The Ultimate Custom Esports Jerseys Buying Guide

Dec 15, 2023|By Exclaim

In this guide we will introduce and elaborate on the key factors that you may want to consider when shopping for a custom esports jersey for your team or gaming brand. This guide will include the different types of jerseys, printing methods, ordering options, fulfillment, and distribution. There are a lot of moving parts with custom anything; but esports introduces additional challenges when compared to other custom industries.

Understanding Printing Methods used for Custom Esports Jerseys

Introduction

Whether you're a team manager, a passionate gamer, or an esports enthusiast looking to Make Your Mark with your apparel, understanding the nuances of jersey printing is crucial. In this segment, we'll dive into the three primary printing methods used in custom esports jersey production: Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Screen Printing, and Cut and Sew Sublimation. While our focus will be on Cut and Sew Sublimation, a method synonymous with quality and customization in esports apparel, it's essential to explore all three to make an informed decision.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is akin to using a printer for your clothes. It's a process where a printer directly applies ink onto the jersey fabric with inkjet technology. It's a fantastic option for designs that are incredibly detailed or use a wide range of colors. The major advantage of DTG is its versatility and ability to produce intricate, high-resolution prints. However, it's worth noting that DTG is best suited for small batch orders, as the cost and time involved can escalate quickly with larger quantities. DTG printing is also best suited for cotton t-shirts which might be a great low cost option for teams just getting started, but this is not a common printing method. It’s arguable whether or not this method should be considered a jersey, but for the sake of understanding the entire landscape we wanted to include this and …

Screen Printing

Screen Printing is the veteran in the world of custom apparel printing. This method involves creating a stencil (or screen), and then using that to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Each color is applied using a different stencil, one at a time, combined to achieve the final look. Screen printing is renowned for its durability and vibrant color output, making it a popular choice for large orders. However, the method's complexity means it's less cost-effective for smaller, more detailed, multi-color designs. Screen printing ink is plastisol based and mostly rests as a textured layer on top of the shirt. It is a durable method and produces very opaque colors. In contrast, DTG inks will be absorbed more into the fabric which creates a more distressed look but also less of a texture.

Cut and Sew Sublimation

Now, let's turn our attention to the star of the esports jersey world: Cut and Sew Sublimation. This method is a game-changer for those who prioritize customization and quality. Unlike DTG or Screen Printing, sublimation printing embeds the ink into the fabric, ensuring that the design won't crack, peel, or fade over time. The process involves printing your design onto a special paper, which is then transferred onto fabric using heat. The result is a vibrant, detailed, and durable design that is limited only by your imagination.

What sets Cut and Sew Sublimation apart, particularly in the esports arena, is the level of customization it offers. Unlike other methods where the design is restricted to certain areas, sublimation allows for edge-to-edge designs. This means you can have intricate patterns, logos, and colors spanning the entire jersey, giving you the ultimate creative freedom. Moreover, the 'cut and sew' aspect ensures that each piece of the jersey is printed individually and then sewn together, leading to a premium finish and fit.

The Synergy Between Fabric Types and Printing Methods in Custom Esports Apparel

The relationship between printing method and fabric type is crucial in custom apparel production, especially for esports jerseys. Each printing technique has its own set of requirements and compatibility with different fabrics, and choosing the right combination is key to achieving the best results in terms of quality, durability, and appearance. Here's a summary of how these elements work together:

Fabric Choices for Custom Esports Jerseys:

Ringspun Cotton (DTG)

Best suited for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. Cotton is a classic choice that offers comfort and a softer feel. It's ideal for detailed, high-resolution prints that require a wide range of colors.

Tri-blend t-shirts (DTG)

As the name suggests, tri-blend t-shirts are made from a blend of three different types of fibers: cotton, polyester, and rayon. This combination offers a unique set of qualities that are particularly advantageous in the realm of apparel, including for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. In particular, this unique blend of fabrics provides a softer hand.

Versatile Options for Screen Printing:

Nearly any t-shirt type or fabric can be used for screen printing. This flexibility makes screen printing a versatile option for various designs and fabrics, accommodating a wide range of styles and preferences.

Smooth Polyester:

A sleek and modern option that's lightweight and durable. Ideal for intense gaming sessions due to its moisture-wicking properties. Perfect for sublimation printing, offering vibrant and long-lasting colors. At Exclaim we use two different weighted smooth polyester fabrics. For our core product line we use 5.3 ounce and for our premium dual collar product we use 6.3 ounce smooth polyester.

Each fabric choice offers its unique benefits, catering to different needs and printing techniques. At Exclaim, we understand the importance of having the right fabric for your custom jersey, ensuring it not only looks great but also feels comfortable and suits your gaming needs.

Choosing the Right Esports Jersey Features that Best Fits your Needs

Creating a custom esports jersey with Exclaim offers a variety of options to ensure each jersey is tailored to specific preferences and needs. Here's a breakdown of the different permutations of jersey product variations available:

Gender-Specific Fit:

Male Jerseys: Designed with a fit and cut tailored to the male body shape, ensuring comfort and style.

Female Jerseys: These jerseys are cut differently to accommodate the female body shape, providing a more flattering and comfortable fit.

Collar Type:

Crew Neck: A classic and versatile option that suits most styles. It’s comfortable and offers a more traditional look.

V-Neck: Adds a touch of style and can be more comfortable for some wearers. The V-neck collar is often chosen for a more modern appearance.

Dual Neck: A unique option that combines elements of both crew and V-neck styles, offering a distinctive look.

Sleeve Length:

Short Sleeves: The standard choice for esports jerseys, offering comfort and ease of movement.

