Sublimation printing is a popular method for transferring vibrant designs onto fabric, especially when it comes to t-shirts. Whether you’re creating custom products for your brand or looking to start your own sublimation printing business, choosing the right shirt is key to ensuring high-quality results. In this guide, we’ll explore the top shirts for sublimation printing in 2025, and help you understand the factors that make certain fabrics stand out.
When selecting a shirt for sublimation printing, the right fabric, polyester content, and fit are crucial factors to consider. With these top picks, you can ensure your prints look vibrant, last longer, and provide a comfortable fit for your customers.
What brand of shirt is best for sublimation?
When it comes to sublimation printing, the best shirt brands are those that offer high polyester content and smooth surfaces for the print. Here are some of the top shirt brands that excel in sublimation printing:
Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas is a top choice for sublimation printing, known for its high-quality construction and comfortable fabrics. Their 100% polyester and polyester-blend shirts provide the ideal surface for vibrant, lasting prints.
Why It’s Great: Bella+Canvas shirts offer excellent print quality due to their premium materials. Their 100% polyester shirts are perfect for those who prioritize print quality and vibrant colors.
Next Level Apparel
Next Level Apparel is another well-known brand that offers fantastic sublimation printing results. They offer shirts in a variety of fabrics, including high-quality 100% polyester options, and polyester-cotton blends for a more comfortable feel.
Why It’s Great: Known for their soft, high-quality fabric and wide range of sizes, Next Level Apparel shirts are ideal for both performance wear and fashion-forward sublimation projects.
Gildan
Gildan is a popular choice in the sublimation printing world, offering affordable shirts with high polyester content. Their 100% polyester options are great for vibrant designs and are widely used by both small businesses and large manufacturers.
Why It’s Great: Gildan shirts are affordable, durable, and have a great polyester content, making them an excellent choice for bulk sublimation printing.
A Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom offers several options for sublimation printing, including both 100% polyester and polyester-blend shirts. Their shirts are budget-friendly, providing good quality for a lower price point.
Why It’s Great: Fruit of the Loom shirts are perfect for budget-conscious customers who still want great sublimation results without compromising on comfort.
Sport-Tek
Sport-Tek shirts are designed with athletes in mind, making them a great option for sublimation printing, especially for custom sports apparel. Their 100% polyester shirts provide a durable, moisture-wicking surface perfect for vibrant, long-lasting designs.
Why It’s Great: These shirts offer moisture-wicking properties and superior performance, making them perfect for sublimation printing in the activewear market.
What sublimation sells the most?
When it comes to sublimation printing, the designs that sell the most are typically those that resonate with trends, events, and personalization. The most popular sublimation items include:
Custom T-shirts
Custom-designed t-shirts remain the most popular product for sublimation printing. These shirts can be personalized with names, logos, or artwork, making them popular for events, sports teams, and businesses.
Why It’s Popular: The versatility and wide appeal of custom t-shirts make them the top choice for sublimation printing. Whether it’s for a business, a personal gift, or an event, custom t-shirts are always in demand.
Custom Sports Apparel
Sublimation printing is widely used in creating sports team apparel, including jerseys, uniforms, and practice wear. These items often feature team logos, names, and player numbers, all printed with vibrant designs that won’t fade.
Why It’s Popular: The ability to create custom team jerseys with bright, full-color designs is a major reason why sports apparel is a top-selling sublimation product.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts like mugs, tote bags, and pillows are increasingly popular with sublimation printing. The ability to add a personal touch to everyday items makes them highly sought after, especially for special occasions.
Why It’s Popular: With sublimation printing, you can easily create custom gifts for weddings, birthdays, or holidays, which appeals to a wide range of customers.
Is Gildan shirt good for sublimation?
Gildan shirts are one of the best options for sublimation printing, especially for businesses looking to provide budget-friendly, high-quality products. Gildan offers both 100% polyester shirts and polyester-blend options, which are ideal for vibrant and long-lasting sublimation prints.
Why Gildan Works Well for Sublimation:
- Polyester Content: Gildan offers shirts with a high polyester content (at least 50% polyester or more), which helps the ink bond well with the fabric and ensures bright colors.
- Durability: Gildan shirts are known for their durability, meaning your sublimation prints will last longer, even after multiple washes.
- Affordability: As a cost-effective brand, Gildan shirts are perfect for businesses looking to produce large volumes of sublimated products.
Why It’s Great: Gildan shirts are a great option for businesses needing a balance between quality and cost, making them one of the most reliable and affordable choices for sublimation printing.
Is sublimation worth the investment?
Sublimation printing is a great investment, especially if you’re looking to create high-quality, custom products. While the initial setup can be expensive, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs for businesses or individuals who plan on producing custom designs regularly.
Why Sublimation is Worth the Investment:
- Vibrant, Durable Prints: Sublimation printing produces bright, vibrant prints that become part of the fabric, meaning they won’t crack or fade over time.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike screen printing or other methods, sublimation requires minimal maintenance, making it easier to manage.
- Customization Opportunities: With sublimation, you can create highly personalized products, which appeals to a broad customer base.
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re looking to offer unique, custom designs with long-lasting quality, sublimation printing is a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the best shirt for sublimation printing is crucial to ensuring your designs turn out vibrant, durable, and long-lasting. Brands like Bella+Canvas, Next Level Apparel, Gildan, and others offer fantastic options depending on your needs, whether it’s for performance wear, custom gifts, or casual apparel.
Sublimation printing allows for endless creativity and personalization, making it a great investment for anyone looking to provide high-quality custom products. By selecting the right fabric and understanding how the process works, you can create stunning items that will appeal to a wide range of customers and stand out in the market.
