Best Shirts For Sublimation: Top 5 Picks Review & Analysis

When it comes to the best shirts for sublimation, the quality of the materials you use can significantly impact the success of your projects. Sublimation allows you to create professional-looking items right at home, using ink to create detailed images, gradients, and even personalized photos.

But here’s the catch: not all T-shirts are suitable for sublimation. Sublimation works best on white polyester shirts that can absorb the ink effectively. To help you find the best T-shirts for sublimation, we’ll share the results of our testing and provide you with valuable insights to make an informed choice.

5 Best Shirts For Sublimation – Our Review & Analysis

Discover the top contenders in the world of sublimation-ready T-shirts. We’ve analyzed and reviewed five choices to help you make the best selection for your creative projects.

Cricut Women’s Shirt: A Sublimation Marvel

When it comes to sublimation excellence, the Cricut Women’s Shirt has certainly earned its place in the spotlight. Comprising 95% polyester and 5% spandex, this shirt proved to be a standout performer in our testing.

Color Brilliance: One of its most striking features is the vibrancy it imparts to sublimation designs. The colors pop with vivid intensity, capturing every nuance and detail without any pesky indentations from the transfer paper edges.

Fit and Form: The Cricut Women’s Shirt stands strong against the test of time. It displayed no signs of shrinking or shape distortion even after a thorough washing. This resilience ensures that your sublimated artwork will look just as captivating as the day you created it.

Exceptional Feel: What sets this shirt apart is its luxurious feel. Rather than the typical slick texture associated with polyester, it offers a tactile experience akin to a cotton blend. This substantial yet comfortable texture elevates the overall wearability of the shirt.

Care and Durability: Post-wash, the Cricut Women’s Shirt continued to impress. Not only did the colors remain steadfast, but the shirt also retained its original shape with admirable steadfastness. Remarkably, it even became softer after washing, making it even more enjoyable to wear.

Overall Verdict: The Cricut Women’s Shirt rightfully claims its spot as our top pick for sublimation. Its outstanding qualities, including color vibrancy, fit retention, luxurious feel, and enduring durability, make it the ultimate choice for your sublimation projects. Whether you’re creating intricate designs or simply seeking supreme comfort, the Cricut Women’s Shirt is the clear frontrunner.

Gildan Crew Neck: Unconventional Polyester

In the world of sublimation, the Gildan Crew Neck T-shirt stands out for its unique qualities. Crafted from 100% polyester, it delivered a sublimation experience that was distinct from the norm.

Color Brilliance: The Gildan Crew Neck displayed an interesting characteristic post-wash – its colors appeared somewhat washed out compared to other contenders. While the design retained its essence, it’s important to note that if you’re aiming for vibrant sublimation, this shirt might not be the optimal choice.

Fit and Feel: Where the Gildan Crew Neck excels is in its comfort. Unlike the typical slick feel of polyester, this shirt offers a more cotton-like texture. It’s softer and more pleasant against the skin, making it a preferred option for those who value comfort over the sheen of traditional polyester.

Care and Durability: In terms of care, the Gildan Crew Neck showcased resilience. It maintained its original size and shape even after washing, assuring that your sublimation artwork won’t be compromised. However, it’s important to note that the colors did experience a slight fade after washing, a factor to consider depending on your design preferences.

Overall Verdict: The Gildan Crew Neck presents an intriguing option for sublimation enthusiasts. While its colors may not stay as vibrant as some other contenders, its unique cotton-like feel and enduring fit make it a worthy choice.

Hanes Cool DRI Performance Shirt: A Blend of Vibrance and Typical Polyester

In our exploration of sublimation-friendly T-shirts, the Hanes Cool DRI Performance Shirt, constructed from 100% polyester, presented an intriguing blend of characteristics.

Color Brilliance: The Hanes Cool DRI Performance Shirt made an impressive debut in terms of color vibrancy. Sublimation designs came to life with strikingly vibrant hues. However, it’s worth noting that, like some of its counterparts, this shirt exhibited a slight indent around the paper edges, though it didn’t mar the overall design.

