Cut and Sew vs Sublimation: Choosing the Right Custom Apparel Technique

When it comes to creating custom teamwear, the printing method can make or break your design. From the colours on your custom hoodies to the logo on your training tops, how your apparel is made determines how it looks, feels, and lasts. Two of the most popular methods — cut and sew sublimation and traditional sublimation — each bring their own strengths to the game.

So, what’s the difference? And how do you choose the right one for your team or brand? Let’s break down cut and sew vs sublimation, explore how screen printing fits in, and help you find the perfect match for your next custom apparel project.

Understanding Cut and Sew Sublimation

The phrase cut and sew sublimation refers to a two-step process where your design is printed onto large rolls of white fabric before the garment is assembled. Once printed, the panels are precisely cut and stitched together to create your final piece, meaning every inch of the garment can be customised.

This approach allows for full-colour, edge-to-edge printing across seams and sleeves — something traditional methods can’t achieve. It’s ideal for custom hoodies, esports jerseys, or high-performance sports uniforms where you want consistent branding and bold designs across every panel.

Because designs are printed directly into the fibres of the fabric, cut and sew sublimation also keeps colours bright and breathable, without heavy ink layers that can crack or peel. It’s a favourite for teams and organisations wanting creative freedom and professional results that hold up through every game and wash.

Exploring Sublimation Printing

While cut and sew sublimation starts with raw fabric, traditional sublimation printing works on pre-made garments. The design is first printed onto special paper, then heat-pressed onto the polyester surface. Under heat and pressure, the ink turns into gas and embeds itself into the fibres, creating a permanent, fade-resistant image.

Sublimation printing is great for team shirts, polos, and training gear with vibrant, full-colour logos or patterns. However, because it’s limited to garments that are already constructed, it doesn’t allow for the same “edge-to-edge” creativity as cut and sew. You can’t print across seams, hems, or zippers, which means your design layout needs to work within those boundaries.

Still, sublimation printing delivers strong, long-lasting results with minimal fading — ideal for teams that need crisp colours and lightweight comfort without the bulk of vinyl or embroidery.

Comparing Cut and Sew vs Sublimation

So which process is better for your next order? Here’s a quick side-by-side look at cut and sew vs sublimation to help you decide:

In short, cut and sew sublimation is the go-to for bold, fully custom designs where every panel matters. Regular sublimation printing suits smaller orders or teams needing consistent colour and branding across standard garment styles.

Cut and Sew vs Screen Printing: A Brief Overview

You’ve probably heard of screen printing: the classic method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric. It’s popular for bulk tees and hoodies, but when it comes to cut and sew vs screen printing, the differences are clear.

Screen printing uses thick ink layers that sit on top of the fabric, producing strong, opaque colours. It’s excellent for simple graphics or single-colour logos on custom hoodies, but it struggles with complex, all-over artwork. Cut and sew sublimation, on the other hand, lets you print high-detail designs over every surface — perfect for sportswear and multi-sponsor uniforms.

For vibrant, breathable, high-performance apparel, sublimation takes the lead. Screen printing still shines for cotton tees and large promotional runs, where simplicity and cost-effectiveness matter most.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

If your team wants full creative control and next-level uniform design, go with cut and sew sublimation. For standard team gear or polos, traditional sublimation printing keeps things clean and efficient.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

Picking between these printing methods depends on your priorities.

- For bold, all-over designs: Go with cut and sew sublimation. It gives your team that professional edge and maximum flexibility.

- For smaller orders or quick turnarounds: Choose sublimation printing for strong results and crisp branding.

- For simple logos or cotton gear: Screen printing still earns its place in the line-up.

If you’re unsure which method suits your next order, we can help you find the right balance of creativity, performance, and price. We’ve produced custom pieces for schools, clubs, and companies across Australia, from training kits to custom hoodies, and we know what works on and off the court.

Why Cheeta Teamwear is Your Go-To for Custom Apparel

At Cheeta Teamwear, every design starts with your team’s story. From cut and sew sublimation to sublimation printing and screen printing, we’ve mastered each technique to deliver high-quality, long-lasting apparel that looks as good as it performs.

Our process is simple: you bring the idea, and we handle the rest, from concept to creation. With local production, fast turnaround, and real human support, you’ll always know your order’s in good hands.

Ready to get started? Request a quote today and bring your next custom design to life.