Your team uniform is falling apart. The print is cracking. The colors are fading. Every wash makes it worse. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. A lot of teams deal with this. Bad uniforms hurt your team’s look and your confidence on the field.
That’s exactly why CMP Sportswear exists. At CMP, we use sublimation printing to build uniforms that don’t just look great on day one; they look great after an entire season of sweat, mud, and washing.
So what exactly is sublimation? And why does CMP Sportswear rely on it for every uniform we make? Let’s break it down in plain, simple words.
What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a way to put color INTO fabric, not just ON TOP of it.
Think of it like this. Regular printing puts ink on top of fabric. It sits there like a sticker. Over time, it peels and cracks.
Sublimation is different. The ink goes inside the fabric fibers. It becomes part of the fabric. You can’t peel it off. You can’t scratch it off. It’s just… there. Forever.
That’s why sublimated uniforms look amazing, even after 100 washes.
How Does the Sublimation Printing Process Work?
It sounds complicated. It’s actually pretty simple. Here are the 4 steps:
Step 1 – Artwork & Graphic Design
First, a designer creates your uniform on a computer. You pick your colors, logos, numbers, and names. Everything is planned before anything is printed.
This is where you can go wild with your design. Any color. Any pattern. No limits.
Step 2 – Printing the Design
Next, the design is printed onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink. This paper looks just like a regular printed paper at this point.
The magic hasn’t happened yet.
Step 3 – Heat Press (Sublimation Press)
Now comes the cool part. The printed paper is placed on the fabric. Then a heat press machine squeezes them together at very high heat, around 400°F.
At that heat, the ink turns into gas. The gas goes straight into the fabric. When it cools down, the ink is locked inside the fibers forever.
That’s sublimation. Heat + pressure = ink inside fabric.
Step 4 – Cut, Sew & Ship
After printing, the fabric is cut into the right shapes and sewn together to make your uniform. Then it’s packed and shipped to your team, ready to wear and ready to win.

At CMP Sportswear, this is exactly how every custom uniform is made with care, precision, and zero shortcuts.
Why Is Sublimation Perfect for Sportswear?
Here’s why athletes and teams across Georgia love sublimated uniforms:
➔ Vibrant Colors That Never Crack or Fade
Ever seen a uniform where the number is half-peeled off? Ugly, right?
With sublimation, that never happens. The colors stay bright. The design stays sharp. Your uniform looks brand new, even after a whole season of games, mud, sweat, and washing.
➔ Unlimited Custom Design Flexibility
Want a blue-to-orange gradient? Done. Want your school mascot printed all over the sleeves? Easy. Want your player’s name in a cool font across the back? No problem.
Sublimation gives you total freedom. You’re not stuck with 3 color options or a limited template. You design it. We print it.
At CMP Sportswear, our design team works with you from scratch. You don’t pick from a boring catalog. You build YOUR uniform; your colors, your logo, your identity.
➔ Lightweight & Breathable for Better Performance
Georgia summers are HOT. Playing in a heavy, stiff uniform is miserable.
Sublimated uniforms are made with lightweight polyester fabric. This fabric pulls sweat away from your body. You stay cool. You move faster. You play better.
The fabric stretches with you. It doesn’t restrict your movement. Whether you’re wrestling, running track, or playing baseball, it moves the way you move.
➔ Durable Uniforms That Last Longer
Sublimated uniforms are built tough.
No cracking. No peeling. No fading. The ink is part of the fabric, remember? So there’s nothing to break down.
A well-made sublimated uniform can easily last 3 to 5 years of heavy use. At CMP Sportswear, we only use premium polyester fabrics built for exactly this: long seasons, heavy use, and zero excuses.
➔ Cost-Efficient for Bulk Team Orders
Ordering uniforms for a whole team gets expensive fast.
But here’s the good news. With sublimation, the cost per uniform goes down when you order more. Big teams save more money. And because the uniforms last so long, you save even more over time.
For school programs and sports leagues in Georgia on a tight budget, this matters a lot.
What Fabrics Work Best for Sublimation?

Sublimation works best on polyester fabric. The higher the polyester content, the better the colors look.
100% polyester = sharpest, most vibrant colors.
It does NOT work well on cotton. Cotton fibers don’t absorb sublimation ink. The colors come out faded and dull on cotton.
So if you want bright, long-lasting prints, stick with polyester. Most quality sportswear is already made with it anyway.
Which Sports Use Sublimated Uniforms?
Almost every sport! Sublimation works great for:
- Wrestling
- Baseball
- Softball
- Track & Cross Country
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Cheer & Dance
Sublimation vs. Other Printing Methods – What’s the Difference?
Let’s keep this simple:
| Method | Lasts How Long? | Color Options | Breathable? |
| Sublimation | Years (no fading) | Unlimited | Yes |
| Screen Printing | Cracks over time | Limited | Less so |
| Heat Transfer (vinyl) | Peels off fast | Okay | Less so |
| Embroidery | Long-lasting but stiff | Limited | No |
Sublimation wins for sportswear. Every time.
When Is Sublimation NOT the Right Choice?
Okay, let’s be honest. Sublimation isn’t perfect for everything.
Here’s when you should skip it:
- Cotton garments – The ink won’t bond. Colors look washed out.
- Dark-colored base fabrics – Sublimation works best on white or light-colored fabric.
- Single one-off items – Setup costs make it less ideal for just 1 or 2 pieces.
- Already-made garments – Sublimation is done BEFORE sewing. You can’t add it to a finished shirt.
Know your needs. Pick the right method. Still not sure? The CMP Sportswear team is happy to help you figure out the best option for your squad — just reach out.
How to Care for Sublimated Sportswear?
Your sublimated uniform is tough, but a little care goes a long way.
Follow these simple tips:
- Wash in cold water – Hot water can dull the colors over time.
- Turn inside out before washing – Protects the print surface.
- Avoid bleach – It will damage the fabric and colors.
- Tumble dry on low – Or hang to air dry. Better for the fabric.
- No ironing directly on the print – Iron on the inside only if needed.
That’s it. Pretty easy, right? Take care of your uniform, and it’ll take care of you.
Get Custom Sublimated Uniforms for Your Team in Georgia
Now, you know everything about sublimation. You know why it’s the best choice for sports uniforms. And you know it’s perfect for teams playing in Georgia’s heat.

At CMP Sportswear, we make high-quality custom sublimated uniforms for teams of all sizes, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, and more.
1: Unlimited custom designs
2: Fast turnaround
3: Durable, pro-level quality
4: Bulk pricing for teams and programs
Whether you’re a school team in Atlanta, a rec league in Savannah, or a club team in Augusta, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to build your dream uniform? Contact CMP Sportswear today and let’s get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is sublimation printing in simple words?
Sublimation printing puts ink INSIDE the fabric, not on top of it. The result is bright colors that never crack, peel, or fade. Even after many washes.
Q2. Is sublimation good for sports uniforms?
Yes, it’s actually the BEST option for sportswear. The fabric stays lightweight, breathable, and colorful. Perfect for any sport in any weather, especially in heat.
Q3. How long do sublimated uniforms last?
A good sublimated uniform can easily last 3 to 5 years, even with heavy use and regular washing. At CMP Sportswear, we use premium fabrics that are built to go the distance.
Q4. Can I put any design on a sublimated uniform?
Absolutely. Any color, any logo, any pattern—there are zero design limits with sublimation. CMP Sportswear’s design team works with you to build your uniform from scratch.
Q5. Does CMP Sportswear make sublimated uniforms for all sports?
Yes! We make custom sublimated uniforms for wrestling, baseball, softball, track, basketball, soccer, and more.