Fit and Feel: Following a thorough washing, the Hanes Cool DRI Performance Shirt maintained its original size and shape with commendable stability. Yet, it bears the classic slick and shiny texture often associated with polyester, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to comfort.

Care and Durability: This T-shirt’s post-wash performance was commendable. Both the color and shape remained largely unaffected, showcasing its durability as a sublimation canvas.

Overall Verdict: The Hanes Cool DRI Performance Shirt is a solid option for sublimation projects. Its vibrant color output and ability to maintain form post-wash make it a reliable choice. However, its characteristic slick polyester feel might be a consideration for those who prioritize comfort in their sublimation garments.

Joe’s USA V-Neck: A Symphony of Color and Resilience

The Joe’s USA V-Neck, crafted from 100% polyester, impressed us with its remarkable blend of color brilliance and durability.

Color Brilliance: This shirt left an indelible mark in terms of color vibrancy. Sublimation designs graced the fabric with beautiful, eye-catching colors. However, akin to its counterparts, there was a slight indent around the paper edges, a minor trade-off for the vivid hues it delivered.

Fit and Feel: The Joe’s USA V-Neck stood steadfast in terms of size and shape, even after undergoing the rigors of washing. However, it possesses the classic slick and silky feel synonymous with polyester, which may not cater to those seeking a more tactilely pleasing option.

Care and Durability: This shirt excelled in post-wash resilience, maintaining both its color and form with exceptional fortitude. The colors remained true, and the shirt’s shape was unmarred by the washing process.

Overall Verdict: The Joe’s USA V-Neck emerges as a strong contender in the world of sublimation-ready T-shirts. Its stunning color output and unwavering fit and shape retention make it a reliable choice for sublimation projects. However, its typical polyester texture may not suit those seeking a more comfortable tactile experience.

Bella + Canvas Women’s Triblend T-shirt: A Unique Blend with Some Trade-offs

The Bella + Canvas Women’s Triblend T-shirt, composed of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon, offered a distinctive combination of qualities in our sublimation testing.

Color Brilliance: While the Bella + Canvas shirt had its merits, it wasn’t particularly suited for vibrant sublimation designs. The colors appeared somewhat washed out compared to other contenders, making it less ideal for those seeking striking and vivid results.

Fit and Feel: Post-wash, this shirt exhibited a slight shrinkage, a factor to consider when selecting your size. Ordering a size up might be advisable to ensure a comfortable fit. However, it did redeem itself in the realm of comfort, offering a soft and pleasant feel more reminiscent of cotton than traditional polyester.

Care and Durability: Unfortunately, the Bella + Canvas shirt experienced color fading after washing, and the slight shrinkage persisted. This could be a consideration for those seeking long-lasting sublimation results.

Overall Verdict: The Bella + Canvas Women’s Triblend T-shirt presents a unique choice in the sublimation T-shirt landscape. Its soft and cotton-like feel is a major plus, offering a comfortable wearing experience. However, its washed-out colors and post-wash fading may deter those seeking vibrant sublimation results that endure.

The Sublimation Process – Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s take a closer look at the sublimation process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps:

Printing

Begin by printing your chosen sublimation design onto specialized sublimation paper. Utilize a compatible inkjet printer to ensure the best results.

Preparation

To prepare the T-shirts for sublimation, preheat them while ensuring they are free of wrinkles and moisture. Additionally, insert white cardstock inside the shirts beneath the designated design area. This precautionary measure prevents any excess ink from transferring to the back of the shirt.

Pressing

Next, you’ll need a heat press or an EasyPress heated to a precise temperature of 385°F (196°C). Place the sublimation design face down onto the T-shirt, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. Carefully press the design onto the shirt, applying even pressure, for 40 seconds.

Cooling

Once the pressing is complete, give the shirts a brief cooling period of at least 15 seconds. This allows the sublimated ink to set and bond properly with the fabric. After this cooling period, carefully remove the transfer paper from the shirt.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve outstanding sublimation results, creating vibrant and long-lasting designs on your T-shirts.

