When you look at custom sublimated shorts and screen printed shorts, you see both have good points. Custom sublimated shorts are great if you want bright prints that last a long time. They are best for sportswear or uniforms where you need strong and detailed designs. Screen printed shorts are good for simple designs and big orders. But their prints can fade or crack after some time.
Priority Aspect | Sublimated Shorts | Screen Printed Shorts |
|---|---|---|
Print Quality & Durability | High-resolution, photo-realistic, embedded prints | Great quality, bright colors, may fade |
Material Compatibility | Best on polyester and synthetic blends | Works on many fabrics, like cotton |
Price Considerations | Costs more for small orders, less for big orders | Cheaper for big orders, costs more for small ones |
Think about what is most important to you. Is it the design, how many you need, or how you will use your shorts?
Key Takeaways
Custom sublimated shorts have bright and detailed designs. The designs last a long time. The shorts feel soft because the print is in the fabric.
Screen printed shorts are good for simple and bold designs. They are best for big orders. The prints can fade or crack after some time.
Sublimation printing works best on polyester and light fabrics. Screen printing works on many fabrics, even dark ones.
Sublimated shorts cost more if you buy only a few. They get cheaper if you buy a lot. Screen printing is cheaper for big orders with simple designs.
Sublimation printing is better for the environment. It uses less water and safer inks. This makes it a greener choice.
Sublimation Printing
How It Works
Sublimation printing gives you a way to create shorts with amazing detail and color. The sublimation printing process uses heat and pressure to turn sublimation ink into gas. This gas goes deep into the fabric fibers. You start by making your design on a computer. Then, you print it onto special transfer paper using dye sublimation printing. Next, you use a heat press to transfer the design onto the shorts. The sublimation ink bonds with the fabric, so the print feels just like the shorts themselves. You do not feel any extra layer on top. Unlike other methods, sublimation does not peel or crack. You get high-resolution prints that last a long time. This method works fast and is great for large prints or full-color artwork.
Tip: Sublimation printing works best for white or light-colored shorts. Dark fabrics do not show the colors well.
Best Fabrics
You want to use the right fabric for sublimation printing. The best choice is polyester or a polyester-rich blend. Sublimation ink needs synthetic fibers to bond well. Cotton and other natural fabrics do not work because the ink will not stick. If you want vibrant prints that last, always pick polyester. Dye sublimation printing also works on some polymer-coated items, but for shorts, polyester is the top pick. You get the best color fidelity and durability with this fabric.
Polyester (100% or blends) = Best results
Avoid cotton or dark fabrics
Design Flexibility
Sublimation printing lets you get creative. You can use complex designs, intricate designs, or even all-over prints. The dye sublimation printing process does not limit you to simple shapes or a few colors. You can print photos, gradients, and detailed patterns. The sublimation ink becomes part of the fabric, so your shorts keep their look after many washes. You do not have to worry about fading or cracking. If you want to show off your team logo, wild patterns, or anything with lots of detail, sublimation is the way to go. You get vibrant prints and amazing color fidelity every time.
Complex designs? No problem.
Intricate designs and full coverage? Easy.
Want your shorts to stand out? Sublimation printing makes it happen. 🎨
Screen Printing
Process Overview
Screen printing gives you a classic way to decorate shorts. You start by creating your design on a computer. Next, you prepare the screens. Each color in your design needs its own screen. You coat the screens with emulsion and let them dry. Then, you expose the screens to light, which hardens the emulsion except where your design blocks the light. After that, you wash out the soft emulsion to reveal your stencil.
Pre-press: Make your design, coat and dry the screens, expose them to light, wash out the stencil, and line up the screens.
On-press: Place your shorts on the press, pull ink across the screen with a squeegee, and cure the ink with a dryer.
Post-press: Check for quality, package the shorts, and send them out.
Tip: Screen printing works well for big orders because you can print many shorts quickly once the screens are ready.
Fabric Options
You have lots of choices when it comes to fabrics for screen printing. The most popular fabrics include polyester, double-knit polyester, mesh polyester, and poly-cotton blends. These fabrics work well because they stretch, breathe, and wick away moisture. You get shorts that feel comfortable and move with you, which is perfect for sports.
