SOFI prints sublimation on polyester and high-polyester fabric by the yard in Los Angeles, for activewear, swimwear, team uniform and performance apparel brands. Production runs start at 25 yards per design, and every new design starts with a strike-off sample so you can approve color and scale first.
What is sublimation printing?
Sublimation uses heat to turn dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibers. The color becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on top of it, so prints stay bright, keep the fabric’s stretch and breathability, and won’t crack or peel. It is ideal for all-over, edge-to-edge prints.
Fabrics for sublimation
Sublimation works on polyester and high-polyester fabrics. The higher the polyester content, the brighter the color. It prints on white or light-colored fabric; it is not suited to dark fabrics.
- Performance jersey and poly-spandex knits
- Mesh, including athletic and power mesh
- Swimwear fabric
- Polyester wovens such as poplin and satin
See our in-stock performance fabrics, or send your own. For cotton, rayon and other natural fibers, choose digital pigment printing instead.
What brands use sublimation for
Activewear and yoga wear, swimwear, team and athletic uniforms, dancewear, cycling and outdoor apparel, linings, and promotional textiles.
Sublimation printing prices
Production pricing is per yard, per design, for printing only. It starts at $7.20/yd for 26–100 yards per design and drops to $3.70/yd at 601+ yards. See every tier on our fabric printing prices page.
Charged separately and listed in your quote: fabric (if we supply it), the strike-off ($50 flat fee per design), shipping, California sales tax where it applies, and rush service (quoted case by case).
How it works
- Send your artwork. TIFF, JPG, PDF or PSD at 300 DPI, seamless with a full repeat. We print artwork as supplied and do not offer design services.
- Choose your polyester fabric. Send your own or pick from our in-stock options.
- Approve a strike-off (5–7 business days). A 10″ x 10″ sample to check color, scale and fabric performance.
- Production run (7–10 business days). Starts after strike-off approval and your purchase order.
Sublimation printing FAQ
Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation dye only bonds with polyester. For cotton and rayon, use digital pigment printing.
Will sublimation prints crack or fade?
No cracking or peeling, because the dye is inside the fibers rather than on the surface.
What is the minimum order?
25 yards per design for production. Smaller quantities are available for samples and test runs at the 1–10 and 11–25 yard tiers.
Is the strike-off free?
No. Each strike-off is a $50 flat fee, billed separately from the production order.
Request a sublimation printing quote
Send your artwork, fabric and yardage per design, and we’ll reply with a quote that lists every charge.
We work B2B only and do not take retail or hobby orders.
