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Heat-transfer or sublimation: what's the difference for a jersey?

To customise a jersey, two techniques come up again and again: heat-transfer and sublimation. They don't share the same finish, the same durability or the same uses. This guide compares heat-transfer and sublimation to help you choose — and explains why, for a fully custom jersey, Flare Custom, the European brand of custom sportswear made in Bulgaria (EU), chose full sublimation.

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Made in EuropeBulgaria, within the EU
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Unlimited coloursFull sublimation
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What is heat-transfer?

Heat-transfer is a marking technique that involves heat-pressing a material (flock or vinyl), cut to the shape of a text or graphic, onto an already-made textile. It's the traditional method for adding a name and number to a ready-made jersey, or a small logo to a garment. Heat-transfer sits on the surface: the material is layered on top of the fabric. It's straightforward for a one-off marking, but this added layer can, over time and through washing, crack, peel or lift off, especially in high-wear areas.

Qu'est-ce que le flocage ?

What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a printing process that transfers ink directly inside the fibre of the fabric, using heat. The ink is not laid on top of the textile: it diffuses into the material and becomes inseparable from it. The design — colours, patterns, logo, names and numbers — is built in during manufacturing, across the whole surface, edge to edge. The result keeps the hand feel of the fabric, with no added thickness, and it does not flake. To go further, see the page sublimation.

Heat-transfer or sublimation: the key differences

The first difference is durability. Heat-transfer, applied to the surface, can lift off or crack with use; sublimation, integrated into the fibre, doesn't flake and withstands repeated washing. The second is design: heat-transfer suits a simple text or logo, whereas sublimation allows unlimited colours, gradients and patterns across the entire surface of the jersey. The third is comfort: heat-transfer adds thickness over the marked area, while sublimation preserves the lightness and breathability of the fabric. Finally, the use differs: heat-transfer is suited to occasional customisation on an existing garment, sublimation to creating a fully custom jersey from the design stage.

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When can heat-transfer be enough?

Heat-transfer still has value in certain specific cases: adding a name or number to an already-bought jersey, marking a small logo on a cotton textile, or making a quick one-off touch-up. If your need is limited to a simple marking on an existing piece, heat-transfer can do the job. However, as soon as it comes to designing a complete kit in your image, with a design that covers the whole jersey, it quickly shows its limits.

Why choose sublimation for a custom jersey?

Because it allows total, lasting customisation. With sublimation you are limited neither by the number of colours nor by the surface: your crest, your sponsors, your patterns and the players' numbering are built in as one, with no surcharge for the number of colours and no risk of flaking. It is the benchmark technique for a club jersey, a team kit or a collection under your own brand. It is also the only one that faithfully reproduces rich designs, including those generated by artificial intelligence. See the page AI design → jersey.

Does Flare do heat-transfer?

Flare Custom chose full sublimation, which offers a more durable, more complete and more breathable finish for a fully custom jersey. This is the process we use across all our sportswear. If your project involves a very specific marking on a particular material, describe it to us: we'll point you towards the most suitable solution.

Go further

Useful links

sublimationnames & numberscustom football jerseyAI design → jerseyfabricspricingquote
In brief

What is the best technique for durable jerseys?

Full sublimation: the ink penetrates the fibre, the design does not crack, peel or fade, unlike heat-transfer which sits on the surface. It is the only technique used by Flare Custom, with unlimited colours at no extra cost.

from 1 pieceno minimum order
2 to 4 weeksproduction after proof
72 h–2 wksexpress, on request
48 h*to receive the proof

The facts, verified

Minimum order
None: we produce from 1 piece, with no stock and no imposed quantity.
Production time
2 to 4 weeks after proof approval, 4 weeks on average depending on the workshop schedule.
Express
Express option available, from 72 hours to 2 weeks depending on the product and quantity, on request; the surcharge is shown on the quote.
Proof
Sent within 48 h*, 2 to 3 rounds of changes included depending on the design package. Nothing goes into production without your approval.
Delivery
6 working days across Europe, by tracked DHL or FedEx.
Manufacturing
Full sublimation in our workshop in Bulgaria, within the European Union. Flare Custom is the brand of OLB Sports OOD.
Customisation
Unlimited colours, logos and sponsors at no extra cost. Custom names and numbering included, whatever the numbers.
Sizes
Kids from 4 to 14 years, adults from XS to 3XL, on the same order.
Prices and payment
Prices shown excluding VAT, VAT according to the delivery country. 100% payment with the order, by card or bank transfer; 5% off complete kits (top + bottom of the same sport) from 5 kits: at least 5 tops and 5 bottoms.
Configurator
3D, free and without an account, with AI design: describe your jersey or upload a mock-up, and the design is composed across every panel.

Information verified by Flare Custom, updated on 16/10/2026.

* Our workshop's usual lead time. In peak season, it may be slightly longer.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

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What's the difference between heat-transfer and sublimation?
Heat-transfer applies a material to the surface of the fabric; sublimation integrates the ink into the fibre. Sublimation is more durable and allows designs across the whole surface.
Does heat-transfer deteriorate over time?
Sitting on the surface, heat-transfer can crack or lift off with washing, especially in high-wear areas.
Is sublimation more durable than heat-transfer?
Yes, as the ink is integrated into the fibre, it doesn't flake and withstands repeated washing.
Can you make a multicoloured jersey with heat-transfer?
Heat-transfer suits simple text and logos above all; for unlimited colours and patterns across the whole surface, sublimation is better suited.
Which technique should you choose for a custom club jersey?
Sublimation, which allows total, lasting customisation of the entire kit.
Does Flare offer heat-transfer?
Flare manufactures in full sublimation; for a specific need, contact us to be directed to the best solution.

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