Polyester and blends: Great for durability and color.
Mesh polyester: Lets air flow, keeping you cool.
Poly-cotton: Soft and strong, good for everyday wear.
Screen printing heat transfers also work well on these fabrics. They keep colors bright and resist stretching and abrasion, even after many washes.
Color and Design Limits
Screen printing has some limits you should know about. Each color in your design needs a separate screen. More colors mean more work and higher costs. Most people stick to one to three colors to keep things simple and affordable. You can use the color of the shorts as part of your design. This trick helps you save on ink and screens.
Screen printing does best with bold, simple designs. Fine lines, tiny text, and complex gradients can be hard to print. The process can’t always handle lots of detail or many colors. If you want a design with lots of shades or photo-like images, screen printing might not be the best choice.
Note: For the best results, keep your design simple and use just a few colors. This way, your shorts will look sharp and cost less to make.
Key Differences
When you look at custom sublimated shorts and screen printed shorts, you see some big differences. These differences can help you pick the best one for you. Let’s look at what matters most.
Durability
You want shorts that last, especially for sports or uniforms. Sublimation printing gives you bright, soft prints that stay on the fabric. The colors go deep into the polyester, so the design does not peel or fade. You can wash and wear these shorts many times, and they still look new. This makes sublimation great for uniforms that get used a lot.
Screen printing is also strong, especially with plastisol transfers. The ink sits on top of the fabric and feels a little raised. Over time, the print can crack or peel if you stretch or use the shorts a lot. If you want the best quality and long-lasting shorts, sublimation on polyester is the top choice. For simple designs or everyday use, screen printing works well, but it may not last as long as sublimation.
Tip: For sports or uniforms that get used a lot, sublimation printing keeps your shorts looking good longer.
Design Options
Design choices are another big difference. Sublimation lets you use lots of colors and even photo-like images. You can print all over the shorts, and the design becomes part of the fabric. You do not feel any extra layer. This is best for uniforms with detailed logos or cool patterns.
Screen printing is best for bold and simple designs. Each color needs its own screen, so most people use one to three colors. Fine lines and detailed pictures are hard to print. If you want a simple logo or text, screen printing is a good choice. For colorful or detailed designs, sublimation gives you more options and better quality.
Sublimation: Best for colorful, complex, and all-over designs.
Screen printing: Best for simple, bold logos and graphics.
Cost and Order Size
The price depends on how many shorts you order and the printing method. Sublimation has a lower setup cost, so it is good for small orders or custom shorts. The price per short goes down if you order more.
Screen printing costs more to set up because you need a screen for each color. This makes it cheaper for big orders with simple designs. If you need a lot of shorts with a simple look, screen printing saves money. For small orders or detailed designs, sublimation might be a better deal.
Note: Think about how many shorts you need and your design before you choose. Sublimation is good for small orders and detailed designs. Screen printing is best for big orders and simple graphics.
Fabric and Color
The fabric you pick changes how your shorts turn out. Sublimation works best on polyester or polyester blends. The ink bonds with the fabric, so you get bright colors and a soft feel. You get the best results on white or light fabrics. Dark fabrics do not show the colors well with sublimation.
Screen printing works on more types of fabric. You can use nylon, polyester, or blends. The ink sits on top, so it works well on dark fabrics and gives bold colors. The print feels thicker and can crack over time, but you get strong color on almost any fabric.
Aspect | Sublimation Printing | Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
Suitable Fabrics | Polyester (best), Poly blends (partial) | Nylon and Polyester (best) |
Color Options | Full-color, bright on white/light fabrics | 1-3 spot colors, strong on dark fabrics |
Print Feel | Soft, no extra texture | Slightly raised, thicker feel |
Durability | Very high; no cracking or fading | Medium; can crack or peel |
Design Suitability | Complex, photo-like, all-over prints | Simple logos, bold shapes |
Fabric Color | Best on white/light | Works on dark fabrics |
If you want soft, bright, and detailed shorts for sports or uniforms, pick sublimation. For bold logos on dark fabrics, screen printing is a good choice.
