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

08 September, 2026 | jhon smith

This fabric and GSM guide explains the two choices that matter most for team jerseys: the printing method and the fabric weight.

“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.

What GSM Range Suits Your Jersey?

GSM stands for grams per square metre, a standard measure of fabric weight (see grammage on Wikipedia). As a simple fabric GSM guide for team kits:

• Lighter fabrics (around 140 to 160 GSM): best for hot weather, running, badminton and long outdoor matches.
• Mid-weight fabrics (around 160 to 180 GSM): a good all-round choice for cricket, football, volleyball and kabaddi.
• Heavier fabrics (around 200 GSM and above): better for polos, training tops and kits that need a more structured look.

Higher GSM is not automatically better. A heavier jersey can feel warm and slow to dry. The right choice depends on your sport, climate and how often the kit will be worn.

Fabric GSM Guide: Questions to Ask Your Supplier

• What is the GSM of the fabric you are quoting?
• Is the fabric suitable for sublimation printing?
• Does it stretch in both directions?
• Has it been treated to reduce pilling?
• Can you share a sample before a large order?

You can see our full list of standard and premium fabrics, with their weights, in our size chart and fabric guide. For a deeper look at stretch, anti-pilling and sweat dispersion, read sportswear fabric technology explained.

Why Sublimation Needs Polyester

Sublimation ink bonds with polyester fibres when heated. On cotton, the ink does not bond in the same way, so colours look faded and wash out quickly. That is why almost all sublimated sports jerseys are polyester or polyester blends. If you want a cotton feel for casual wear, cotton T-shirts with screen or DTF printing are a better option. Our article on cotton vs polyester compares the two in detail.

Fabric and GSM FAQs

What GSM is best for cricket jerseys?

Mid-weight fabrics around 160 to 180 GSM suit most cricket teams, with lighter options for very hot conditions.

Do premium fabrics cost more?

Yes. Premium fabrics such as Jacquard or 4-way Lycra cost more than standard fabrics, but feel softer and perform better in competitive play.

Related Guides

• Custom Cricket Jersey Cost in India
• Recycled Polyester Sportswear
• Custom Sports Jerseys

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.