Sublimation printing has exploded in popularity, especially among small business owners and DIY creators. But while good equipment—like a sublimation printer and heat press—is essential, the truth is simple: your shirt quality can make or break the final result.
If you’ve ever tried sublimating on the wrong shirt and ended up with a faded, dull, or blotchy print, you already know the frustration. The right shirt ensures bright colors, sharp lines, and long-lasting results that customers love.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about choosing the perfect shirt for sublimation, from polyester percentages to top T-shirt brands, fabric blends, color options, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Shirt Material Matters in Sublimation
Sublimation printing bonds dye into polyester fibers—not cotton. When the ink turns to gas during heat pressing, it attaches to polyester molecules permanently. Cotton fibers cannot absorb sublimation dye the same way, causing faded or washed-out designs.
This is why the material of your shirt determines:
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color vibrancy
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wash durability
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image sharpness
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production quality
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customer satisfaction
If the shirt doesn’t contain polyester, the print won’t last.
Best Materials for Sublimation Shirts
1. 100% Polyester Shirts — Best Results
For the most vibrant, high-definition prints, choose 100% polyester. These shirts provide:
✔ Bright, vivid colors
✔ High durability
✔ Perfect detail retention
✔ No cracking or peeling
They’re ideal for:
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sports teams
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events
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custom merchandise
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all-over prints
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kids shirts
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photo shirts
Downside:
They sometimes feel less soft than cotton (depending on brand), but premium poly shirts solve this issue.
2. 65–75% Polyester Blends — Great Balance
These blends combine polyester with cotton or rayon, allowing a softer feel without losing too much vibrancy.
Benefits:
✔ Softer feel
✔ Good color results
✔ Longer-lasting prints than cotton blends
✔ Lower cost
Best use cases:
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boutique t-shirt shops
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fashion-style designs
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vintage or retro prints
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lightly distressed sublimation
3. Tri-Blend Shirts (with 50%+ Polyester)
Tri-blends are made from:
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polyester
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cotton
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rayon
They’re extremely soft, light, and stylish.
Pros:
✔ Premium feel
✔ Fashion-forward
✔ Great drape
Cons:
✘ Colors not as vibrant
✘ Slightly vintage look
✘ Not ideal for photo-realistic prints
Choose these if your customers prefer a soft lifestyle shirt over hyper-saturated color.
Worst Materials for Sublimation
❌ 100% Cotton
Sublimation ink will not bond. The print will:
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wash out
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fade quickly
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look extremely dull
Only use cotton if you apply sublimation coating sprays—but results are inconsistent.
❌ Dark-Colored Shirts
Sublimation ink is transparent.
Dark shirts = invisible prints.
Use light colors only.
❌ Uncoated Natural Fibers (linen, bamboo, hemp)
These fabrics cannot hold sublimation dye.
Best Shirt Colors for Sublimation
1. White — Absolute Best
✔ Most vibrant
✔ True color representation
✔ Perfect for photos & colorful designs
2. Light Heather Colors
Great choices:
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heather gray
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heather peach
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heather mint
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light yellow
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beige
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silver
Heathers contain polyester and add a soft “flecked” look.
3. Pastels
Works extremely well for:
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florals
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girly designs
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baby designs
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summer wear
Avoid bright/medium colors (royal blue, red, purple, navy).
Top Shirt Brands for Sublimation
Here are the most trusted brands:
1. Jerzees 21M (100% Polyester)
One of the best shirts for sublimation.
✔ Soft feel
✔ Bright colors
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Many sizes
2. Gildan Performance 42000 (100% Polyester)
A sportswear-style shirt.
✔ Moisture-wicking
✔ Durable
✔ Great for team printing
3. Bella + Canvas 3001CVC (65% Polyester Blend)
Perfect for stylish boutique shirts.
✔ Super soft
✔ Modern fit
✔ Great for vintage-look sublimation
4. Hanes Cool Dri (100% Polyester)
A great athletic alternative.
✔ UV protection
✔ Breathable
✔ Smooth print surface
5. Sublivie by LAT Apparel (Poly-Soft Line)
Made specifically for sublimation.
✔ Soft like cotton
✔ Designed for creators
✔ Kids and adult sizes
Choosing the Best Shirt for Your Business Type
1. Small Sublimation Business
Choose:
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Jerzees 21M
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Bella+Canvas CVC blends
These give the best balance of cost, quality, and feel.
2. Sports & Team Printing
Choose:
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Gildan Performance 42000
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Hanes Cool Dri
These perform better in outdoor and athletic environments.
3. Boutique & Fashion Style Brands
Choose:
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Bella + Canvas
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Next Level Apparel
Softer fabrics = higher perceived value.
4. Children’s Shirts
Choose:
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Sublivie youth tees
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Rabbit Skins polyester blends
Soft, breathable, safe for kids.
How to Test Shirt Quality Before Bulk Ordering
Here’s a simple process:
✔ 1. Stretch Fabric Test
Pull the shirt gently.
If the threads separate easily, it may produce blurry prints.
✔ 2. Lint Roller Test
Roll before pressing.
If too much lint pulls off, you may get blue dots after pressing.
✔ 3. Ink Absorption Test
Press a small color patch at 400°F for 60 seconds.
Check:
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vibrancy
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sharpness
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bleeding
✔ 4. Wash Test
Wash the shirt 3 times.
If the print remains vibrant, the fabric is good.
How to Avoid Common Shirt Sublimation Problems
Problem 1: Faded or Washed-Out Colors
Solution:
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Use at least 65% polyester
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Check temperature (380–400°F)
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Increase pressure slightly
Problem 2: Yellowing or Scorching
Solution:
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Reduce press time
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Use blowout paper under the shirt
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Avoid over-preheating
Problem 3: Ghosting
Solution:
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Use heat-resistant tape
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Keep the press stable
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Do not open too quickly
Problem 4: Blue Dots or Dust Marks
Solution:
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Lint roll before pressing
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Use clean butcher paper
Where to Buy Shirts for Sublimation
Here are reliable options:
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JiffyShirts
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ShirtMax
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SNS Activewear
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AlphaBroder
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TSC Apparel
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Bella + Canvas wholesale accounts
If you prefer retail:
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Michaels
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JOANN
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Hobby Lobby
But wholesale is significantly cheaper for business owners.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best shirts for sublimation is one of the most important steps in producing high-quality results. Whether you’re running a booming sublimation business, starting a small Etsy shop, or printing shirts for friends and family, the right garment ensures vibrant colors, long-lasting prints, and happy customers.
If you stick to high-polyester content and trusted brands, you’ll consistently get professional results. Combine that with a good sublimation printer, correct heat press settings, and quality designs, and you’ll be unstoppable in this growing and profitable industry.
Shop the best sublimation designs at creative inkers: https://creativeinkers.com/shop/
