Sublimated jerseys have become increasingly popular in sports and fashion due to their vibrant colors and intricate designs. However, ensuring the quality of your sublimated print is crucial for achieving that professional look. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to check the quality of a full sublimated jersey, helping you to spot any potential issues before wearing or selling it.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

Check the Design Alignment

Start by examining the overall design of the jersey. Look for:

• Alignment: Ensure the design is centered and properly aligned on the fabric.
• Edges: Check for any cut-off designs at the seams or edges.

Color Accuracy

Next, assess the colors:

• Vibrancy: The colors should be bright and true to your original design. Compare them against the digital mockup if available.
• Fading: Look for any areas where the colors may have faded or bled into one another.

Print Clarity

Inspect the details:

• Sharpness: Details like text and logos should be sharp and clear.
• Pixelation: Ensure there’s no blurriness or pixelation in the printed areas.

Step 2: Touch and Feel

Fabric Quality

Run your hands over the jersey to assess the fabric:

• Texture: The fabric should feel smooth and comfortable, with no rough patches.
• Weight: It should have a good weight that indicates durability, without feeling overly heavy.

Print Feel

Check how the print interacts with the fabric:

• Surface: The print should be smooth to the touch, not raised or rough.
• Flexibility: Make sure the print stretches with the fabric without cracking.

Step 3: Colorfastness Test

Wash Test

Perform a simple wash test to check colorfastness:

1. Use cold water and a mild detergent to wash a small, inconspicuous area of the jersey.
2. After washing, let it air dry.
3. Inspect the washed area for any fading or color loss.

Sun Test

If you can, expose a small area of the jersey to sunlight:

• Fade Resistance: Monitor for any color changes after a few hours of exposure. High-quality sublimation should resist fading.

Step 4: Stitching and Seams

Seam Integrity

Examine the seams and stitching:

• Stitch Quality: Look for consistent and tight stitching without loose threads.
• Durability: Check for any signs of fraying or weak seams, especially in high-stress areas like the armholes and hem.

Step 5: Fit and Comfort

Try It On

Finally, the best way to check the quality of a sublimated jersey is to wear it:

• Comfort: Assess how the jersey feels while moving. It should allow for freedom of movement without restriction.
• Fit: Ensure it fits true to size and doesn’t bunch up or sag.

Conclusion

Checking the quality print of a fully sublimated jersey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps—visual inspection, touch and feel, colorfastness testing, examining seams, and trying it on—you can confidently assess the quality of your jersey. Whether you’re a sports team looking to invest in new uniforms or a fashion enthusiast wanting the best in sublimation, these tips will help you ensure that you’re getting a product that meets your expectations.

Happy wearing! If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to share in the comments below!