Sublimation Printing vs Traditional Heat Press: Which is Best for Your Team Kits?

When it comes to customising football kits, two popular methods dominate the market: sublimation printing and traditional heat press. Both have their benefits, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right option for your team.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing involves transferring dye directly into the fabric, meaning the design becomes part of the material itself.

Pros of Sublimation Printing:

• Durable and long-lasting: The design won’t crack, peel, or fade, even after many washes.

• Unlimited design possibilities: You can print full-colour graphics, gradients, and complex patterns with ease.

• Lightweight and breathable: The print doesn’t add extra layers, so kits remain comfortable for players.

• Professional finish: Sublimated kits often have a premium look with vibrant colours that stay true over time.

Traditional Heat Press

Heat press printing involves applying vinyl or transfer material onto the fabric using heat and pressure.

Pros of Traditional Heat Press:

• Cost-effective for small runs: Ideal for lower quantities or one-off kits.

• Flexible for customization: Easy to add names, numbers, or badges after the main kit is made.

• Quick turnaround: Perfect if you need kits ready in a short timeframe.

• Suitable for multiple fabrics: Works on cotton, polyester, and mixed materials.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Sublimation is perfect if you want full-colour, long-lasting designs, ideal for complete team kits.

• Heat press is great for smaller batches, simple designs, or adding personalisation like numbers, badges, or sponsors.

At NEXO, we work with both printing methods to ensure your team gets high-quality kits tailored to your needs. Whether you choose sublimation or heat press, our goal is the same: helping your team look, feel, and play their best on the pitch.