Wholesale Blank Apparel for Sublimation

In scientific terms, sublimation printing is the process of transforming solid ink into gas without passing through the liquid phase. For garment decorating, this means that the ink permanently binds to the fibers of the fabric, locking in the colors. When you run your hand over the design, you will not be able to feel a difference between the overall fabric of the shirt and where the design was placed.

For sublimation printing, the lowest recommended amount of polyester for best results is typically 65%. Sublimation works best on synthetic fabrics such as polyester. The inks will not adhere to cotton. You technically can sublimate on less than 65% polyester (we have seen some beautiful results with 50/50 cotton/poly blends!) but your design might look very faded, worn and may not be to your liking—so keep that in mind. Another important factor besides material when selecting a shirt for sublimation is the color. During sublimation, the ink is dyeing the fibers themselves, not placing a design on top such as with screen printing or heat transfers. Because of this only certain colors should be used for sublimation printing. For the most vibrant and true colors possible - go with a white shirt. Pastels and very light colors will work, but you must keep in mind how your ink colors will mix with the fabric color. You shouldn’t sublimate on dark colors like black, charcoal or navy - you won’t see the design! The one exception is that some people like to bleach an area of dark colored shirts first and then sublimate them within the lightened area.

Polyester is typically most used in many athletic and sports-related apparel products. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, pulling sweat away from the skin where otherwise it would mix with bacteria and create unwanted odor. It feels cool and smooth against the skin and resists snags and stretching. They are made for longevity with simple washing and care instructions. A sublimated athletic tee is a great choice for lifeguards, bicyclists, water sports, softball teams, landscaping and construction crews, and more! Polos are many times made out of a high percentage of, if not completely from polyester. Polyester polos are a solid choice for sports teams, resort or amusement park staff, and other establishments where the workers need to look professional while also remaining cool and dry. Plus, polyester blends tend to have more fashionable styles available that could be worn as everyday wear. They are just more of a gamble when it comes to the end result - so always test first when possible!