Custom shirts, endless possibilities
Selling faded prints? Not on your watch. If you’re in the print-on-demand game, picking the best shirts for sublimation is non-negotiable. Whether you sell on Etsy, Shopify, or your own store, this guide shows you which polyester shirts for sublimation deliver the boldest colors, softest feel, and most durable print.
Don’t just guess. Pick shirts based on fabric science so your designs look amazing from the first press to the first wash and beyond.
Key takeaways
- Shirts with 80% or more polyester provide the best results for sublimation.
- A white background maintains the vibrancy of sublimation prints.
- While sublimation is durable, the initial setup is costly without a fulfillment provider.
- Sublimation suits various shirt styles, from casual wear to athletic apparel.
What is sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye directly into fabric. Instead of sitting on top like vinyl or screen prints, sublimation ink bonds with the polyester fibers, creating a smooth, long-lasting finish that won’t crack, peel, or fade.
Pros and cons of sublimation printing
Sublimation printing delivers bold, full-color designs that won’t crack or fade – but there are a few trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know before you heat-press that first t-shirt.
Pros:
- Vibrant, long-lasting prints – Sublimation dye bonds into the fabric for rich color that holds up after multiple washes.
- No cracking or peeling – Unlike vinyl, the ink becomes part of the garment.
- Soft, breathable feel – Designs don’t add weight or plastic texture.
- Full-coverage printing – Great for both small designs and full all-over-print coverage.
Cons:
- Limited fabric choice – Sublimation designs only work on light-colored or white shirts with at least 65% polyester content.
- No dark shirt printing – Sublimation doesn’t support white ink, so black shirts are out.
- Special materials required – You’ll need sublimation paper, ink, a heat press, and butcher paper.
- Not all shirts qualify – Stick to high-polyester blends like the Gildan Performance T-Shirt or Bella+Canvas options with a cotton-like feel.
How to choose the right shirt for sublimation printing
To get the best sublimation print, choose 100% polyester shirts – or at least a blend with 80% polyester content. The sublimation process only works on synthetic fabrics, since sublimation ink bonds with polyester fibers at a molecular level.
Go below 80%, and your image will look faded. At 65%, you’ll get a washed-out, vintage effect, and anything lower won’t hold up.
Avoid natural fibers like cotton or silk. Cotton shirts absorb ink but don’t lock in color, so the print fades fast. Silk shirts scorch under the heat, damaging the fabric and your design.
Quick checklist – best shirts for sublimation transfers:
- Material: Choose 100% polyester or at least 80% polyester blends.
- Color: Use a white shirt or soft light colors for vibrant results.
- Shirt fit: Modern, form-fitting, or classic, relaxed styles.
- Quality: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, smooth texture.
Budget: Plan for sublimation ink, heat press, and other gear.
10 Best shirts for sublimation
Here are the 10 best shirts for sublimation printing – perfect for bold colors, seamless coverage, and long-lasting results. From all-over-print shirts to sport jerseys and crop tees, these Printify Catalog picks combine comfort, durability, and flawless design placement.Choose from 100% polyester or high-polyester blends to match your customers’ style and your brand’s needs.
1. Unisex Cut and Sew Tee
One of our most versatile all-over-print (AOP) t-shirts – perfect for vibrant sublimation prints and full-shirt design placement. The cut and sew process transfers your artwork to the fabric before assembly, so the image covers the entire shirt edge-to-edge.
It features a regular unisex fit, no tags, and a smooth texture your customers will love.
2. Women’s Cut and Sew Tee
This lightweight, 100% polyester tee is made for full-color sublimation printing – ideal for fashion-forward brands. The cut and sew construction ensures your design wraps seamlessly across the garment. Meanwhile the ribbed-knit collar and shoulder tape help retain shape and structure.
Available in black or white and six sizes, it’s a go-to choice for trendy niches that want a flattering, all-over-print fit.
