Comparison of Basketball Jersey Printing Methods: Full Customization Makes Costs More Transparent

When choosing basketball jerseys, in addition to fabric and style, the printing process also affects the overall look, durability, and cost. Different printing methods are suitable for different scenarios. Below, we will compare several common basketball jersey printing methods and explain why full customization is becoming the mainstream choice for team customization.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most traditional methods.
Advantages:

  • Suitable for large orders.
  • Vibrant colors.
  • Relatively low unit cost.

Disadvantages:

  • Poor breathability.
  • Thick patterns.
  • Difficult to achieve gradients and complex designs.
  • Prone to cracking or fading after long-term washing.

Suitable for: Teams with a limited budget who only need team names or numbers.

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer uses high temperature to transfer the pattern onto the fabric’s surface.
Advantages:

  • Highly flexible.
  • Suitable for small batch customization.
  • Can achieve complex patterns and gradient effects.
  • Short production cycle.

Disadvantages:

  • The pattern is only attached to the surface of the fabric.
  • Durability is limited, and frequent washing may cause peeling.

Suitable for: Short-term events or small teams seeking personalized customization.

Embroidery

Embroidery is often used for high-end sportswear and badges.
Advantages:

  • Strong texture.
  • High-end and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Durable.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost.
  • Not suitable for large, complex patterns.
  • May affect wearing comfort.

Suitable for: Teams that want to highlight logos or badges.

Full Sublimation

Full sublimation is the most popular method in recent years.
Advantages:

  • The pattern is directly embedded into the fabric fibers, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting colors.
  • Can cover the entire jersey with patterns, including gradients, totems, and photo-quality designs.
  • Breathable and lightweight fabric, perfect for high-intensity sports.
  • Team names, numbers, and logos can all be completed in one go, with no extra printing fees.

Disadvantages:

  • The unit price for small batches is slightly higher, but large orders offer better cost advantages.

Suitable for: Professional teams, campus leagues, and brand customization.

Cost Advantages of Full Customization

Under traditional processes, the cost of a basketball jersey is usually:

  • Jersey price + Team name printing + Number printing + Logo printing = Total cost

In contrast, full sublimation customization is:

  • One-time design, and all elements are included in the base price.

This greatly simplifies the cost structure, making the budget more transparent, especially for team orders, where the average cost is more economical.

Conclusion

Screen printing, heat transfer, and embroidery each have their suitable scenarios, but in terms of durability, visual effects, and cost transparency, full sublimation printing has become the best choice for custom basketball jerseys. It not only meets the need for personalized designs but also makes team customization more cost-effective.

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