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Shirt For Sublimation

When venturing into the world of sublimation, selecting the right T-shirt to serve as your canvas is a pivotal decision. To help you make an informed choice, here are some key factors and considerations to keep in mind when choosing a shirt for sublimation.

Fabric Composition Matters

One of the fundamental considerations in the sublimation process is the fabric composition of your chosen T-shirt. Sublimation works best on fabrics with a high polyester content. Polyester has a unique ability to absorb sublimation ink and retain the vibrancy of the design. 

It’s recommended to opt for T-shirts that are at least 65% polyester for optimal results. However, as we’ll explore in the following sections, there are exceptions and nuances to consider.

White is Ideal, but Not Mandatory

While sublimation designs thrive on white polyester shirts due to their ability to absorb ink exceptionally well, it’s not an absolute requirement. There are colored polyester shirts available that can yield satisfactory results. 

However, bear in mind that the base color of the shirt can influence the final appearance of your design. The sublimation ink essentially blends with the shirt’s color, which can lead to a unique, vintage-style effect.

Understanding Blends and Their Trade-offs

In your quest for the perfect sublimation canvas, you’ll encounter various fabric blends. For instance, the Bella + Canvas Women’s Triblend T-shirt comprises a blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon. 

While such blends offer a soft and comfortable feel, they may not deliver the same level of color vibrancy as 100% polyester shirts. Additionally, blended shirts can experience slight shrinkage after washing, a factor to consider when selecting your size.

Size, Fit, and Comfort

The fit and comfort of your sublimation shirt are vital considerations. When testing different shirts, we observed variations in how they retained their shape and size after washing. 

Some shirts maintained their original dimensions, while others exhibited slight changes. Ordering a size up for certain shirts might be advisable to ensure a comfortable fit post-wash.

Color Vibrancy and Texture

Another critical aspect to assess is the color vibrancy of your sublimation designs on the chosen T-shirt. Some shirts showcased striking and vibrant colors, while others presented washed-out results. 

Additionally, the texture and feel of the fabric are important factors to consider, as polyester shirts often have a slick and shiny texture, whereas blended shirts may offer a softer, more cotton-like feel.

FAQs

What Is The Best Brand Of Shirt To Sublimate On?

The choice of the best brand of shirt for sublimation can vary based on personal preferences and project requirements. However, when it comes to sublimation, it’s more about the fabric composition rather than the brand. Look for T-shirts that are primarily made of polyester, ideally with at least 65% polyester content.

Can I Sublimate On 50% Polyester And 50% Cotton?

Sublimation is most effective on high-polyester content fabrics, and while it is possible to sublimate on a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend, there are challenges to be aware of. 

When exposed to temperatures over 360 degrees, the polyester in the blend can turn to gas and sublimate upward into the ink. This can result in less vibrant and less predictable sublimation results compared to pure polyester fabrics. While it’s feasible, it may not yield the best results in terms of color vibrancy and consistency.

What Is The Best Fabric For Sublimation Transfers?

The best fabrics for sublimation transfers are synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. These fabrics have a high affinity for sublimation ink, allowing it to penetrate and bond with the fibers effectively. 

Polyester, in particular, is the most preferred choice for achieving vibrant and long-lasting sublimation results. While other fabrics can be sublimated to some extent, they may not offer the same level of color vibrancy and durability that you can achieve with synthetic fabrics. 

So, if you’re aiming for the best results, it’s advisable to stick with polyester, nylon, or spandex when working on sublimation transfers.

Conclusion

Based on our comprehensive testing, the Cricut Women’s Shirt emerged as the top pick for the best shirts for sublimation. Despite being 95% polyester, it feels remarkably soft and substantial, and the colors held up exceptionally well even after washing. If you’re looking for a comfortable and vibrant sublimation canvas, the Cricut Women’s Shirt is the way to go.

Keep in mind that your choice may vary based on your personal preferences and the type of design you intend to sublimate. Whether you’re a sublimation beginner or an experienced crafter, choosing the right T-shirt is essential for achieving stunning results. Happy sublimating!