How Kragbuzz Creates Durable Prints: Sublimation vs Screen Print vs Vinyl

In performance sportswear, the print on a jersey is far more than decoration. It carries identity. A team’s colours, its crest, a school emblem, a local sponsor’s logo—all of it tells a story before the game even begins. At Kragbuzz, we treat prints as part of the garment’s engineering, not just its aesthetics. The goal is simple: vibrant, long-lasting prints that survive sweat, sunlight, friction, hundreds of washes, and the rough usage athletes naturally put their kits through.

But printing technology is rarely understood by buyers. Why does one jersey’s print stay sharp for years while another cracks within months? Why do sublimation prints look part of the fabric, while screen prints feel raised? And why is vinyl so bold yet recommended for very specific applications?

This guide breaks down the three major printing techniques we use at Kragbuzz—sublimation, screen printing, and vinyl transfer printing—and explains when, why, and how each one is chosen. By understanding these methods, parents, coaches, athletes, and even brand partners can make informed decisions about their kits and custom orders.

The Philosophy Behind Printing at Kragbuzz

Every printing technique has strengths and limitations. Instead of forcing one method for all clients, we analyse the garment’s purpose, the climate, the sport, and the expected intensity of use. Our printing decisions are guided by the same principles we apply to fabrics, ventilation zones, and construction—precision and performance above everything else.

This approach mirrors how we design pro-level gear discussed in Inside a Pro Cricket Jersey, where every component, including the print, must enhance the athlete’s experience.

Sublimation Printing: When the Print Becomes the Fabric

Sublimation is the technology that revolutionised modern teamwear. Instead of printing on top of the fabric, sublimation embeds dyes into the fibers themselves. Heat and pressure turn solid dye into gas, which permanently bonds with polyester yarns. The result? A print that never peels, never cracks, and never fades—because it has become part of the fabric.

This method is ideal for cricket jerseys, running tees, school sports kits, and tournament uniforms—especially in India’s hot and humid conditions. Sublimation ensures that the fabric stays breathable, stretchy, and lightweight because no additional layers are added. Whether athletes dive, slide, or sweat under harsh sun, the print remains flawless.

Why we choose sublimation:

• Perfect for intricate designs, gradients, full-body graphics
• Zero weight—print doesn’t add thickness
• Total wash durability
• Best for polyester-based performance fabrics
• Ideal for all-day wear and high-sweat environments

Because sublimation works only on polyester, it is also the natural companion for the fabrics we engineer for moisture-wicking, as explained in The Science Behind Moisture-Wicking Fabrics.

Screen Printing: Bold, Classic, and Built for Longevity

Screen printing is one of the earliest techniques used in athletic wear but remains relevant for one simple reason: nothing matches the boldness of a well-executed screen print. This method pushes thick layers of ink through a mesh screen onto the garment. The result is vibrant, opaque, and slightly raised—ideal for logos, numbers, and solid colours.

While sublimation is seamless, screen printing offers texture and visual punch. It works beautifully on cotton as well as poly blends, which is why many schools and academies still prefer screen-printed tees for casual or semi-athletic use.

Screen printing stands out when:

• You need sharp, solid-colour logos
• The garment isn’t meant for high-sweat, high-friction zones
• You want a traditional athletic look
• Cost-effectiveness matters for large batches

However, screen prints do add a slight layer to the fabric. On performance wear, this can trap heat—something that contradicts the idea of breathable zones highlighted in the Heat Playbook. This is why Kragbuzz uses screen printing only when it complements the garment’s purpose.

Vinyl Printing: Precision, Shine, and Cutting-Edge Aesthetic

Vinyl printing uses heat-transferred vinyl sheets cut into shapes—usually names, numbers, or crisp logos. The finish is sleek, bold, and extremely clean. It sits slightly raised on the fabric, giving a premium, modern look seen often in elite tournament kits and premium athleisure.

Vinyl works well when:

• You need sharp, personalised names or numbers
• You want a glossy, metallic, or matte-finish highlight
• The team requires limited customisation per player
• The garment is not exposed to excessive stretching

While vinyl is durable, it is not designed for heavy abrasion—meaning it’s excellent for the right use-case, but not for rough-ground dives or constant backpack friction.

For custom kits—especially where schools or community teams want players’ names—vinyl is often the preferred choice due to its clarity and definition. This aligns with how local teams build recognisable identity explained in Local League Partnerships & Community Gear Feedback Loops.

Durability Comparison: Which Printing Method Lasts Longest?

From a durability standpoint, sublimation leads by a wide margin. Because the ink bonds into the fiber, it essentially becomes “unfading.” Screen printing and vinyl each have their strengths, but both sit on top of the fabric—meaning washing habits, stretch, or abrasion impact them over time.

Durability ranking:

1. Sublimation – becomes part of the fabric
2. Screen Print – long-lasting with proper care
3. Vinyl – excellent clarity but sensitive to heat and friction

The longevity of screen and vinyl prints also depends on how athletes treat their apparel. Washing instructions, drying habits, and storage methods all matter—covered extensively in Performance Apparel Care Guide.

Which Printing Method Does Kragbuzz Recommend?

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, printing choices follow the purpose of the garment.

For Cricket Jerseys: Always sublimation, for breathability + durability + all-day comfort.

For School Kits: Sublimation for polyester kits, screen print for cotton-based items.

For Community Tournaments: Sublimation for team identity; vinyl for names and numbers.

For Athleisure: Screen print or vinyl depending on desired aesthetics.

For Premium Custom Orders: Mix of sublimation base + vinyl accents for standout effects.

This layered approach is part of why teams trust Kragbuzz for their build-to-order kits—echoing the structured process discussed in Build-to-Order Customisation Guide.

How Printing Influences Athlete Experience

Prints affect performance more than people realise. Heavy or rubbery prints can trap heat and restrict movement. Overly thick logos can cause micro-chafing during long sessions. Sublimation avoids these issues entirely, which is why it dominates performance wear.

The psychological aspect is real too. Athletes feel more confident when their kit looks sharp, vibrant, and professional—something that deeply affects presence and performance, as explored in Performance Psychology: Why Looking Good Boosts Confidence.

Final Thoughts: Printing Technology Is a Performance Feature

At Kragbuzz, printing is not a cosmetic decision—it is an engineering decision. Every team, school, academy, or athlete deserves apparel that looks good on day one and stays that way through heat, rain, sweat, and competition. Whether we choose sublimation, screen printing, or vinyl, the goal remains constant: durability, clarity, comfort, and pride.

Good printing doesn’t just decorate a jersey—it completes it.