What is Sublimation?
Sublimation apparel refers to clothing items that are made using the sublimation printing process. Sublimation printing is a technique that involves transferring ink onto fabric using heat. Unlike traditional methods where ink is printed directly on the surface of the fabric, sublimation printing allows the ink to penetrate the fibers, resulting in vibrant, durable, and long-lasting designs.
In sublimation apparel, the designs are first printed on special sublimation paper using sublimation inks. The paper is then placed on the fabric, and both are subjected to high heat and pressure using a heat press machine. The heat causes the ink to vaporize and bind with the fibers of the fabric, creating a permanent, full-color design that is resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling.
Sublimation apparel is known for its ability to produce intricate and detailed designs with unlimited colors and gradients. The process allows for printing on the entire garment, including the front, back, and sleeves, without any color limitations or extra costs. It is commonly used in sports jerseys, activewear, t-shirts, hoodies, and other customized apparel.
The advantages of sublimation apparel include:
1. Vibrant and detailed designs: Sublimation printing produces high-resolution and full-color designs with sharp details and vibrant colors.
2. Durability: The sublimated designs become a part of the fabric, making them highly durable and resistant to fading or peeling over time.
3. Breathability: Sublimation inks do not create an additional layer on the fabric, allowing it to retain its breathability and comfort.
4. Customization: Sublimation apparel offers unlimited design possibilities, allowing for custom designs, team logos, names, and numbers to be incorporated seamlessly into the garment.
It's important to note that sublimation printing works best on fabrics with a high polyester content because the inks bond better with polyester fibers. However, advancements in technology have allowed for sublimation printing on a wider range of fabrics, including blends and some natural fibers, although the results may vary.
