No single jersey-printing method is best for every order. Sublimation is a practical fit for compatible polyester substrates and can support graphics that extend across garment panels. Screen printing can suit designs and garments intended for ink applied through a screen. Applied heat transfers can suit localized names, numbers, or graphics when the transfer system and garment are compatible. The right choice depends on the garment, artwork, coverage, finish, personalization, quantity, budget, and supplier's process.
Dawson prints each item to order. If your team needs a specific printing method or fabric, ask Dawson before ordering. The comparison below is general and does not make one method universally better or worse.
General process facts
What is dye sublimation?
In a typical dye-sublimation workflow, artwork is printed onto transfer paper and heat is applied to transfer the image to a compatible substrate. Epson's official explanation says its process uses a polyester blank and that the design becomes part of the finished product. Epson also notes that sublimation is intended for polyester fabrics or polyester-coated goods and generally works best with white or light-colored compatible surfaces. See Epson's dye-sublimation process overview.
Those are general process facts. They do not establish the exact fiber content, print equipment, color result, or service life of a particular jersey. Check the seller's product specifications for the actual garment and care instructions.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing uses a prepared screen to place ink on selected areas of a garment. Artwork, colors, garment material, ink system, setup, and production quantity all affect whether it is a sensible choice. Suppliers can use different screens and workflows, so a quote or sample is more useful than a blanket claim about quality or cost.
What is an applied heat transfer?
“Heat transfer” can refer to several systems in which a prepared graphic is applied to a garment with heat and pressure. Vinyl lettering and printed transfer graphics are examples of applied transfers. Materials, adhesives, temperatures, pressure, garment compatibility, and care requirements vary by system.
Sublimation also uses heat during transfer, but it is usually discussed separately because the dye enters a compatible substrate rather than leaving an applied graphic layer on top. When comparing quotes, ask the printer to name the exact process instead of relying on “heat transfer” as a catch-all label.
A neutral comparison for team orders
| Question | Sublimation | Screen printing | Applied heat transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the image? | Dye is transferred into a compatible substrate. | Ink is printed onto selected garment areas. | A prepared graphic is applied to the garment surface. |
| What should you verify? | Substrate compatibility, base color, panel coverage, artwork, and care. | Garment and ink compatibility, color setup, placement, artwork, and care. | Garment and transfer compatibility, application settings, edge/finish expectations, and care. |
| Can it handle rider-specific details? | It can, when the supplier's workflow supports variable artwork. | It can, but the supplier may combine it with another process for changing names or numbers. | It can, when each transfer is prepared for the individual rider. |
| Is it automatically cheaper? | No. | No. | No. |
| Does the method name guarantee performance? | No. Results depend on the actual substrate and process. | No. Results depend on the actual garment, ink, and process. | No. Results depend on the actual garment, transfer system, and application. |
The comparison does not predict a finished product from the process name alone. Ask what garment is being used, how your artwork will be prepared, whether the quoted price includes personalization, what proof or sample is available, and which care instructions apply.
How to choose a method for your team
Start with what the finished order must accomplish:
- Map the artwork coverage. A small chest mark, a large back graphic, and a design spanning multiple panels are different production briefs.
- Confirm garment compatibility. The print process and garment must be designed to work together. Do not choose a method solely from a photo.
- List every variable field. Record each rider's name, number, size, garment, and any rider-specific artwork.
- Ask for the full price structure. Confirm whether setup, personalization, proofs, and shipping are included rather than assuming one process is always less expensive.
- Review the expected finish. If surface feel or edge appearance matters, ask for a representative sample made with the proposed garment and process.
- Read the care instructions. Care can differ by garment and printing system.
This checklist is more dependable than choosing from broad claims about one method being “premium” or “permanent.”
Dawson-specific printing and ordering facts
Dawson emails a free digital proof before printing, and production begins only after the customer approves it.
A Dawson order can include an individual name, number, and size for each rider. There is no minimum, and current unisex sizing runs from S to 5XL; use the Dawson size chart to compare measurements. Automatic quantity discounts are 5% at 5 items, 10% at 10 items, and 15% at 15 items.
Teams can browse custom motocross jerseys or the full dirt bike jersey range. Finished artwork is uploaded in the logo field on each product page. Dawson's FAQs summarize proof, personalization, order size, and printing details.
Printing method is only one order consideration. For U.S. addresses, Dawson publishes 3–5 business days for production after design approval plus an estimated 7–15 business days in transit after dispatch, for an estimated total of 10–20 business days. Delivery periods are estimates, never guarantees. Standard U.S. shipping is $5.99 on orders of $85 or less and free on orders over $85. Review the shipping policy and remember that non-faulty personalized products cannot be returned or exchanged.
Questions to ask before approving any jersey order
- What exact printing process will be used?
- What is the garment material and which base colors are compatible?
- Does the artwork cover one location or multiple garment panels?
- How are changing rider names and numbers produced and priced?
- Will I receive a proof or representative sample?
- What are the stated care instructions?
- What production, transit, return, and replacement terms apply?
Clear answers let you compare actual products and services, not just printing-method labels.