Why You Should Use 100% Polyester Shirts For Sublimation

Have you ever printed a design on a t-shirt, only to watch it crack, peel, or fade after a few washes? If so, you know the frustration of seeing your hard work vanish. That’s why dye sublimation printing is a game-changer. Also known as heat-infused or dye-infusion printing, it doesn’t just sit on top of the fabric — it becomes a part of it, creating vibrant colors that won’t wash away.

If you’re serious about getting good results with a sublimation blank, 100% polyester is the way to go. The right poly blend will lock in those colors, giving you a soft, long-lasting print that stays sharp. Want to know why you should use 100% polyester shirts for sublimation and how to get the best possible outcome? Keep reading to find out.

What is Sublimation Printing, and How Does Dye Sublimation Work?

Sublimation dye printing is a heat-based process that allows heat-activated dye to bond directly with fabric. Unlike screen printing or vinyl applications, which sit on the surface, sublimation infuses the ink into the garment's fibers.

The sublimation process starts with a special kind of ink and transfer paper. A printer loaded with gas-transfer ink prints the design onto the sheets of transfer paper. Then, the design is placed on a sublimation blank and exposed to high heat using a heat press. The pressing causes the ink to turn into gas, which the 100% polyester fabric absorbs, creating a permanent print.

This heat press method is why cotton shirts don’t work well for sublimation transfers. Since cotton lacks the synthetic fibers needed to bond with the ink, the image sits on top of the material instead of becoming part of it. The result? A dull, faded print that doesn’t hold up over time.

Why is Polyester the Best Fabric for Sublimation Ink?

Poly fabric allows the infusible ink to bond with the fabric completely. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and releases ink over time, poly fibers permanently lock the ink into the garment, making polyester the best choice for sublimation dye printing for bold, long-lasting designs that won’t crack, peel, or fade, even after multiple washes.

If you’ve ever tested what shirts to use for sublimation or ink infusion, you know blends with lower poly content (like 50/50 cotton-poly blends) don’t hold ink very well. While blends with at least 65% poly can work, they often result in a vintage look with slightly faded designs.

Stick to 100% polyester shirts for complete ink absorption for great results. If you want that slick, professional print with no risk of fading, polyester is the difference between an okay sublimated blank and a top-tier garment.

Key Benefits of 100% Polyester for High-Heat Transfer Printing

Choosing the right fabric for sublimation printing isn’t just about getting a clear design — it’s about ensuring the design stays vibrant, wash after wash. Polyester is the best option for heat-transfer printing because it locks in color, resists wear and tear, and provides long-lasting comfort. Unlike cotton or blends, polyester fibers absorb the heat-activated dye permanently, giving you prints that won’t crack, peel, or fade.

Moisture-Wicking and Breathability

Polyester is naturally moisture-wicking, perfect for sportswear, casual wear, and custom sublimation t-shirts. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and stays damp, polyester dries quickly, reducing odors and discomfort.

Lightweight and Comfortable Fit

Today’s 100% polyester shirts are designed for comfort: super soft, lightweight, and smooth against the skin. You'll be surprised by how comfortable today's modern polyester material in comparison to what you are used to.

Durability and Easy Maintenance

Unlike cotton, which shrinks and wears out quickly, polyester holds its shape, color, and graphics for years. Polyester is wrinkle-resistant, retains vibrant designs, and can be tumble-dried without losing print quality.

What Shirts to Use for Sublimated Designs

While 100% polyester is the best fabric for dye infusion printing, different types of polyester shirts can impact the final result. Factors like fabric weight, softness, fit, and polyester content affect how well a design transfers and how comfortable the shirt feels. If you want your sublimation shirts to have a professional look and long-lasting wear, selecting the right style and polyester count is just as important as the printing process.

Choosing the Right Polyester Shirts for Different Needs

Sublimation t-shirts come in various styles, sizes, and fabric types, each suited to different audiences. Depending on who will wear the shirt, you’ll want to consider fabric softness, durability, and overall fit.

Softness is the number one priority when choosing polyester infant sublimation shirts. Look for lightweight, smooth polyester that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Since baby clothes are washed frequently, sublimation on polyester ensures the design stays intact without fading or peeling over time.

Kids are always on the move, so youth sublimation shirts need to be comfortable, breathable, and durable. Performance polyester blends designed for moisture-wicking are a great option for active kids. Stretchy polyester fabrics allow more movement, making them ideal for sports teams, school events, or casual wear.

Adults have a wider range of preferences when it comes to fit and style. Some prefer fitted tees, while others want a relaxed, unisex cut. Performance polyester adult sublimation shirts are ideal for athletic wear, while everyday casual polyester shirts should be soft, lightweight, and breathable.

If you're creating sublimation tees or sweatshirts for a company, event, or brand, high-quality polyester with a smooth finish ensures crisp, professional-looking prints. Look for options with a sleek surface to help the ink absorb evenly, reducing the risk of blotchy or faded areas.

What’s the Best Polyester Count for Sublimation Shirts?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing sublimation shirts is selecting a fabric blend that doesn’t fully absorb the ink. While some polyester blends can be used, they don’t always produce the vibrant results that 100% polyester does. It allows the ink to fully bond with the fabric, resulting in bold, sharp, and long-lasting designs. The colors remain vibrant, and the print won’t fade over time.

For professional-quality sublimation t-shirts, sticking to 100% polyester is the best choice. If you prefer a vintage effect, a blend with at least 65% polyester can give you that slightly faded look while allowing decent ink absorption. When selecting shirts for sublimation, consider not only the polyester content but also the finish of the fabric. Some polyester shirts have a textured or ribbed surface, which can affect how evenly the ink transfers. A smooth, tight weave provides the best results, ensuring the ink distributes evenly and absorbs deeply into the fibers.

Common Myths About Polyester and Sublimation

Sublimation printing is widely used in the custom apparel industry, but there are still plenty of misconceptions about how it works, especially in polyester fabrics. Some people hesitate to use polyester t-shirts for sublimation because of outdated ideas about the fabric. Others assume sublimation has the same limitations as traditional printing methods. The truth is modern polyester has evolved, and sublimation is one of the most durable, vibrant printing techniques available.

• Myth: Polyester Shirts Feel Uncomfortable. Modern polyester t-shirts are super soft, lightweight, and breathable. They’ve come a long way from the scratchy athletic wear of the past.
• Myth: Sublimation Only Works on White Shirts. While white ink doesn’t exist in sublimation, light-color polyester shirts can still be used, depending on the process and design.
• Myth: Sublimated Designs Fade Easily. When done correctly, sublimated designs are permanent. Unlike traditional prints, it won’t crack, peel, or tear over time.

Whether you want a bold, high-definition design or a more vintage-inspired look, sublimation on polyester gives you plenty of options without sacrificing quality or longevity.

Get the Best Poly Shirts for Sublimation!

If you’re looking for sublimation blank options that deliver outstanding results, 100% polyester is the way to go. Whether you’re making youth sublimation shirts, infant sublimation shirts, or custom designs for adults, the right polyester shirt makes all the difference.

Bubbakins Blanks offers high-quality sublimation t-shirts in different styles, colors, and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your project. Don’t settle for faded prints — get vibrant, long-lasting designs with the best sublimation blank shirts today. Check out Bubbakins Blanks and start heat pressing your designs onto the perfect polyester tees now!