When you are ordering custom cheerleading uniforms, one of the biggest decisions you will make is the printing method. The two most popular options are sublimation printing and screen printing — and the choice you make will directly impact how your uniforms look, how long they last, and how much they cost.
So which is right for your team? Let us break it down.
What Is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing uses heat to turn solid dye into a gas, which then penetrates the surface of polyester fabric and bonds with the fibers at a molecular level. The result is a design that becomes part of the fabric itself — not sitting on top of it.
The process works like this:
- Your design is printed onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks
- The transfer paper is placed on the polyester fabric
- A heat press applies heat (typically 200-220C / 390-430F) and pressure for 10-30 seconds
- The dye turns to gas, enters the polyester fibers, and solidifies
- The paper is removed — and the design is permanently embedded in the fabric
Because sublimation requires polyester fabric (ideally at least 65% polyester), it pairs naturally with polyester-spandex blends — the same fabric used in most custom cheerleading uniforms.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing (also called silk screening) uses a mesh screen and a squeegee to push ink directly onto the surface of the fabric. Each color in the design requires a separate screen and a separate pass through the printing press.
The process:
- A separate stencil (screen) is created for each color in the design
- Fabric is placed on a printing platen
- Ink is spread across the screen and pushed through the mesh with a squeegee
- The fabric is cured (usually with a dryer or heat press)
- Each additional color requires another screen and another pass
Screen printing works on most fabric types — cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
Sublimation vs Screen Printing: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Color quality | Photorealistic, unlimited colors | Limited by number of screens |
| Design complexity | Excellent for gradients and full-coverage | Best for simple, bold designs |
| Durability | Permanent, no cracking or peeling | Can crack or peel over time |
| Fabric requirement | Polyester only (65%+ recommended) | Works on most fabric types |
| Set-up cost | Low | High (screen per color) |
| Small orders | Affordable | Expensive |
| Large orders (500+) | Similar | Similar |
| Feel on fabric | No texture — design is invisible | Slightly raised ink texture |
| Color-changing effects | Oui | No |
Which Method Is Better for Cheerleading Uniforms?
For cheerleading uniforms specifically, sublimation is generally the better choice — especially for competition-ready apparel.
Sublimation excels for cheerleading because:
- Cheerleading designs tend to be complex, colorful, and full-coverage
- Teams need uniforms that look fresh through multiple washes and competitions
- Polyester-spandex (the ideal cheerleading fabric) is sublimation-compatible
- The stretch properties of cheerleading fabric do not interfere with sublimation bonding
- Vibrant colors and gradients are signatures of modern cheer uniform aesthetics
Screen printing makes more sense when:
- Your design has only 1-2 solid colors (economies of scale kick in)
- You need to print on cotton or cotton-blend fabrics
- Your order quantity is very large (500+ units)
Can You Combine Both Methods?
Yes — and this is a common approach. For example:
- The base uniform body uses sublimation for a full-coverage team design with the school mascot and colors
- The team name and athlete numbers are screen-printed on top (few colors, bold text)
- Strass are applied manually to add sparkle to key areas
Cost Considerations
Sublimation is more cost-effective when:
- Order quantity is under 50 units (low set-up cost)
- Design has 3+ colors or complex gradients
- You want fast turnaround times
Screen printing is more cost-effective when:
- Order quantity exceeds 200 units
- Design has only 1-2 solid colors
- You are printing on cotton or dark fabrics
For most school cheerleading squads (20-50 members), sublimation is the smart choice.
Final Verdict
If you are buying custom cheerleading uniforms, sublimation printing is almost always the better option. It delivers superior color quality, lasts longer, and is more affordable at the quantities most teams order.
The only exception is if you have a very simple 1-2-color design, are printing on cotton, or are ordering 500+ identical units.
Ready to design your custom sublimated cheerleading uniforms?
