So you got your brand-new sublimation jerseys. They look sharp, the colors are vibrant, and your team is ready to dominate. But here is the thing — sublimation prints need specific care to stay that way. Unlike screen-printed shirts where the ink sits on top of the fabric, sublimation ink becomes part of the polyester fibers. That means the wrong washing routine can fade your jerseys over time. We put this guide together based on what we tell our customers at the shop.
Dos and Donots of Washing Sublimation Jerseys
- Wash inside out — This protects the print surface from rubbing against other clothes in the machine.
- Use cold water — Hot water can cause the polyester fibers to relax and the colors to bleed over time.
- Mild detergent only — No bleach, no fabric softeners, no whiteners. These break down the bond between ink and fiber.
- Do not soak — Sublimation jerseys should not be left in water for extended periods.
- Air dry only — Avoid direct sunlight. Hang your jersey in the shade. Tumble drying at high heat can warp the fabric.
- Do not iron directly — If wrinkles are unavoidable, iron on the lowest setting with a cloth barrier, or better yet, steam it from a distance.
Why Sublimation Is Different from Screen Printing
Most people treat all printed shirts the same way. With screen printing, the ink is thick and sits on the fabric surface — that is why screen-printed designs crack after a few washes. Sublimation is different: the ink turns into gas under heat and bonds with the polyester at a molecular level. That is why your sublimation basketball jersey will not peel, crack, or fade the way regular printed shirts do — but it still needs proper care to stay vibrant.
Dealing with Sweat and Odor
- Rinse immediately after use — do not let sweat dry into the fabric
- Pre-treat underarm areas with a mild soap before machine washing
- Baking soda paste works for stubborn odor — apply, let sit for 15 minutes, then wash normally
Storage Tips
Fold your jerseys instead of hanging them on wire hangers, which can stretch the shoulder area. Store in a cool, dry place. If you have multiple sets, stack them by size so you can grab and go for game day. For teams using Polydex fabric, you will notice the fabric stays colorfast even after repeated washing as long as you follow these instructions.
For more detailed fabric care, Textile World’s sublimation care guide has additional technical background on how sublimation inks behave with different polyester blends.
Quick Reference Card
Print this and hand it to each player when you distribute the jerseys: Cold wash, inside out, mild detergent, air dry shade, no bleach, no iron.
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses:
- Branch 1: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Branch 2: Sobrecary Street (In front of Velox Gas Station), Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Email: gracezelguerra22@gmail.com
- Phone: 09460480491
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PH Time)
- Facebook Page: Visit our Facebook Page