Fabrics, Printers, and Transfer Paper for T-Shirt Printing

As personalized apparel continues to grow in popularity, sublimation t-shirt printing has emerged as one of the most profitable and creative ways to enter the custom clothing business. Whether you're launching a brand, producing team uniforms, or designing personalized gifts, the shirt you choose to sublimate on makes all the difference.

Sublimation isn’t just about having the right printer—though we’ll cover that too, including options like a sublimation printer for t-shirts or a dye sublimation printer for t-shirts. It’s also about selecting shirts that are specifically made for sublimation, using the correct sublimation paper for t-shirt printing, and understanding how fabric composition, color, and finish affect your final design.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• Which t-shirt fabrics work best for sublimation
• How to print on dark and cotton shirts using transfer paper for t-shirts
• What equipment to use (printers, t-shirt press, heat-resistant paper)
• How to maintain vibrant, durable prints that won’t crack or fade
• When to consider alternatives like DTF t-shirt printers or white toner printers

Whether you’re a hobbyist or building a business, this 2025 guide will help you make smart choices and create stunning, long-lasting designs. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the sublimation process

Before choosing the best shirt or equipment, it’s essential to understand how sublimation printing works. Unlike traditional inkjet or screen printing methods that sit on top of the fabric, sublimation uses a heat press to permanently embed dye into the fibers of the shirt.

How It works:

1. You design artwork using graphic software.
2. The design is printed using sublimation ink on sublimation paper for t-shirt printing.
3. The printed design is placed on a compatible shirt and pressed with heat and pressure.
4. The heat turns the ink into gas, which bonds with the polyester fibers at a molecular level.

Because sublimation dye becomes part of the fabric itself, the result is a vibrant, high-resolution print that won’t crack, peel, or wash away.

💡 This is why sublimation only works well on synthetic fabrics like polyester—not cotton. The ink needs to bond with polyester for a permanent result.

Recommended equipment for sublimation T-Shirts

If you're new to the process, here are the essentials you'll need:

• Sublimation Printer: Designed specifically for sublimation ink, these printers produce high-resolution images necessary for clear, vibrant prints.
  
• Sublimation Ink: Formulated to turn into gas when heated, sublimation ink bonds with polyester fibers, making it crucial to choose high-quality inks compatible with your printer.
  
• Sublimation Paper: Specially coated to hold the ink until it’s transferred to the fabric, ensuring sharp and vibrant prints.
  
• Heat Press: A flat heat press machine is ideal for shirts, offering even heat distribution and pressure to transfer the sublimation ink effectively.

Top fabrics for sublimation: Polyester vs. Cotton

If you want your designs to look crisp, vibrant, and last through countless washes, choosing the right fabric for sublimation is non-negotiable. The type of shirt you use has a major impact on how well the ink bonds, how bright the colors appear, and how long the print lasts.

Let’s break down the most common t-shirt materials and how they perform in sublimation.

✅ 100% Polyester: The gold standard

Best for: Long-lasting, full-color sublimation prints

Polyester is the top-rated fabric for sublimation because the ink binds directly with the synthetic fibers. The result? Ultra-bright, sharp images that won’t crack, fade, or peel—even after heavy wear and washing.

This makes 100% polyester shirts ideal for:

• Sportswear and athletic apparel
• Promotional t-shirts
• Branded uniforms
• Personalized gifts

Sublimation ink chemically bonds to polyester when heated. That’s why it becomes part of the shirt, not just a layer on top.

✅ Polyester blends: Good for vintage looks

Best for: Softer feel, retro or faded designs

Polyester-cotton blends with at least 65% polyester content can also work, but they typically produce less vibrant results. Why? Only the polyester portion holds the ink—the rest of the design may wash out over time.

These shirts are popular when you're aiming for:

• A vintage or distressed look
• Softer hand feel than 100% polyester
• Lower-cost garments

⚠️ Note: The lower the polyester content, the more faded the result will be.

❌ Cotton: Not Sublimation-Friendly

Why it doesn't work:

Cotton lacks the synthetic polymers that sublimation ink needs to bond with. If you try to sublimate directly onto cotton, the result will be a dull, washed-out image that quickly fades in the wash.

However, there's a workaround, heat transfer paper for t-shirts like Paropy™ SubliCotton™, which we’ll cover later latter on.