3. Men’s Hawaiian Shirt
A classic summertime hit with a look sure to become a fan favorite among your customers.
This AOP polyester shirt has a full button-up front, a spacious chest pocket, and a notch-lapel collar that creates a stylish uniform shape. Perfect for hot weather and beach-themed brands that want full-color designs on a standout piece.
4. Men’s and Women’s Baseball Jersey
These 100% polyester jerseys are built for bold sublimation printing – perfect for activewear shops and sporty designs. The fabric is moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and holds color even after intense use or sun exposure.
With a relaxed, semi-flowy fit and v-neck detail, these jerseys blend comfort with standout style for gym wear, teams, or casual looks.
5. Men’s Polyester Tee
This lightweight, 100% polyester tee is a go-to choice for sharp, vibrant sublimation prints that hold up after multiple washes. It’s available in eight sizes – from XS to 4XL – with double-needle stitching for added durability.
We’ll automatically match the seam-thread color (black or white) to your design, so every shirt looks polished and print-ready right out of the box.
6. Crop Tee
This trendy AOP crop tee is made from lightweight, 100% polyester – ideal for sublimation printing that pops. The midsection taper gives it a breezy, relaxed fit, perfect for streetwear brands or summer drops.
Go bold with continuous patterns, scenic graphics, or branded designs – this shirt holds color and shape through wear and wash.
7. Men’s Loose T-Shirt
This relaxed-fit tee is perfect for casual brands that want full sublimation coverage without sacrificing comfort. It features a classic round collar, reinforced double-needle stitching, and sizing up to 5XL.
If your customers prefer a roomier shirt fit, this one’s built for bold design placement and everyday wear.
8. Women’s Short Sleeve Shirt
This lightweight polyester-spandex blend offers just the right stretch for form-fitting sublimation shirts that feel as good as they look. With 95% polyester, it delivers vibrant colors and crisp sublimation printing, while the added spandex keeps it flexible and flattering.
Available in 8 sizes, with auto-matched seam-thread color to complement your design.
9. Men’s and Women’s Sport Jerseys
These all-over-print shirts, available in men’s and women’s styles, are designed for peak performance with 100% moisture-wicking polyester. Whether you’re hitting the gym or selling activewear, these sublimation shirts offer durability, vibrant colors, and quick-drying fabric.
An incredibly lightweight feel made to stretch to any form in sizes XS to 4XL, they’re one of the best options for high-quality sublimation prints that last.
10. Kids Sports Jersey
The Kids Sports Jersey is designed for both comfort and performance. These 100% polyester shirts are moisture-wicking, making sure that young athletes stay cool and dry during any activity.
With all-over-print capability, this lightweight fabric is perfect for vibrant, playful designs. Available in sizes XS to L.
Looking for more best-selling AOP products?
Explore our Product Catalog to find other AOP garments for sublimation printing. We’ve got everything from dresses to long sleeves and v-necks.
How to sublimate on shirts
Here’s how to go from digital design to a bold, vibrant shirt using the sublimation process:
1. Choose the right shirt
Use shirts with at least 65% polyester content. The higher the polyester, the more vibrant your colors. A white shirt works best, as dark colors don’t sublimate well. (We’ll cover the best fabric for sublimation in detail later in this guide.)
2. Prep your design
Create or upload your design using design software (like Canva or Adobe Illustrator).
Use high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) design files and mirror the image before printing so it transfers correctly.
3. Print the design on sublimation paper
Use a sublimation printer loaded with sublimation ink and print the design on sublimation paper. Regular inkjet printers and standard inks won’t work because they create prints that sit on top of the fabric instead of bonding with polyester fibers.
4. Prep the shirt
- Use a lint roll to remove dust, pet hair, or loose fibers from the fabric.
- Place butcher paper inside the shirt to stop ink from bleeding through.
- Pre-press the shirt for 5-10 seconds with a heat press to remove moisture and wrinkles.