Environmental Impact
You might care about how your shorts affect the earth. Sublimation printing is better for the environment. It uses water-based, safe inks and does not need water during dyeing. This saves up to 96% of water. The process skips harmful chemicals, so it is safer for workers and nature. Sublimation uses less energy because it does not need extra steps like washing. The dyes go right into the fabric, so there is little waste. The prints last over 50 washes, so you do not need to buy new shorts often.
Screen printing uses more water and chemicals. Cleaning the screens takes a lot of water, and the inks can hurt the environment. The process also uses more energy and makes more waste. If you want to help the planet, sublimation printing is the better choice.
If you want high-quality, long-lasting shorts for sports or uniforms and care about the earth, sublimation printing is the best pick.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of Custom Sublimated Shorts
When you look at custom sublimated shorts, you see many advantages. You get bright, detailed designs that cover every inch of the fabric. The sublimation process lets you use as many colors as you want, even photo-like images. Your shorts will not feel heavy or stiff because the ink becomes part of the fabric. You can wash them again and again. The colors stay sharp and do not fade. This makes them perfect for sports teams or anyone who wants their shorts to look new for a long time.
Here are some advantages you will notice:
You can create complex designs with lots of colors.
The print will not crack, peel, or fade after many washes.
The shorts feel soft and comfortable, with no extra layer on top.
Sublimation works fast for small or large orders.
But there are also disadvantages you should think about:
You need polyester or a polyester blend for the best results. Cotton does not work well.
Sublimation works best on white or light-colored shorts. Dark fabrics do not show the colors clearly.
The cost can be higher for small orders, but it drops if you order more.
If you want shorts that stand out, last a long time, and feel great, custom sublimated shorts give you a lot of advantages. Just remember, you need the right fabric and color to get the best results.
Pros and Cons of Screen Printing
Screen printing gives you a classic way to decorate shorts. You will find several advantages with this method, especially if you need a lot of shorts for an event or promotion. Screen printing is cost-effective when you order in bulk. You can save money if you need hundreds of shorts with the same simple design. The prints look bold and vibrant, which helps your logo or message stand out. The ink embeds into the fabric, so the print lasts through many washes and wears. This durability means your brand or team stays visible for a long time.
Here are some advantages you get with screen printing:
You can print on many types of fabric, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
The process works well for dark-colored shorts.
You get strong, bright colors that catch people’s eyes.
Bulk orders cost less per short, which is great for events or promotions.
Screen printed shorts also have some disadvantages:
Each color in your design needs a separate screen. More colors mean higher costs and more setup time.
Fine details and photo-like images are hard to print. Simple designs work best.
The print sits on top of the fabric. Over time, it may crack or peel, especially if you stretch the shorts a lot.
If you organize an event or need promotional shorts, screen printing offers big advantages. You get durable, eye-catching prints that help your brand stand out. Just keep your design simple and order enough shorts to get the best price.
Choosing for Sports
Best for Teams
When you pick shorts for your team, you want something that looks sharp and lasts through every game. Most sports teams choose custom sublimated shorts for their uniforms. You get bright colors and detailed designs that never peel or fade. The print becomes part of the fabric, so your uniforms stay looking new, even after many washes. Sublimation works best on polyester, which is the top choice for performance sportswear. You can create custom sports uniforms with complex logos, player names, and numbers. These shorts feel light and soft, helping your team move freely and play their best.
Here’s why teams love sublimated shorts for sports uniforms:
The design stays sharp and colorful, no matter how often you wash the uniforms.
You can use as many colors as you want, even photo-like images.
The process works fast for both small and large orders.
Polyester fabric keeps your team cool and comfortable during sports.
Sublimation is eco-friendly and reduces waste.
You want your team to look united and feel confident. Custom sports uniforms made with sublimation give you that edge in every sports match.
Best for Events
If you plan a big event, like a fun run or a school field day, you might need hundreds of shorts. For these large orders, screen printing is the best choice for uniforms. Screen printing works well for simple designs and logos. The process becomes more cost-effective as you order more, making it perfect for events with lots of people. Many shops offer discounts for bulk orders, so you save money when you need uniforms for everyone.