Fabric comparison at a glance

Comparing shirt qualities: Color, fit, feel, and care

Once you've selected the right fabric, the next step is choosing a shirt with the right characteristics for your project or audience. These qualities—often overlooked—can make a big difference in the look, comfort, and longevity of your sublimated apparel.

Color

Sublimation ink is translucent, meaning it doesn’t include white pigment. For this reason, white or light-colored shirts are essential for accurate color reproduction. Designs will appear most vibrant on white shirts, while light grays or pastels can still work for softer looks.

Dark-colored shirts don’t work with standard sublimation unless you're using a specialized transfer paper, which we’ll cover in a later section.

Fit

The fit of a shirt should match its purpose:

• Slim-fit or athletic cut works well for sports or branded uniforms
• Relaxed or unisex fit is ideal for everyday wear or promotional use
• Youth and kids’ sizing may require specific equipment adjustments for pressing

Choose a cut that aligns with your audience and the end-use of the product.

Feel

Some customers prioritize softness over print vibrancy. Poly-cotton blends offer a softer feel but slightly faded prints, while 100% polyester delivers brilliant color with a smoother texture. If comfort is a key selling point, blends may be the better choice—especially for fashion or lifestyle brands.

Care Instructions

Proper care is crucial to maintaining sublimated designs:

• Wash shirts inside out
• Use cold water and mild detergent
• Air dry or tumble dry on low
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
• Do not iron directly on the print

Including care tags or instructions with your product helps customers keep their shirts looking fresh and vivid longer.

4. The best shirts for sublimation (Top picks & why)

With so many shirts on the market, it can be hard to know which ones will deliver the results your customers expect. The right sublimation shirt should provide a smooth surface, vibrant color output, and a comfortable fit. Below are some of the top-performing options for this year, whether you’re printing for fashion, sports, or business.

Vapor Apparel Performance Tees

Material: 100% Polyester

Use case: Sportswear, outdoor apparel, promotional events

Vapor Apparel is widely respected in the sublimation community for its moisture-wicking performance shirts. These tees are breathable, lightweight, and perfect for athletic and activewear brands. They sublimate beautifully and hold color through frequent washing.

Jerzees 21M Dri-Power® T-Shirt

Material: 100% Polyester

Use case: Everyday casual wear, corporate events

This shirt combines affordability with excellent printability. It’s soft for a polyester shirt and holds vibrant colors exceptionally well. The 21M is a go-to choice for beginners and bulk production due to its consistent sizing and quality.

Gildan G420 Performance T-Shirt

Material: 100% Polyester

Use case: Unisex casual wear, bulk orders, giveaways

The G420 is ideal for companies looking for a budget-friendly, high-volume option. It offers a classic fit, soft feel, and strong color retention, making it suitable for all-around use.

A4 Cooling Performance Tees (N3142)

Material: 100% Polyester

Use case: Sports uniforms, team apparel

These shirts are made with athletes in mind. With UV protection and moisture management, they are perfect for sublimated jerseys or activewear. They’re also available in youth and women’s cuts, making them great for team sets.

Bella+Canvas Triblend (Caution)

Material: Polyester/Cotton/Rayon Blend

Use case: Vintage-style designs, fashion retail

While not ideal for traditional sublimation, the Bella+Canvas Triblend can be used for muted, vintage effects. For those targeting lifestyle or boutique markets, this can be a stylistic advantage—but only if you're aiming for that worn-in look.

Each of these shirts has been tested by professionals and hobbyists alike and has a solid track record for producing high-quality, long-lasting prints. When paired with the right t-shirt sublimation printer, sublimation paper, and heat press, they help create products that look great and hold up to real-life wear.

Fetured product: Paropy™ SubliCotton™ for cotton and dark fabrics

Standard sublimation requires polyester fabric and light colors, but what if your customers want 100% cotton shirts or dark-colored t-shirts? That’s where Paropy™ SubliCotton™ Heat Transfer Papers come in.

These innovative transfer papers allow you to sublimate on materials that would otherwise reject the ink—such as cotton and black or navy garments—without needing to invest in multiple printers or expensive direct-to-garment systems.

What Is Paropy™ SubliCotton™?

Paropy™ SubliCotton™ is a heat transfer paper engineered to bond sublimation ink to cotton fibers under high heat and pressure. It acts as an intermediary layer, allowing sublimation ink to sit on the fabric while preserving a soft, flexible feel.