5. Tape the design in place
Position the design face down on the shirt and secure it with heat-resistant tape. This keeps the sublimation paper from shifting during pressing.
6. Apply heat
Use a heat press set to 380-400°F (193-204°C) for 45-60 seconds, with medium pressure to apply heat.
Always follow the shirt manufacturer’s specific heat/time recommendations if available.
7. Remove and cool
Carefully peel off the sublimation paper while it’s still warm, then let the shirt cool completely. That’s it – your sublimation printing is done and ready to wear, pack, or ship.
How to care for your sublimation shirts
Proper care keeps your sublimation shirts looking vibrant. Follow these simple tips to maintain color, fabric quality, and print longevity:
- Wash inside out on cold to protect the design and preserve vibrant colors.
- Skip fabric softener – it can weaken the bond between the sublimation ink and fabric.
- Air dry or use low heat to prevent fading and shrinkage.
- Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals that can damage the print.
- Never iron directly on the printed area – flip the shirt inside out if ironing is necessary.
- For cotton blends, use extra care: lower heat settings and gentle cycles work best.
- If you’re printing yourself, always use high-quality sublimation paper and ink for long-lasting results.
Why choose Printify to sell sublimation shirts?
Printify takes care of the hard stuff – so you can focus on selling. With no upfront costs, no inventory, and no equipment needed, you can launch your custom sublimation shirts in minutes.
- Fast fulfillment: We send each order to a trusted sublimation printer, then ship it directly to your customer.
- Top quality: Vetted Print Providers and routine quality checks keep your products consistent.
- Big savings: Upgrade to Printify Premium and get up to 20% off on every product.
- Powerful integrations: Connect to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and more.
- Endless options: Design 1,300 customizable products – including all the best sublimation shirts.
Start designing today and turn your ideas into profit with zero hassle.
Check out these Shopify t-shirt stores to gain inspiration for your business.
FAQ
The best sublimation t-shirt blanks are made from 100% polyester or have a high polyester content. Polyester fibers bond well with sublimation dye, producing vibrant, long-lasting designs.
If you want the best sublimation shirts that feel like cotton, look for high-polyester blends that offer a soft cotton feel. For optimal results, ensure the fabric is light-colored, as colored shirts, especially black shirts, won’t produce vivid sublimation designs.
No, cotton shirts aren’t suitable for sublimation. The ink doesn’t bond properly, so the image fades quickly and doesn’t hold up over time. The best fabric for sublimation is polyester, which allows the dye to lock into the fibers for vibrant color and a great texture.
For best results, use shirts with at least 65% polyester content, or stick to 100% polyester for bright, durable prints.
For best results, sublimate on at least 65% or higher polyester content fabrics – though 100% polyester gives the best results. Polyester-feel fabrics bond well with sublimation ink, locking in color and detail.
You can use light-colored cotton blends with heat transfer vinyl, but expect faster fading. To keep your designs sharp and bold, prioritize sublimation blanks made from polyester.
Yes – but the print won’t look sharp or last long. Sublimation ink only bonds with the polyester fibers, so on a 50/50 shirt, your design will appear faded, especially after the first wash.
If you want a softer feel but better color retention, try shirts with at least 65% polyester content. Or, use heat transfer vinyl as a workaround for brighter results on cotton-heavy blends.
Summary: Choosing the right shirt for sublimation
A good t-shirt to sublimate on is made from high-quality blends that work seamlessly with sublimation transfers. These materials allow the dye to bond with the fabric surface, producing a crisp, vibrant image that holds up well after every wash.
To get the best results, use premium sublimation paper and choose polyester shirts designed for this printing method. Some of the most popular brands offer t-shirts with a smooth finish and great texture, making them ideal for full-color designs.Check out our options, upload your design to Printify’s Product Creator, and start selling vibrant, durable sublimated apparel with ease – no sublimation printer needed.
