Looking to step up your sublimation t-shirt game? In this guide, we’ll explore the best shirts to use for sublimation, which fabrics are perfect for sublimation dyes, and tips for mastering the sublimation process.
Key takeaways
- Shirts with 80% or more polyester provide the best results for sublimation.
- White or light-colored fabrics help maintain the vibrancy of sublimation prints.
- While sublimation offers durability, the initial setup can be costly without a fulfillment provider.
- Sublimation suits various shirt styles, from casual wear to athletic apparel.
How does sublimation work?
Sublimation printing is a unique technique where the design is first transferred onto special sublimation paper, then applied to a polyester or high-polyester-content fabric, infusing the ink directly into the fibers of the finished garment.
The heat press machine holds the sublimation dye in place until the ink and fabric fuse from the heat, resulting in bright sublimation prints that cover the fabric from seam to seam and a durable garment that withstands hundreds of wash cycles without losing its vibrant colors.
Pros and cons of sublimation printing
Sublimation printing offers impressive color and durability, but like any printing method, it has its limitations.
Pros:
- Vibrant, high-quality prints with bright sublimation colors
- Designs completely fuse with the fabric and don’t fade or crack over time
- Covers the entire shirt with seamless printing for all-over-print designs
- Perfect for creating custom, high-resolution designs with intricate detail
Cons:
- Works best on polyester shirts or high-poly blends that can resist the high heat
- Limited to white shirts or light-colored fabrics for optimal print quality
- Sublimation printer and heat press setup can be costly
- Requires precise alignment during printing to avoid ghosting or blurring
This method is perfect for long-lasting, vibrant prints with unmatched color depth.
What shirts are best to sublimate on?
The sublimation method works best with garments made from 100% polyester or a polyester blended material that has at least 80% of polyester in the mix.
The dyes in sublimation inks bond with polyester fibers for a tighter and more controlled result, and – just as its namesake – sublimate on a molecular level.
Blends with less than 80% polyester will look more faded. If you’re going for a retro look, consider choosing a t-shirt with a lower polyester percentage.
However, we don’t recommend going any lower than 65%.
Additionally, polyester shirts are also lightweight, smooth to the touch, comfortable, and not scratchy or clingy.
We absolutely don’t recommend applying your sublimation designs on fabrics made from natural fibers, like silk or cotton shirts:
- Cotton shirts can work with dye sublimation, but the image won’t last since cotton is more absorbent, and the ink can bleed and wash out.
- Silk shirts are not heat-resistant, and sublimation printers can significantly damage and burn the super-soft fabric due to the high heat involved.
Here’s a quick checklist for choosing the best shirts for sublimation:
- Material: Choose 100% polyester or a blend with at least 80% polyester for optimal results.
- Color: Stick with white shirts or light-colored fabrics to achieve vibrant sublimation prints.
- Fit: Choose a modern, form-fitting style or standard fit for a more relaxed, boxy look.
- Quality: Look for smooth, lightweight polyester shirts with excellent moisture-wicking properties and no rough texture.
- Price: Consider whether you can afford the equipment. Sublimation inks are more expensive but great for bulk production.
10 Best shirts for sublimation
Our Catalog features various products from top brands for sublimation, with an excellent collection of all-over-print shirts, short-sleeve and crop tees, jerseys, and button-up shirts. Choose from full-polyester shirts or dynamic cotton and poly blends to achieve a perfect outcome.
1. Unisex Cut and Sew Tee
This is one of our most versatile AOP t-shirts – it has no tags and sports a regular unisex fit that can match all style preferences. The cut-and-sew tee is made from a unique lightweight 100% polyester, resulting in a comfortable and breathable material.
Cut and sew means that the image is transferred onto the fabric before it’s sewn together, making sure the pattern covers every inch of the garment. It’s then cut and sewn into the desired t-shirt shape.
2. Women’s Cut and Sew Tee
Apart from being lightweight and durable, this t-shirt is perfect if your customers want to sport a trendy look. Its ribbed-knit collar and shoulder tape help it retain shape while looking super flattering with your designs.
This t-shirt works perfectly with sublimation dye, creating a stunning product. Available in six sizes in black or white, this is the perfect product for all niches.
3. Men’s Hawaiian Shirt
Our men’s Hawaiian shirt is a classic summertime option with a look sure to become a fan favorite among your customers.
This AOP option has a full button-up front, a spacious chest pocket, and a notch-lapel collar that creates a stylish uniform shape. They make excellent sublimation shirts for hot weather and beach days.
4. Men’s and Women’s Baseball Jersey
We’ll print your sublimation baseball jerseys in bold, vibrant colors that stay the same even after regular, active use. Both are made from 100% polyester, making sure the printed shirt won’t fade in the sun.
This medium-weight, breathable polyester garment sports a nice, semi-flowy fit that works for both athletic and everyday-casual wear. It’s also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant – a go-to choice for athletic shops with sporty designs.
5. Men’s Polyester Tee
Make your unique sublimation projects come to life with this 100% polyester tee. Sell them in eight sizes, from XS to 4XL.
The light fabric will mesh perfectly with a colorful design, and we’ll automatically match the seam-thread color (black or white) with your design’s color palette. The sleeves and hems are reinforced with double-needle stitching, providing long-lasting durability and comfort.
6. Crop Tee
For an even lighter and more fashionable option, check out our AOP crop tee. The garment tapers to the midsection, resulting in a breezy and relaxed fit.
This 100% polyester t-shirt was practically made for sublimation printing. Customize it with the most colorful design, and it’ll look great for years.
