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Tackle twill vs sublimation for team jerseys
Tackle twill is cut fabric numbers and letters stitched onto the jersey, for the classic look of high school football and baseball. Sublimation dyes the design into polyester, so it adds almost no weight. It suits 7v7 (seven on seven), flag, practice and full-color designs.
- How each is made
- Look, weight and wear
- Which to choose by sport
Tackle twill and sublimation, compared
The same number, made two ways.
| Compared | Tackle twill | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Fabric numbers cut out and stitched on | Dye pressed into polyester with heat |
| Look | Raised, with stitched edges | Flat, part of the fabric |
| Weight | Adds the weight of the fabric and thread | Adds almost no weight |
| Wear | Stitched edges hold the numbers on | No layer to crack or peel |
| White | White twill on any color | White parts are the white fabric, left undyed |
| Colors | Each color is another layer of twill | Any number of colors in one print |
| Fabric | Most jersey fabrics | Polyester, in white or light colors |
| Suits | Football, baseball and hockey game jerseys | 7v7, flag, practice and full-color designs |
How each is made
Twill is sewn on. Sublimation is dyed in.
- Tackle twill: numbers and letters are cut from twill fabric, laid on the jersey and stitched around every edge. A border is a second layer, cut a little bigger.
- Sublimation: the design is printed on transfer paper, then pressed onto polyester with heat. The dye goes into the fibers.
- Both: a sublimated jersey can still carry twill numbers, sewn on after the print.
How each looks, feels and wears
The difference shows up close, and on the scale.
- Look: twill sits raised, with stitched edges. Sublimation is flat and part of the fabric.
- Feel: twill is stiffer where the number sits. Sublimation feels like the rest of the jersey.
- Weight: twill adds fabric and thread. Sublimation adds almost no weight.
- Wear: the dye sits in the fabric, so there is no layer to crack or peel. Twill has stitched edges.
- Mesh: a big twill number covers the mesh holes under it. A sublimated number leaves them open.
White, and numbers under the rules
Two points that decide many designs.
- Sublimation cannot add white: white parts are the white fabric, left undyed. A white number on a dark jersey is the fabric showing through.
- Dark jerseys: a sublimated dark jersey starts as white polyester, dyed dark around the white parts.
- Numbers under the rules: the rules of the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) ask for one solid color, twill or dyed.
- Contrast: the number must clearly contrast with the jersey, either way.
Which to choose for each sport
Teams pick by look, weight and budget.
- Football game jerseys: tackle twill for the classic look. A sublimated jersey with twill numbers works too.
- Baseball and softball: tackle twill letters and numbers are the classic choice.
- Hockey: tackle twill numbers and crests are common.
- 7v7 and flag football: sublimation keeps the tops light.
- Practice jerseys: printed or sublimated numbers keep the cost down.
- Soccer, volleyball and wrestling: mostly sublimated, edge to edge.
Mixing the two
A sublimated jersey with twill numbers gives both looks.
- The body: stripes, side panels and patterns are sublimated.
- The numbers: tackle twill, stitched on after the print.
- The weight: between the two.
What changes the cost
We quote each design. These are the parts that move the price.
- Twill: the number of layers, the size of the numbers and how many letters there are.
- Sublimation: the design prints all at once, so extra colors add little.
- Both: the number of pieces and the fabric.
- Names and numbers: a different name and number on each adult jersey at no extra charge.
Questions buyers ask
Is tackle twill better than sublimation?
Neither is right for every team. Tackle twill gives the raised, stitched look of high school football and baseball. Sublimation is lighter and suits 7v7, flag, practice and full-color designs.
Does sublimation crack or peel?
No. The dye sits in the fabric, so there is no layer to crack or peel.
Can sublimation print white?
No. White parts are the white fabric, left undyed. That is why sublimated jerseys start as white or light polyester.
Which is heavier?
Tackle twill. Each number adds fabric and thread. Sublimation adds almost no weight.
Can a sublimated jersey have twill numbers?
Yes. The body is sublimated first, and the twill numbers are stitched on after.
Do the rules allow twill numbers?
Yes, twill or dyed. The 2026 NFHS rules ask for numbers in one solid color that clearly contrasts with the jersey. They are at least 8 inches tall on the front and 10 on the back.
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What happens next
- We reply with questions and a quote.
- We make one sample for you to check.
- You approve it, and we make your order.
contact@sharknits.com · +1 647 501 5424
Sharknits is a custom clothing manufacturer for brands in the US, with factories in Lahore and Sialkot and a US corporate office near Chicago.