Why pick screen printing for event uniforms?
You get strong, bold prints that stand out in a crowd.
The process works on many fabrics, including cotton and blends.
Screen printing is fast and affordable for large groups.
You can match your event’s theme with simple, eye-catching designs.
For big sports events, screen printed uniforms help everyone feel like part of the team. You get great value and a classic look that works for any group.
Likeu Clothing
Company Overview
You want a supplier you can trust for your custom shorts. Likeu Clothing is a top company in custom apparel. They care about quality, comfort, and doing the right thing. Their products are made in SA8000 certified factories. This means no child labor or forced work. Workers get fair pay and safe places to work. Likeu Clothing also helps the planet. They use waterless dyeing and ship with less carbon. Some materials are recycled. You can feel good about your order from start to finish.
Likeu Clothing’s ISO 9001 certification means you get strict quality checks and fewer returns.
Custom Shorts Options
You have many choices when you order custom shorts from Likeu Clothing. They offer more options than most brands. You can pick different fabrics, thicknesses, and features. You can find shorts for daily wear, sports, or special events. There is a fit for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at how Likeu Clothing compares to other suppliers:
Feature Category | Likeu Clothing Offering | Industry Standard Comparison |
|---|---|---|
Product Range | Daily wear lace-up shorts, many fabrics, multiple GSM thicknesses | Fewer fabric options, less GSM variety |
Material Options | Poly-cotton twill, French terry cotton, moisture-wicking polyester with color-lock & anti-pilling | Standard materials, fewer advanced treatments |
GSM Thickness | Ultra-light (160–180), standard (200–220), structured (240–250) | Limited GSM choices |
Design Features | 10"–12" inseam, elastic waist, gusseted crotch, utility pockets, reinforced stitching | Basic designs, fewer comfort features |
Customization Zones | Multiple zones for embroidery, screen printing, sublimation | Limited customization areas |
Extra Features | UPF 30+ sun protection, tear-resistant stitching | Often missing sun protection and durability |
MOQ | Starts at 20 pieces | Usually 100–500 pieces |
Quality Control | Less rigorous, higher return rates | |
Ethical Manufacturing | SA8000 certified, living wages | Fewer ethical certifications |
Sustainability | 30% recycled polyester, waterless dyeing, carbon-neutral shipping | Less focus on sustainability |
Decoration Techniques | Screen printing, embroidery, DTF, multi-technique combos | Usually only one or two methods |
Proofing & Turnaround | 24-hour digital proofs, AI previews, faster approvals | Slower proofing, less tech-driven |
You can mix and match features to make shorts that fit your style and needs.
Supplier List
You might want to check out other suppliers before you order. Here are some top choices for custom shorts:
Likeu Clothing: Best for quality, ethical production, and lots of options.
Custom Ink: Good for basic screen printed shorts and fast orders.
RushOrderTees: Known for quick turnaround and simple designs.
Printful: Offers on-demand sublimated shorts, but fewer fabric choices.
If you want the best mix of quality, comfort, and eco-friendly options, Likeu Clothing is a top pick for your next custom shorts order.
When you pick custom shorts, think about what matters most to you.
Choose sublimated shorts if you want bright colors, detailed designs, and long-lasting wear—perfect for sports teams.
Go with screen printed shorts for simple logos, bold colors, and big event orders.
Need help deciding? Reach out to Likeu Clothing. Their team can guide you and help you start your custom order today!
FAQ
What is the main difference between sublimation and screen printing?
Sublimation puts the design inside the fabric. Screen printing puts the ink on top. Sublimation works best for detailed, colorful designs. Screen printing is great for bold, simple logos.
Can I wash custom shorts in the washing machine?
Yes! You can wash both types in the machine. Sublimated shorts keep their color longer. Screen printed shorts may crack or fade after many washes.
Which method is better for dark-colored shorts?
Screen printing works better on dark fabrics. The ink sits on top and shows up well. Sublimation looks best on white or light-colored shorts.
Are custom sublimated shorts more eco-friendly?
Yes, sublimation uses less water and safer inks. You help the planet by choosing this method. Screen printing uses more water and chemicals.
