Sublimation vs. Standard Polyester: A Fabric & GSM Guide for Team Jerseys

08 September, 2026 | jhon smith

“Just make it look good” is how most first-time jersey orders start — but fabric choice affects comfort, durability, and how long your team’s colors stay sharp. Here’s what team captains and coordinators should know before choosing.

Sublimation Printing vs. Screen Printing

Sublimation printing infuses dye directly into the fabric fibers, so the design never cracks, peels, or fades — even after repeated washing. Screen printing sits on top of the fabric as a layer of ink, which is cheaper for very simple 1-2 color designs but wears down faster under match conditions. For any jersey with a full- color design, sponsor logos, or player names and numbers, sublimation is the more durable choice.

What GSM Means (and Why It Matters)

GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric weight and density. Lighter GSM fabric (140-160 GSM) is cooler and better suited to high-intensity sports like t-shirt printing manufacturer cricket, football, and kabaddi. Heavier GSM (180-220GSM) offers more structure and is common in tracksuits and corporate polos where durability matters more than breathability.

• 140-160 GSM — cricket, football, kabaddi, volleyball match jerseys
• 170-190 GSM — training kits and everyday wear
• 200+ GSM — tracksuits, jackets, corporate uniforms

Choosing Fabric by Sport

Esports jerseys prioritize breathability for long indoor sessions rather than sweat management for outdoor play, so a lighter, softer-hand fabric is often preferred over a moisture-wicking match fabric. Outdoor sports in hotter states (Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad) benefit from the lightest breathable GSM available, while indoor or cooler climate teams have more flexibility.

Not Sure Which Fabric Fits Your Sport?

Send us your sport, climate, and how often the jersey will be washed per season, and we’ll recommend the right fabric and GSM before you commit to a design. WhatsApp: +91 80738 77920.