Help your customers stand out with bold designs, like continuous patterns, scenic graphics, branded symbols, and memorable illustrations.
7. Men’s Loose T-Shirt
If you want to sell polyester shirts for customers who love dressing casually, this will be your go-to t-shirt. It has a classic, round collar, double-needle stitching for reinforcement, and it’s made from 100% polyester, making it one of the best shirts for sublimation printing.
Our men’s loose t-shirt comes in various sizes, up to 5XL.
8. Women’s Short Sleeve Shirt
Want a stretchy sublimation design? This fan favorite will be a great addition to your catalog. It’s a lightweight, blended shirt with enough polyester to guarantee vibrant designs with sublimation printing. The 5% spandex adds extra elasticity.
We’ll automatically match the seam-thread color (black or white) to your design. It has a form-fitting look and comes in eight sizes, from XS to 4XL.
9. Men’s and Women’s Sport Jerseys
These all-over-print sublimation 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 enjoy staying active, these sublimation t-shirts offer durability, vibrant colors, and quick-drying fabric.
An incredibly lightweight feel made to stretch to any form in sizes XS to 4XL, these two shirts are 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 sublimation shirts are moisture-wicking, ensuring 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.
Find more bestselling AOP products
Browse the Printify Product Catalog to find other AOP garments for sublimation printing. We’ve got everything from dresses to long sleeves and v-neck shirts.
Best polyester shirts for sublimation
Looking for pure polyester t-shirts for sublimation printing? We got you. Check out our list of 100% polyester options for the perfect surface for AOP sublimation.
How to care for your sublimation shirts
To keep your best sublimation t-shirts looking vibrant, proper care is essential.
Wash inside out on a cold setting to maintain the colors and design. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can affect the quality of the print. For combed cotton or cotton blend shirts, be mindful of the fabric’s tolerance to heat during the wash cycle. When drying, opt for low heat or air drying to prevent the colors from fading.
If you’re planning to produce the prints without a fulfillment service, remember – using high-quality sublimation paper and high-quality sublimation ink during the sublimation project will also help ensure the longevity of the design. Finally, avoid ironing directly on the printed area and steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach.
Why choose Printify to sell sublimation shirts?
Less hassle – more profit. Printify is free, simple, and requires no upfront investment. All you need to do is create and sell products. We have a network of the best sublimation printer partners to fulfill and deliver them to your customers.
Browse our Catalog of over 1000 items, including our best t-shirts for sublimation.
Start creating custom t-shirts with your own preferred style and design.
Sit back and profit
Once you sell a shirt, we automatically send it to a sublimation printer. Then, we package and ship it directly to your customer’s doorstep.
High quality
We work with vetted Print Providers and do quality checks to guarantee beautiful quality for each one of your sublimation products.
Printify Premium
Upgrade to the Printify Premium plan and get up to 20% off on our products to secure more profits.
eCommerce integrations
Connect with the world’s biggest online marketplaces and eCommerce platforms, like Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, eBay, and Walmart. Check out these Shopify t-shirt stores to gain inspiration for your business.
FAQ
The best sublimation shirt blanks are made from 100% polyester or have a high polyester content. Polyester fibers bond well with sublimation inks, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting designs.
If you want the best sublimation shirts that feel like cotton, look for high-polyester options that offer a soft cotton feel. For optimal results, always ensure the fabric is light-colored, as colored shirts, especially black shirts, won’t produce vivid sublimation prints.
For best results, sublimate on at least 65% polyester or higher fabrics. Polyester-feel fabrics bond effectively with transfer dye, making them ideal for creating vibrant and durable prints. You can also sublimate on certain colored shirts, but lighter shades work best to maintain bright print quality.
Although cotton fabrics, such as Gildan t-shirts, aren’t ideal, you can still use heat transfer vinyl to apply sublimation on blank t-shirts with a cotton blend. However, to avoid fading, prioritize sublimation blanks made of polyester for sharp, clear designs. Always consider the best materials based on your project needs and the longevity of the design.
While it’s possible to sublimate on a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend, the results may not be ideal. The transfer dye only adheres to the polyester fibers, so designs will likely appear faded after the first wash. A higher polyester ratio, such as 65% or more, produces better results.
If you must use a 50/50 blend, consider heat transfer vinyl as an alternative for a more vibrant and durable print. Sublimating directly on cotton requires special sublimation sprays or treatments, but this won’t provide the same lasting quality as polyester garments.
For vivid prints, the best shirts to sublimate on have a higher polyester content.
Yes, sublimating on a 65/35 polyester-cotton blend will produce better results compared to a 50/50 blend. While the colors may not be as vivid as they would on 100% polyester, this blend still holds the sublimation ink fairly well.
65/35 is a good middle ground for those wanting a soft cotton feel while maintaining decent print quality. Sublimation blanks with a 65% polyester content are ideal for vibrant colors and durable prints, though you might experience some fading over time.
Always remember to choose the right shirt for your project, ensuring the design meets your quality expectations and lasts after multiple washes.
Sublimating on a 60/40 cotton-polyester blend is possible, but results will be less vibrant than on higher polyester fabrics. The transfer dye will only bond to the polyester portion, resulting in a more muted print. After the first wash, colors may fade further due to the high cotton content.
If you’re set on using a 60/40 blend, opt for heat transfer vinyl to ensure the design lasts longer. For more vibrant results, prioritize fabrics with a higher polyester percentage.
Summary
The best t-shirts for sublimation are made from high-quality polyester blends that work seamlessly with sublimation transfers. Check out our list of options, upload your design to Printify’s Product Creator, and start selling vibrant, durable sublimated apparel with ease — no sublimation printer needed.