Available Versions

• SubliCotton™ Light: Ideal for white and light-colored cotton fabrics
• SubliCotton™ Dark: Designed specifically for black or dark-colored shirts

Both versions come in laser and inkjet printer-compatible formats, offering flexibility depending on your setup. These papers work well with standard t-shirt heat presses, giving you precise control over time and temperature.

Why use it?

• Expand your product offering: Sell custom cotton shirts alongside polyester
• Vivid color reproduction: Even on black or navy fabrics
• No new printer needed: Use the same sublimation printer for t-shirts
• Soft hand feel: No stiff, plasticky finish like with some vinyl alternatives

Best Practices for SubliCotton Transfers

• Pre-press the shirt for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles
• Use heat-resistant tape to secure the transfer and avoid ghosting
• Follow time, temperature, and pressure recommendations exactly
• Peel hot or cold depending on the specific paper used (check product guide)

With Paropy™ SubliCotton™, you can offer full-color prints on any type of shirt, whether it’s a cotton t-shirt, dark hoodie, or even a blended fashion tee, without compromising on quality or vibrancy.

Step-by-Step: How to sublimate a shirt like a pro

Whether you're using 100% polyester shirts, Paropy™ SubliCotton™, or blends, following the correct sublimation process ensures your designs look vibrant and last over time. Here's how to get it right from start to finish.

Step 1: Design and prepare your artwork

• Use graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Sawgrass CreativeStudio.
• Set your canvas size to match the dimensions of your shirt print area.
• Mirror your design before printing so it appears correctly when transferred.
• Use RGB color mode for more accurate sublimation results.

Step 2: Print on sublimation paper

• Load sublimation paper for t-shirts into your dye sublimation printer.
• Use the printer settings recommended by your paper and ink provider.
• Allow the ink to dry for a few minutes before transferring.

Step 3: Prep the shirt

• Pre-press the shirt for 5–10 seconds to remove wrinkles and moisture.
• Lay the shirt completely flat on your t-shirt press.
• Use heat-resistant tape to secure the sublimation paper to the shirt and prevent shifting.

Step 4: Transfer the design

• Set your heat press to the recommended time, temperature, and pressure:
  • For polyester shirts: usually 400°F (204°C) for 45–60 seconds with medium pressure
  • For SubliCotton™: follow specific instructions on the packaging (varies by light/dark)
• Press the shirt, then carefully remove the paper after the timer ends.
• Let the shirt cool for a few minutes before folding or packaging.

Step 5: Post-Press inspection

• Check for even color coverage, alignment, and sharpness.
  • If you see fading or ghosting, review your pressure and tape placement.
• For mass production, take notes on settings that yield the best results.

This method works for all standard t-shirt sublimation jobs, and you can adapt it for other items like tote bags, mousepads, or pillowcases.

Troubleshooting common issues in shirt sublimation

Even with the best equipment and materials, sublimation printing comes with a learning curve. If your shirts aren’t coming out as expected, don’t worry—most issues have quick, simple fixes.

Below are the most common problems faced during sublimation and how to solve them.

1. Dull or washed-out colors

Possible causes:

• Using a shirt with low polyester content
• Incorrect time, temperature, or pressure
• Using standard inkjet paper instead of sublimation paper
• Incompatible or low-quality ink

Solutions:

• Always use shirts with at least 65% polyester, ideally 100%
• Double-check your heat press settings
• Use high-quality sublimation ink and paper specifically made for t-shirts
• Perform test prints before full runs

2. Blurry or ghosted images

Possible causes:

• Paper shifting during the press
• Inconsistent pressure
• Removing paper while the shirt is still hot

Solutions:

• Use heat-resistant tape to secure the paper in place
• Apply consistent, medium pressure throughout the press
• Let the shirt cool for a few seconds before removing the transfer paper

3. Uneven or incomplete transfers

Possible causes:

• Wrinkles or moisture in the shirt
• Uneven pressure across the press surface
• Worn or faulty heat press padding

Solutions:

• Pre-press the shirt to remove moisture and flatten the surface
• Ensure the press is level and applies uniform pressure
• Replace worn-out pressing pads or covers

4. Paper or ink residue left on the shirt

Possible causes:

• Overheating
• Using low-quality transfer paper
• Pressing for too long

Solutions:

• Reduce heat or pressing time slightly (test in small increments)
• Upgrade to better sublimation paper designed for apparel
• Follow the exact instructions for your paper brand (especially for SubliCotton™)

5. Ink Not Transferring at All

Possible causes:

• Using non-sublimation ink or a regular inkjet printer
• Printing on the wrong side of the sublimation paper
• Trying to sublimate on 100% cotton without transfer paper

Solutions:

• Ensure you're using a sublimation t-shirt printer and sublimation ink
• Confirm you're printing on the coated side of the paper
• For cotton shirts, use Paropy™ SubliCotton™ transfer paper

By addressing these issues early, you’ll save money on wasted blanks, improve product consistency, and boost customer satisfaction. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in print quality.

