What Type of Shirt is Best for Sublimation?
When you dive into the world of sublimation, especially when printing on a t-shirt, you will think, What type of shirt is best for sublimation? For your ease, let me tell you that for sublimation, you require a special material of shirt which is mainly based on polyester. You can use 100% of the polyester shirts otherwise need to select a blended shirt with cotton.
The best Blend for sublimation is 65% of polyester and 35% of cotton. If you choose something with low quality than I suggested, it will wash out your sublimation prints, and your shirt will also become useless. In this blog, I will suggest the best type of sublimation shirts and how to wash them.
Read the full blog if you want the best sublimation shirts that feel like cotton!
Which Blend is Good for Sublimation?
Below I have discussed all the possible types of t-shirts that will help you find the best one for you.
6200 Blend Shirt for Sublimation
This shirt model is at the top of our list, whether it's not 100% polyester but 65% polyester and 35% cotton, and it is a perfect match for sublimation. It's a comfortable and most demanding piece for sublimation printing. You will find the maximum vibrancy with this material.
100% Polyester Jerzee 21M T-shirt
I found 100% Polyester Jerzee a good one for my sublimation job. It does not fade the photo's colors or your desired design on the shirt and does not even provide a clingy look. My consumers report that these are best once, and the printing material does not scratch out. Some of my consumers give feedback that it sees-through, so they are uncomfortable with it.
Team 365 TT11 T-shirt for Sublimation
Jerzee 21M is 100% polyester and therefore expensive, but if you want something closely similar to it, then purchase Team 365 TT11. It is less expensive than 21M but an excellent replacement for Jerzee. In this Blend, you will also find options for ladies, young ones, and long and short sleeves.
A4 N3142 Shirt
Consumers who want a t-shirt with silky dry-fit, moisture-wicking, odor, and stain-resistant but support sublimation can keep their eyes on A4 N3142. You will find this shirt almost the same price as 21M but not soft as Jerzee.
Gildan t-shirt for Sublimation
People who want something blended material may go for Gildan t-shirts for sublimation shirts as they are 65% polyester shirts for sublimation and provides you with relevant results. If you get confused about those two shirts, think about Anvil Blend and Bella Canvas shirts for sublimation. Whatever material you are taking, keep in mind it should be lighter in color. Because in sublimation, as lighter as your shirt is as brighter results, you will enjoy it.
Why 65%/35% of Blend?
Go with the Blend of 65% Polyester and 35% of cotton. Why 65% Polyester instead of 100%? Because 100% Polyester is see-through, you may not be comfortable with it. On the other hand, if you sublimate on 65%/35% in the first wash, 35% of the image will wash out, but the image will not fade. So, don't worry about going with it, as it is also a safe option.
Why Not a 50%/50% Cotton Blend Shirt?
I would never suggest selecting the one with 50% polyester/ 50% cotton. Because when you wash out this shirt, 50% of your image will also wash out, and the output will become fade. Keep in mind that as little as the amount of cotton, your output will be as good.
Tri-Blend Shirts for Sublimation
This type of shirt is a mixture of 3 materials, including polyester, cotton, and rayon. They are super soft, and you can sublimate to them quickly. Remember that these types of shirts are suitable for sublimation but not an ideal option to go with.
Sublimation and 100% Cotton Shirts
In my career, I have seen most people don't get comfortable with 100% of polyester and want a cotton blend. What should you do about this if you face this? The solution for this is straightforward you need to pay an extra $2. f you are doing dye sublimation just for then, it's OK, but if you want to drag out some profitable business with it, then not a good idea. What do you exactly have to do? It would help if you had a particular solution for pre-washing and transferring paper, especially for sublimation. With these two things, you can do your job 100% successfully. Know it's costly but never doubt its results.
Shirts for Sublimation and Bleaching
There is a specific way of washing a unique sublimation shirt. Don't worry. It's not difficult, and it is according to your budget. Never wash your sublimated shirt with bleach; otherwise, all the design will vanish or convert into white color. Don't use any fabric softener. Otherwise, your image will fade out. Instead, wash it with some washing powder and dry clean it for better results.
What Fabrics Can You Sublimate On?
The best fabrics for sublimation are those with high polyester content, such as 100% polyester or polyester blends. Other suitable fabrics include nylon, Lycra/spandex, acrylic, and polypropylene. Natural fibers like pure cotton, silk, and wool are not ideal for sublimation.
Sublimation is a unique printing process that requires specific types of fabrics to ensure the best results. The ink used in sublimation turns into a gas when heated and then bonds with the fibers of the fabric, making it essential to choose the right material. Here's a breakdown of the fabrics suitable for sublimation:
Polyester: This is the most popular and recommended fabric for sublimation. The reason is that polyester fibers can fully absorb the sublimation ink, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Polyester Blends: As discussed earlier, blends with a higher percentage of polyester (like 65% polyester/35% cotton) are suitable for sublimation. However, the cotton content in the blend will not absorb the ink, which can lead to a faded or vintage look after washing.
Nylon: While not as popular as polyester, nylon can also be used for sublimation. However, it's essential to ensure the nylon is white or light-colored, as sublimation doesn't work well on dark fabrics.
Lycra/Spandex: These stretchy fabrics can be sublimated, especially when blended with polyester. They're commonly used for sportswear and swimwear.
Acrylic: This synthetic fiber can be used for sublimation, but it's less common than polyester. The results might not be as vibrant as with polyester.
Polypropylene: This is another synthetic fabric that can be used for sublimation, especially for items like bags and promotional products.
My Recommendations
The most asked question What type of shirt is best for sublimation? First, try to purchase a shirt having 100% of polyester, but if you are not comfortable with it, go with 65% polyester and 35% cotton. People also consider using 50%/50% or 40%/60% of shirts for sublimation, but it's not an ideal way to go with. As little as the cotton blend is impressive results, you will find. However, you can try 100% polyester Jerzee 21M, the ideal piece for sublimation. When you wash your sublimated shirt, never go for the option of bleach or fabric softener.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can sublimate on spandex, especially when it's blended with polyester. However, sublimating on pure rayon is not typically recommended due to its natural fiber composition, which may not hold the dye as effectively as synthetic fibers like polyester. Always test a small piece first to ensure desired results.
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The best fabrics for sublimation are those with high polyester content, such as 100% polyester or polyester blends.
Looking for the best sublimation shirts that feel like cotton? Look no further! After reading our blog on the best sublimation shirt blends, we are sure you are ready to take the next step. Whether you're interested in a quote or just want to learn more, we are here to help!
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