Sublimated teamwear begins with an approved design and a clear order sheet. Graphics are printed onto transfer paper, then transferred to suitable fabric using heat. The decorated fabric moves on to cutting, sewing, finishing, and order checks. Confirming the artwork, fabric, and roster before production helps keep the whole order aligned.
1. Start with approved artwork and a roster
A visual mockup shows the overall design. Production needs more detail: the print files, panel layout, logo positions, color references, and the names and numbers for each size.
For a school, club, or distributor order, keep a single approved roster. Give each team or batch a clear reference and record the version that is ready for production. A late number change should not leave two conflicting spreadsheets in use.
- Supply logo files and explain any placement or minimum-size requirements.
- Specify player names exactly as they should appear, including capitalization.
- Check the association between each name, number, garment, and size.
- Identify the approved front, back, and side-panel layouts.
Use the artwork file requirements and size breakdown and order sheet to organize the brief.
2. Confirm the fabric and finished fit
Fabric selection affects how the uniform feels, how it stretches, and how the printed colors appear. A lightweight jersey, a reversible practice top, and a pair of shorts can have different construction requirements.
Agree on the material, fabric weight or reference, stretch, fit, and size chart before approving production. Polyester-based fabrics are commonly used for dye sublimation; suitability should be confirmed for the actual fabric rather than assumed from a photograph.
For basketball sets, include the shorts length, waistband, and side-panel details. For soccer kits, confirm the collar, cuffs, and any matching shorts requirements. These details belong in the specification, not only in the first inquiry email.
3. Prepare the sublimation print layout
The approved design is arranged for printing with the relevant garment pieces, sizes, and variable names or numbers. The layout must preserve the agreed placement across the size range.
Check the reference used for color approval. A phone or monitor preview is not a physical color standard. Where color matching is important, discuss the reference and approval method with the factory before the run.
Do not treat every decoration as sublimation. Embroidered crests, sewn patches, and other applied details may require separate artwork and production steps. The sportswear decoration guide helps you compare the options.
4. Transfer the design to fabric
Heat transfer moves the printed design from the transfer paper onto suitable fabric. The process setup depends on the selected material and equipment. The important buyer decision is the approved fabric and finish, not an assumed universal machine setting.
A fabric or sample review can help confirm the appearance, hand feel, and construction direction. Sample options depend on product, materials, schedule, and customization requirements.
5. Cut, sew, and match the uniform pieces
Printed pieces are cut and assembled according to the confirmed garment specification. For a jersey-and-shorts set, production records need to keep the matching pieces associated with the correct order and size.
Check details such as collar shape, arm openings, seam finishing, waistband construction, and the alignment of graphics across adjoining panels. A design that looks continuous in a flat mockup must also be considered across the seams of the finished garment.
Our bulk basketball uniform production page explains basketball-specific options and order preparation.
6. Check the order before packing
A bulk order review should cover the approved design and the order sheet. Agree on the checking and packing requirements with the factory, especially when the shipment includes multiple teams or customer batches.
- Compare colors and logo placement against the approved reference.
- Review names, numbers, and sizes against the final roster.
- Check stitching, labels, and matching jersey-and-shorts details.
- Confirm packing groups, quantity totals, and carton marks.
The quality control overview and private-label packaging options can help you define this part of the brief.
7. Prepare a clear factory quote request
A complete brief helps the factory understand both the product and the work involved. Include the following information before requesting wholesale pricing.
Keep these details in one order brief
- Sport, garment style, and matching items
- Quantity and size breakdown
- Final or provisional roster
- Artwork and color references
- Fabric, fit, and decoration requirements
- Labels and packing groups
- Shipping country and requested deadline
- Sample and repeat-order requirements
Flexible MOQ depending on product and customization. Production time depends on quantity, fabric, decoration, labels, packaging, and production schedule. Contact us for confirmed wholesale pricing.
Common buyer questions
Can names and numbers be included in the printed design?
Yes. Send the roster together with the artwork so that spelling, number style, placement, and size associations can be reviewed before production.
Can a repeat order match the original order?
Approved artwork, color references, size information, and production notes can be saved for reorders. Confirm fabric availability and the current production details before placing the next order; do not assume that every future batch will be identical without review.
What should I send if the artwork is not finished?
Send your reference images, product list, quantities, size range, and design requirements. Explain which elements are confirmed and which still need review. Buyers must have the rights to use submitted logos and artwork.
For project-specific requirements, contact the Eking Sports team or send your factory quote brief.