How to make your sublimation prints last

One of the biggest advantages of sublimation is that, when done right, your prints won’t crack, peel, or fade. But even the highest-quality sublimated shirts need proper care to maintain their vibrant colors and fabric integrity over time.

Whether you're creating products for sale or personal use, educating your customers on how to wash and store sublimated shirts is key to long-term satisfaction.

Washing instructions

• Wash inside out to protect the printed area
• Use cold water and mild detergent
• Choose a gentle cycle to reduce friction
• Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or stain removers that contain harsh chemicals

Drying instructions

• Air dry when possible
• If using a dryer, select low heat or tumble dry
• Avoid high heat, which can break down polyester fibers and dull the print

Ironing guidelines

• Avoid ironing directly on the printed area
• If needed, turn the shirt inside out or place a cloth between the iron and the design
• Use low to medium heat only

Storage tips

• Fold or hang shirts in a cool, dry place
• Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid UV fading over time
• For retail environments, avoid compressing stacked shirts too tightly to preserve print texture

Including these tips with your products, either on a tag, sticker, or packaging insert—helps customers enjoy their custom shirts longer and reduces complaints or returns due to fading or damage.

Frequently asked questions about sublimation shirts

Whether you're just starting out or already running a sublimation business, it's normal to have questions. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about sublimation shirts, fabrics, equipment, and processes.

• What shirt material works best for sublimation?
  

100% polyester is the best material for sublimation. It allows the sublimation ink to bond directly with the fabric fibers, resulting in vibrant, permanent prints that don’t crack or peel.

High-polyester blends (at least 65%) can work too, but prints may appear slightly faded, great for vintage effects.

• Can you sublimate on cotton shirts?

Not directly. Sublimation ink won’t bond with cotton fibers. However, you can use transfer papers like Paropy™ SubliCotton™ to apply sublimation designs onto cotton and dark fabrics. This process uses heat to fuse the printed layer onto the shirt surface.

• Do I need a special printer to sublimate shirts?
  

Yes. You need a sublimation printer for t-shirts, such as the Sawgrass SG500, SG1000, or other dye sublimation printers designed to work with sublimation ink. Standard inkjet printers won’t produce the same results and may damage your materials.

• Can I use sublimation paper with any shirt color?
  

No. Sublimation works best on white or light-colored shirts. Since sublimation ink is translucent, it won’t show up properly on dark backgrounds unless you use a transfer paper like SubliCotton™ Dark.

• Is sublimation better than vinyl or DTF printing?

It depends on your needs:

• Sublimation: Best for polyester shirts and full-color designs with a soft, permanent finish
• HTV (heat transfer vinyl): Better for cotton but limited in detail and color range
• DTF t-shirt printers: Flexible for any fabric and color, but more expensive to set up

Each method has its strengths. Many businesses use multiple techniques depending on product type and customer demand.

• Do sublimated prints fade over time?
  

Not if they’re applied correctly and cared for properly. Sublimation prints are highly durable, but exposure to high heat, sunlight, or harsh detergents can cause premature fading. Following care instructions (cold wash, low heat dry) will preserve the design for years.

Conclusion: Choose the right shirt and start printing like a pro

Sublimation printing offers limitless creative potential—but only when paired with the right shirt, the right process, and the right tools. Whether you're creating one-of-a-kind gifts, building a print-on-demand business, or outfitting a sports team, knowing how to choose and work with sublimation-friendly fabrics is essential.

Here’s what we’ve covered:

• Why 100% polyester and light-colored shirts are the best choice for vibrant, long-lasting results
• How to expand your options using Paropy™ SubliCotton™ for cotton and dark fabrics
• Step-by-step instructions for pressing shirts like a pro
• Tips for avoiding common mistakes and extending the life of your prints
• Answers to the most common sublimation t-shirt questions

Ready to Elevate Your Sublimation Projects? Contact us now