By Olivier, project manager at Flare Custom · Updated June 2026. A great design can be spoiled by a poor file. Sublimation reproduces exactly what you give it: if the file is weak, the jersey will be too. Here are the five mistakes we see most often at Flare Custom — and how to avoid them for a crisp result from the very first print.
RGB is the colour space of screens, not of print. An RGB file can produce colours that shift in sublimation (an electric blue that goes flat, a fluoro that dulls). For faithful, repeatable colours, work in CMYK or Pantone references. It is also what keeps two separate orders consistent. See colours & Pantone.
An image that is too small or pixelated will come out blurred, especially blown up across the back of a jersey. A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF) is best, as it scales without loss. Failing that, a PNG at 300 dpi minimum at actual print size. Avoid screenshots and images grabbed from the web. See preparing your file.
An AI image is a screen render with no vector source, often with details that cannot be reproduced. It has to be redrawn in vector by a studio before printing. That is entirely doable — it is one of our specialities — but it is not automatic: allow for that design step. See the hub Design IA.
If text uses a font we don't have, it will be replaced by another — and your result changes. Outline your text (convert it to curves) or supply the font files. That's the guarantee your names, slogans and numbers appear exactly as intended.
A partner's logo grabbed at small size from the internet will come out blurred. Ask each sponsor for their logo in vector format. And on rights: for any logo, trademark or emblem you do not own, a signed declaration of responsibility is required before production. See logos & sponsors.
Colours in CMYK/Pantone, a vector file (or 300 dpi PNG at actual size), an AI image recreated in vector form, outlined fonts, sharp and authorised logos: with that, your proof truly reflects what you will receive. And if you don't have a "clean" file, our studio takes care of it.
From idea to jersey made in Europe — from 1 piece. You approve a proof before production.
