Jersey Construction and Decoration Options

Below are brief descriptions as well as the pros-and-cons of the different jersey construction and decoration methods available.

Jersey Construction

Cut-and-Sew

The traditional process of jersey production. Fabric panels are individually cut and sewn together to produce a finished jersey.

CONS
Limited striping and design capabilities
Seams at each stripe can lead to greater chance of tearing at higher levels of hockey.
Higher costs and minimums on re-orders.
Heavier feel vs. either sublimated or knitted jersey

Sublimation

The most innovative process in uniform production. Sublimation is a process where digital artwork is dye transferred on fabric panels to provide endless design possibilities.

PROS
Most cost-effective method to produce jersey particularly when multiple logos and number placements are needed
Regardless of design, jersey design has set cost
Unlimited design and color possibilities
More lightweight and durable jersey
Particularly at younger ages, more comfortable jersey to wear
Less production time compared to twill decorated jerseys
Significantly lower minimums and cost for repeat orders vs. cut-and-sew

Decoration Options

Tackle Twill

Tackle twill is a traditional premium decorating process. All decoration (logos, numbers, etc.) are cut from polyester twill fabric and sewn to the jersey. Many logos are embroidered designs on the twill. An adhesive backing tacks the twill in place on the jersey and edges are sewn down with a zig-zag or embroidered stitching.

CONS
Expensive method to decorate a jersey
Adds weight to a jersey (particularly if multiple logos and more than 1-color numbers/letters)
With re-orders, jersey pricing may differ from original order based on quantity of re-order
For younger players, jerseys with large crests are uncomfortable (like a dinner plate on the chest)
Re-orders require minimum quantities

Sublimated Twill

Tackle-twill applique sewn to jersey with a sublimated design instead of embroidered design.

Direct Sublimation

Decoration process where logos, numbers, etc. are transferred using heat into the fabric so the original texture and feel is not changed. The decoration meshes with the fabric instead of being a layer on the fabric.

PROS
Cost-effective one price for jersey design
No color limitations
Better detail vs. tackle-twill or printed logos.
Shorter production timelines vs. sewn decoration
Adds no weight to jersey
Very comfortable to wear, particularly when front crest is large

Screen Printing

Printing technique where ink is transferred to the jersey through a mesh screen to create an image. The ink lays on top of the fabric

Direct Embroidery

Logo designs are stitched directly on garments with an automated embroidery machine.

For hockey jerseys, direct embroidery should never be used. Any direct embroider on a jersey is an embarrassment to the game of hockey and should be ridiculed at all costs.