Best Quality T-Shirts For Sublimation In 2023

If you’re like most people, you probably own a few shirts in your wardrobe. They are comfortable, versatile, and can be styled in many different ways. However, they are also everywhere and can be a bit boring and generic.

On the other hand, sublimation is a conventional printing method that allows you to add a dash of style to your shirts, giving each its unique characteristics.

Moreover, sublimation printing on shirts is an excellent business venture and a creative outlet you can explore. However, not all shirts are made equal, and you will get better results with some than with others.

This piece will look at the best shirt styles and designs for sublimation printing and highlight the best materials.

Keep reading to learn more.

Factors to Consider When Sublimation Printing on Shirts

When sublimating on shirts, you should consider several important factors to ensure you get the best results possible. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind.

1. Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose for your shirt significantly impacts the final print quality. Ideally, you want to choose a fabric made from polyester or a polyester blend, as these materials are the most receptive to sublimation ink. Cotton and other natural fibers, on the other hand, do not absorb sublimation ink as well, which can result in a less vibrant print.

2. Color of the Shirt

The color of the shirt you choose can also affect the final print quality. Lighter colors tend to work best for sublimation printing, as they allow the colors to show up more vibrantly. Darker colors may require a special type of sublimation paper or ink, as well as a longer pressing time, to achieve the desired result.

3. Quality of the Shirt

The quality of the shirt itself is also an important factor to consider. Higher-quality shirts will generally produce better results, as they are less likely to shrink or fade after washing. Look for shirts that are made from high-quality materials and have a tight weave to ensure the best print quality.

4. Heat Press Settings

When sublimating your shirt, the heat press settings can also affect the final print quality. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific type of sublimation paper and ink you’re using. Moreover, adjust the temperature and pressing time as needed based on the fabric type and color of the shirt.

5. Design Quality

The quality of your design can also impact the final print quality. Ensure your design is high-resolution and free from any errors or distortion before printing it onto your shirt. This will give you the best transfer results.

Best Shirt Designs for Sublimation Printing

Here are some of the best shirt designs to help you achieve the best sublimation results.

1. Crewneck Sublimation T-Shirts

Crewneck t-shirts are one of the most popular styles of t-shirts. They have a round neckline and short sleeves, often made from cotton or a cotton blend, which also means they are not ideal for sublimation. Therefore, choose crewneck t-shirt materials infused with polyester or 100% polyester.

Polyester is a great choice for sublimation printing, as it allows bright and vivid colors to be printed onto the fabric. Here are some reasons why crewneck shirts are excellent for sublimation printing:

• Smooth surface: Crewneck t-shirts provide a smooth and even surface for printing, which is essential for achieving high-quality sublimation prints. This makes them an ideal choice for printing intricate designs and patterns.
• Comfortable fit: Crewneck t-shirts are comfortable, making them a popular choice for everyday wear. They are also available in various materials, including cotton-polyester blends and 100% polyester, which can provide a soft and comfortable feel.
• Wide availability: The shirts are widely available, making them easy to source and customize. Moreover, they are available in a range of colors and sizes, making it easy to create custom t-shirts for groups, events, as well as a wide target audience.

Pros of Crewneck T-Shirts

• Simple design that is versatile for various designs and patterns.
• Affordable compared to other t-shirt styles.
• They are popular for everyday wear, making them a practical and versatile option for custom t-shirts.

Cons of Crewneck T-Shirts

• Limited design options compared to other t-shirt styles.
• It may appear less visually interesting to some customers.
• It may not be as trendy as other t-shirt styles.

Best Crewneck T-Shirts for Sublimation

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2.  V-Neck Sublimation T-Shirts

V-neck t-shirts are similar to crewneck t-shirts but with a v-shaped neckline. These T-shirts are great if you’re going for a slightly more stylish and sophisticated look. They are often made from cotton or a cotton blend and polyester.

This ensures sublimation colors are bright and vibrant while also providing a soft and comfortable feel. Here are some other reasons V-Neck T-Shirts are excellent for sublimation:

• Flattering neckline: The V-neck design is universally flattering and can help elongate the neck and create a more streamlined look.
• Variety of design options: The V-neck design provides a larger canvas for your design, allowing you to incorporate more intricate designs or patterns. Additionally, the V-neck design allows for creative placement of your design, such as centered or off-centered.
• Breathability: V-neck t-shirts typically have a looser fit and allow for more airflow, which can be beneficial in warmer climates or during physical activity.

Pros of V-Neck T-Shirts

• Can be worn for casual or more formal occasions, making them a versatile option.
• Popular with both men and women, which means they appeal to a wide audience.
• Allows for more creativity and versatility in design placement.

Cons of V-Neck T-Shirts

• It may not work as well for centered designs or ones requiring symmetry, as the V-neckline may interfere with the design.
• There may be limited options for V-neck t-shirts in the market with polyester materials.
• It may not be suitable for all body types.

Best V-Neck T-Shirts for Sublimation

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3. Henley Sublimation T-Shirts

Henley t-shirts are similar to crewneck t-shirts but with a button-up front. These t-shirts are excellent if you want a more casual and relaxed look. They are often made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends, making them an excellent choice for sublimation printing. Here are some reasons why Henley t-shirts are a great option for sublimation:

• Unique style: Henley t-shirts feature a button-up collar that adds a unique touch to your design. This style can be especially popular with men and adds another interesting element to the sublimation print.
• Versatile: Henley t-shirts can be worn for casual or more formal occasions, making them a versatile option for custom t-shirts.
• Larger canvas for design: The button-up collar provides a larger canvas for your design, allowing you to incorporate more intricate designs or patterns.

