Perfecting Sublimation Printing: How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Project

9 Nov, 2024 By Samantha Warren 481 Views

Choosing the right fabric is a decision that can make or break your custom apparel printing project. Your choice will affect the vibrancy, durability, and quality of the final print. 

At Scrappy Apparel, we’ve spent over 18 years perfecting our fabric selection and sublimation process to help brands create long-lasting apparel that stands out on the street, at a job site, or even in a retail store. 

That’s how we know that the right fabrics will offer your garments:

  • Enhanced durability for frequent wear and washing
  • Temperature control to keep wearers comfortable in all environments
  • Moisture-wicking properties for active roles and warmer climates
  • Retained shape and color for a polished, professional appearance
  • Boosted morale when employees feel comfortable and look great

At the end of the day, sublimation printing is about creating a lasting impression. By embedding ink directly into the fabric, sublimation produces vibrant, high-definition designs that don’t fade, peel, or crack. 

Here’s what you can expect from your sublimation printing project:

  • Brilliant Color Vibrancy: Expect intense, eye-catching colors that stand out.
  • All-Over Design Potential: Full-coverage designs give your brand a distinctive look, with endless creative possibilities.
  • Enhanced Wash Resistance: Since sublimation ink becomes part of the fabric, your designs stay fresh and vibrant, even after countless washes.

If you’re ready to explore fabric options that fit your brand’s needs, this guide will walk you through the key fabric types we offer for sublimation and how each one will take your apparel to the next level.

Get All-Over Sublimation Printed Garments from Scrappy Apparel


Fun Fact: Sublimation Doesn’t Work Well on Every Fabric!

If you’ve chosen sublimation as your custom apparel printing process, just know there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you! 

The fabric you choose plays a major role in achieving the vibrant colors and quality finish that sublimation printing offers. 

Matching Fabric Options to Specific Industry Needs

Different roles and brands call for different solutions. Here’s how each of our fabrics fits various environments and needs:

  • Active Roles: Lightweight and midweight fabrics provide flexibility, moisture control, and comfort for active wearers.
  • Streetwear Brands: Heavyweight fabrics deliver a relaxed, durable option that’s perfect for trendy, everyday wear.
  • Cold-Weather Collections: Poly/fleece fabrics provide warmth and coziness, ideal for winter collections or uniforms in colder climates.

About Scrappy Apparel’s Fabrics for All-Over Sublimation Printing

Here’s a closer look at our curated fabric options, each tailored to different uses in uniforms, streetwear, and activewear.

Lightweight (140 GSM)

Our lightweight fabric is engineered with SUPERCOOL technology, giving it just the right balance of breathability and stretch. If your team works in high-movement roles or warm environments, this fabric is a lifesaver. It keeps wearers cool and comfortable, making it ideal for staying active all day.

  • Best For: Athletes, landscapers, and anyone needing a uniform that lets them move freely and stay cool.
  • Why Choose Lightweight? Perfect for those on the go, this fabric is breathable, flexible, and makes sublimated colors pop.

Midweight (180 GSM) – Premium Basics

If you’re looking for a professional look with all-day comfort, our midweight fabric from the Premium Basics line is your match. It’s designed to handle daily wear while keeping colors vibrant and your team looking polished.

  • Best For: Company uniforms and activewear that need to make a great impression while holding up to regular use.
  • Why Choose Midweight? Durable yet comfortable, this fabric offers a refined, professional appearance without sacrificing wearability. Ideal for versatile, all-purpose apparel.

Heavyweight (260 GSM)

For a substantial, statement-making option, our heavyweight fabric fits the bill. It’s durable and relaxed, ready to withstand the demands of daily wear. Perfect for streetwear or for those who want their apparel to feel substantial, this fabric keeps your designs bold and resilient.

  • Best For: Streetwear or any roles where durability and style need to go hand-in-hand.
  • Why Choose Heavyweight? Great for brands looking to create a lasting impression with a fabric that’s as tough as it is eye-catching. This is where style meets substance.

Poly/Fleece (300/360 GSM)

When the temperature drops, our poly/fleece fabric steps in with softness and warmth. This cozy option is designed for cooler climates, perfect for hoodies, sweatshirts, and casual wear. It’s warm without bulk, keeping the wearer comfortable and the design vibrant.

  • Best For: Hoodies, sweatshirts, and winter collections that need both warmth and style.
  • Why Choose Poly/Fleece? Ideal for cold-weather apparel, it combines comfort and insulation, making it a great choice for chilly days.

About Our Commitment to Quality

Quality is our top priority at Scrappy Apparel. Each of our fabrics undergoes rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards for durability, comfort, and appearance:

  • Wash Resistance: Fabrics that retain their look and feel over time.
  • Tear Strength and Durability: Tough enough to handle demanding environments.
  • Color Fastness: Vibrant colors that don’t bleed or fade.
  • Pilling Resistance: Fabrics remain smooth and professional-looking.
  • Seam Integrity: Built to last, ensuring reliable construction.

Invest in High-Performance Fabrics for Premium Garments

With the help of the right fabric and a professional-grade sublimation process, your custom apparel will become an extension of your brand. 

Scrappy’s sublimation program is designed to deliver vibrant, all-over prints that last, making it perfect for company uniforms across various industries—especially the home service industry. Whether you need durable, comfortable uniforms for technicians, service teams, or retail staff, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to learn more about Scrappy Apparel’s sublimation fabric options and see how we can help you create apparel that showcases your brand in the best light!

Define your style with custom apparel created exclusively for you.

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