
Can you sublimate a black jersey?
Not directly, because sublimation needs a white or light polyester base. The black design is printed onto white fabric, so the finished jersey looks fully black.
Does sublimation work on cotton?
No. Sublimation ink only bonds with polyester, so cotton hoodies and T-shirts are usually screen printed or embroidered instead.
Is tackle twill worth the extra cost?
For game jerseys in baseball, hockey and American football where a classic look matters, many teams choose it. For practice kits, sublimation is better value.
About Rockhint
Rockhint is a custom sportswear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. We make team uniforms for ice hockey, baseball, basketball, American football, soccer, rugby and volleyball in our own factory, with a 20-piece minimum, free 24-hour mockups and worldwide shipping. Learn more about us or browse all products.
See your design in 24 hours: Request a free quote and mockup · WhatsApp +92 320 6371918 · Email info@rockhint.com