Pros of Henley T-Shirts

• The button-up collar makes them stand out from other t-shirt styles.
• Provides a larger area for your design, which can benefit more intricate designs.
• Can be worn for various occasions, making them a popular choice for custom t-shirts.

Cons of Henley T-Shirts

• Limited fabric options suitable for sublimation.
• The button-up collar may limit design placement or interfere with certain designs.
• Henley t-shirts may not be as flattering on all body types, and some people may prefer a different style.

Best Henley T-Shirts for Sublimation

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4. Polo Sublimation Shirts

Polo shirts are a classic style of shirts that originated in the tennis world. They have a collar and a button-up front that is very recognizable. They are also often made from cotton or polyester blend material, making them great for sublimation printing. Moreover, they also don’t have much going on their front or back and provide a large surface area for printing.

Here are some reasons why polo shirts are an excellent option for sublimation:

• Professional look: Polo shirts have a professional appearance, making them popular for business and corporate events. This also means this shirt style has a large clientele, and sublimation can be an excellent value addition.
• Large canvas for design: Polo shirts have a large area on both the front and back for your design, which allows for more intricate or detailed designs.
• Durable: Polo shirts are typically made of durable materials that can withstand frequent wear and washing, making them a practical choice for custom shirts.

Pros of Polo Shirts

• They have a classic look making them popular with many people.
• Offer a wide range of design possibilities.
• Durable and reliable.

Cons of Polo Shirts

• Limited fabric options.
• Can be more expensive than other styles.
• Limited color options.

Best Polo Shirts for Sublimation

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5. Baseball Sublimation Jerseys

Baseball jerseys are a style of shirt that originated in the world of baseball. They are often made from polyester or a polyester blend and have a button-up front and short sleeves. However, when sublimating on baseball jerseys, choosing high-quality materials and following the manufacturer’s instructions for the sublimation paper and ink you’re using is essential.

Moreover, pay attention to the pressing time and temperature for the sleeves and collar, as they may require different settings than the shirt’s body. Here are some reasons baseball jerseys are great for sublimation printing:

• Athletic look: Baseball jerseys have a sporty and athletic look, making them a great choice for sports teams or active teams wear. They are also great for attending games or sporting events with friends.
• Unique design options: Baseball jerseys have a distinct, well-differentiated, instantly recognizable design. They also have contrasting color sleeves, which allows for unique and eye-catching designs.
• Comfortable fit: Baseball jerseys are typically made of lightweight and breathable materials, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Pros of Baseball Jerseys

• Have a sporty and athletic appearance, making them a popular choice for sports fans.
• Unique design options.
• Comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Cons of Baseball Jerseys

• Typically come in limited color options, which may limit design options.
• Limited printing area due to a split front section.
• Limited fabric options.

Best Baseball Jerseys for Sublimation

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6. Cut and Sew Sublimation T-Shirts

Cut and sew t-shirts are a unique style of t-shirts made from multiple pieces of fabric sewn together. These t-shirts are great for sublimation printing, as they provide many different design opportunities. When sublimating cut and sew t-shirts, consider using a fabric that is a blend of polyester and spandex. This will allow the fabric to stretch and move with the wearer while also providing a smooth and even surface for printing.

With suitable materials and techniques, cut and sew t-shirts can be an excellent option for sublimation printing, offering endless customization options and high-quality results. Here are some more reasons you should consider this t-shirt style for sublimation printing:

• Customizable: Cut and sew t-shirts offer a printing base with endless customization options, including unique color combinations, designs, and patterns.
• High-quality materials: Cut and sew t-shirts are typically made from high-quality fabrics, such as cotton or poly-cotton blends, which allows for vibrant and long-lasting sublimation prints.
• Larger printing area: Cut and sew t-shirts typically have a larger printing area than other styles, which allows for more creative and detailed designs.

Pros of Cut and Sew T-Shirts

• Offer the ability to create unique color combinations from their unique stitching.
• High-quality materials that last long.
• Have a larger printing area than other styles.

Cons of Cut and Sew T-Shirts

• It can be more expensive to produce than other styles.
• It may require a longer production time than other styles.
• They are not as widely available as other styles, making them more difficult to source.

Best Cut and Sew T-Shirt for Sublimation

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Conclusion

Sublimation printing has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has also allowed artists, businesses, and individuals to use shirts as their medium of expression by offering a high-quality, long-lasting, and customizable solution for creating unique garments.

From Crewneck to V-neck, Henley, polo, baseball jerseys, and cut and sew t-shirts, many options are available for sublimation printing on shirts. Moreover, each type has unique features, benefits, and limitations to consider, depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, you can rely on sublimation printing to give you excellent results you can be proud of on various shirts.

Furthermore, when sublimating on shirts, remember that most sublimation inks are designed to work with polyester fabrics and to follow the proper techniques and manufacturer’s instructions. Whether you’re a business owner looking to create custom apparel for your brand or an individual looking to make personalized shirts for a special occasion or event, sublimation printing is an excellent option.

FAQs

What is sublimation printing, and how does it work on shirts?

Sublimation printing is a process of printing designs onto fabric using heat and pressure. You print the design onto a special transfer paper and then apply heat and pressure using a heat press to transfer the design onto the fabric. Sublimation printing works best on synthetic materials like polyester because the dye sublimates into the fabric’s fibers, creating vibrant and long-lasting designs.

Can sublimation printing be done on cotton shirts?

Sublimation printing does not work well on cotton shirts because the dye sublimation process requires a polyester base to work effectively. However, some mixed fabrics contain a blend of cotton and polyester that can work for sublimation printing.

How long do sublimation-printed designs last on t-shirts?

Sublimation-printed designs can last for the garment’s lifetime if cared for properly. The designs are infused into the fabric fibers, making them resistant to fading, cracking, or peeling over time.