Custom Logo Printing on Sportswear: Methods & Costs

When it comes to customised sportswear, the design is only half the story.

The printing method you choose plays an equally important role in determining how the final product looks, feels, performs, and lasts over time.

Whether you're creating sports jerseys for a football club, launching your own activewear brand, ordering corporate merchandise, or buying customised apparel for an event, understanding different printing techniques can help you make better decisions.

At **DRIBBLE Sports**, we've been manufacturing and customising sportswear for more than 10 years using multiple printing technologies depending on the garment, artwork, order quantity, and customer requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

This guide explains the four major printing methods we regularly use and where each one performs best.

There is no single printing technique that is ideal for every project.

The right method depends on factors such as:

- Fabric type

- Design complexity

- Number of colours

- Order quantity

- Expected durability

- Budget

- End use of the garment

Understanding these variables helps businesses select the most suitable printing option instead of simply choosing the cheapest one.

Screen printing remains one of the most widely used apparel printing methods worldwide.

It is particularly suitable for logos, text, promotional graphics and large production runs where consistency is important.

The process begins by preparing a screen using the artwork. Water-based or suitable printing inks are then transferred onto the garment through the screen before being cured and heat pressed to improve durability. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Best suited for:

- Company uniforms

- Promotional T-shirts

- College merchandise

- Bulk event apparel

- Simple multi-colour designs

Advantages

- Cost-effective for bulk production

- Excellent colour consistency

- Strong durability

- Professional finish

DTF has rapidly become one of the most versatile garment printing technologies.

At **DRIBBLE Sports**, it has become our preferred printing method for many customised garments because it allows highly detailed artwork with virtually unlimited colours while simplifying production compared to traditional screen printing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The design is first printed onto a special transfer film, coated with adhesive powder, cured using controlled heat, and finally transferred onto the garment using a heat press.

Depending on materials and application, DTF prints generally offer good wash durability, with industrial-grade solutions providing significantly higher longevity. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Best suited for:

- Sportswear

- Activewear

- Retail clothing

- Small batch production

- D2C brands

- Custom logo printing

- Unlimited colour possibilities

- Excellent detail reproduction

- Faster setup

- Suitable for low MOQ orders

- Premium appearance

Some designs deserve more than ink.

Embroidery creates a premium, textured finish using coloured threads stitched directly onto the garment.

Although the process takes longer and requires careful precision, embroidered logos often communicate higher perceived value than printed alternatives. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

For this reason, embroidery is widely used on premium apparel.

Best suited for:

- Polo T-shirts

- Hoodies

- Jackets

- Caps

- Corporate uniforms

- Educational institutions

Advantages

- Premium appearance

- Long-lasting finish

- Excellent for logos

- Professional branding

Sublimation is the preferred choice for customised sports jerseys and performance apparel.

Instead of printing on the surface, specialised transfer paper carries the artwork, which is fused into the fabric using high-temperature heat. This allows vibrant, full-coverage designs without adding noticeable weight to the garment. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Because the design becomes part of the fabric, sublimation is especially popular for sportswear that demands lightweight comfort and bold graphics.

Best suited for:

- Football jerseys

- Cricket jerseys

- Basketball uniforms

- Volleyball kits

- Cycling apparel

- Teamwear

- Nylon sportswear

Advantages

- Full garment printing

- Unlimited design freedom

- Vibrant colours

- Lightweight finish

- Ideal for team uniforms

Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your objective.

- **Screen Printing** – Ideal for large-volume promotional apparel.

- **DTF Printing** – Excellent for detailed artwork, small batches and growing brands.

- **Embroidery** – Best for premium branding and corporate apparel.

- **Sublimation** – The preferred solution for customised sports jerseys and performance garments.

A reliable manufacturing partner will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your product rather than pushing a single solution.

Printing is only one part of producing quality apparel.

At DRIBBLE Sports, we help customers throughout the entire journey, including:

- Product development

- Printing method selection

- Fabric recommendations

- Sampling

- OEM manufacturing

- Private label production

- Bulk manufacturing

- Sports team uniforms

- Corporate merchandise

- Retail collections

- D2C activewear brands

Whether you're ordering 20 garments or planning a large production run, our objective is to recommend the printing process that delivers the best balance of quality, durability and cost.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right printing technique can significantly influence how your apparel performs, looks and represents your brand.

By understanding the strengths of Screen Printing, DTF, Embroidery and Sublimation, businesses can make more informed decisions based on their product requirements instead of relying on guesswork.

If you're looking for an experienced sportswear manufacturing partner for customised jerseys, T-shirts, jackets, hoodies, tracksuits or corporate apparel, DRIBBLE Sports would be happy to help you select the most suitable printing solution for your next project.