If you’re choosing between DTF and sublimation, start with the garment. A cotton hoodie with a photo and a polyester jersey with an all-over design are different jobs. We offer both methods and choose around the piece you want to make.
What sublimation does differently
Sublimation uses heat to put dye into polyester fibers. There’s no film sitting on top of the fabric, so the printed area keeps the feel of the fabric itself. It’s useful for the fully custom polyester jerseys we make.
The base color matters. Sublimation doesn’t print white ink to cover a dark garment, so it needs a light base. For a custom all-over jersey, the colors can be part of the design printed onto that base.
What if you want cotton or a dark shirt?
That’s where we’d consider DTF. The design goes onto film and is heat pressed to the garment, with white ink under the colors. It can work on cotton, blends and polyester, including dark pieces.
We still check the actual garment. Fabric finishes, heat and the design all matter. Send the shirt you have in mind before deciding on the print method.
Will you feel the design?
You can feel a DTF print on the surface, especially when it covers a large solid area. A small logo leaves more of the fabric uncovered. If you want a large print on something people will exercise in, tell us how it’ll be worn.
Sublimation adds color without that extra layer, which makes it useful for full-coverage polyester sportswear. It won’t give you the same result on cotton, and a blend can look different because only some of its fibers take the dye.
Which one fits your design?
For a short run of cotton hoodies with photo artwork, we’d look at DTF. For an all-over polyester jersey, we’d look at sublimation. A small logo on a performance shirt could have other options, including screen printing.
You don’t have to settle the method yourself. Send the design, count and garment idea, plus any names or numbers, and we’ll talk through the options. We also offer tackle twill for jersey work when it suits the order.
How do they hold up?
Sublimation has no surface film to peel, but the garment and color still need proper care. DTF also needs the right application and laundering. Neither choice makes a piece immune to wear.
Follow the care instructions for the finished garment. Our print care guide covers the basics, and DTF vs screen printing explains another option for your order. See our DTF service page when you’re ready to send the design.
A few questions we get
Can you sublimate a cotton shirt?
Our sublimated apparel uses polyester. For a cotton shirt, we’ll help choose a different decoration method.
Can sublimation go on a black shirt?
It won’t cover black fabric the way a print with a white underbase can. A dark shirt is a reason to consider DTF or another suitable method.
Does Infynite make sublimated jerseys?
Yes. Send the design, quantities, names and numbers, and deadline so we can work out the job.