Long Sleeves: Ideal for those who prefer more coverage, suitable for different weather conditions or personal preferences.

Choosing the Best Custom Esports Jersey Design

Crafting Your Dream Esports Jersey: Exploring Design Options

After choosing the right printing method for your custom esports jerseys, the next step is arguably the most exciting: creating your design. At Exclaim, we understand the importance of a unique and striking jersey that stands out in the esports arena. That's why we offer three distinct pathways to bring your vision to life, with a particular emphasis on our revolutionary online designer. Let's explore these options:

1. Utilize Our Online Designer with Custom Templates

The crown jewel of Exclaim's design process is our state-of-the-art online designer. Built on a custom, ultra-responsive platform, this tool is designed to be lightning-fast and incredibly user-friendly, ensuring a seamless design experience. What sets our online designer apart from the competition is its limitless potential for creativity, all at no cost to you.

Key Features of the Online Designer:

Endless Possibilities: With a vast array of templates and design elements, you're empowered to create a jersey that truly reflects your team's identity and spirit.

User-Friendly Interface: Whether you're a design novice or a seasoned pro, our online designer is intuitive, making the design process straightforward and enjoyable.

No Cost to Design: Unleash your creativity without worrying about additional fees. Design as many versions as you like until you find the perfect one.

Speed and Efficiency: Our platform's swift performance means you can experiment with designs without any lag or delays, enhancing your creative flow.

This feature is our primary recommendation for most users, blending ease of use with unmatched creative freedom.

2. Commission a Custom Template from Us

For those seeking a more tailored approach, we offer the option to commission a custom template. Our team of skilled designers will work with you to create a unique template that meets your specific vision and requirements.

Process of Commissioning a Custom Template:

Personalized Design: Share your ideas, and we'll transform them into a reality.

Integration with Our Platform: Once created, the custom template will be uploaded to your account, seamlessly integrating with our existing software.

Exclusivity: Your custom template will be exclusive to your team, ensuring your jersey is one-of-a-kind.

This option is perfect for those who have a specific design in mind and want to leverage our expertise to bring it to life.

3. Commission a Third Party and Import to Our Platform

Lastly, if you prefer working with an external designer or have an existing design, we offer the flexibility to import these designs onto our platform.

Importing External Designs:

Flexibility: You're free to choose any designer or service to create your jersey design.

Easy Import Process: Once your design is ready, it can be easily imported into our software for printing.

Associated Costs: Note that this option may involve additional costs, including the third-party designer's fees and any applicable import charges.

This path is ideal for those who already have a trusted design partner or internal team.

Conclusion

At Exclaim, we're committed to providing a design experience that is as unique and dynamic as the esports world itself. Whether you choose to unleash your creativity with our online designer, collaborate with us for a custom template, or bring in an external design, we're here to ensure that your esports jersey is nothing short of extraordinary. Stay tuned for our next segment, where we delve deeper into the details of each design option, helping you make the best choice for your team's identity and spirit.

Navigating Esports Team Outfitting Payment and Distribution Complexities

Addressing the Challenges of Equipping an Esports Team

Having explored the creative aspects of designing custom esports jerseys, it's now crucial to address the logistical complexities involved in outfitting an esports team. This process involves several key decisions that can significantly impact the ordering and distribution of the jerseys. Let’s break down these complexities:

1. Determining the Paymaster: Team Manager or Players?

One of the first questions to address is who will be footing the bill for the jerseys. This decision can vary based on the team's structure and financial arrangements.

Team Manager Pays: Often, the team manager or the organization behind the team covers the cost. This is typical in more established teams or organizations with dedicated budgets for team apparel.

Individual Players Pay: In some scenarios, especially in grassroots or amateur teams, players might pay for their jerseys individually. This approach is common when team budgets are limited or in a more informal team structure.

2. Bulk Orders vs. Individual Orders

The method of ordering jerseys plays a pivotal role in the logistics of distribution.

Bulk Orders: The team manager might collect all jersey sizes and personalization information, placing a single bulk order. This approach is cost-effective and ensures uniformity in delivery timing. However, it requires careful coordination to gather accurate sizes and preferences from each player.

Individual Orders through a Team Store: Alternatively, the team manager can set up a store on our platform, allowing players and fans to order their jerseys individually. This method simplifies the size collection process and opens up the opportunity for fans to purchase team merchandise, enhancing fan engagement and potentially offering an additional revenue stream.

3. Shipping Options: Single Address vs. Individual Shipping

Shipping logistics are another critical aspect to consider.

Single Address Shipping: In a bulk order scenario, all jerseys are shipped to a single address, typically the team manager’s or the organization’s headquarters. This method can be more straightforward but requires additional distribution efforts by the team manager to get the jerseys to each player.

Individual Shipping: When using the team store option, each order can be shipped directly to the player’s or fan's address. This approach offers convenience and simplicity but might involve higher shipping costs.

4. Payment Options for Team Stores

Finally, the payment structure in a team store setup can vary:

Players and Fans Pay Individually: In this model, each player or fan pays for their order independently. This method is straightforward and distributes the financial responsibility.

Team Owner/Company Pays: Another option is for the team manager to set up the store in such a way that players can place their orders, but the payment is charged to the team owner or the company. This approach centralizes the financial aspect while still offering individual customization options for each player.

Conclusion

Outfitting an esports team with custom jerseys involves various considerations, from financial arrangements to logistical planning. At Exclaim, we offer flexible solutions to navigate these complexities, ensuring that the process is as streamlined and efficient as possible. In the next segment of our guide, we'll delve into practical tips and strategies for team managers to effectively manage this process, ensuring a smooth and successful outfitting experience for the entire team.

When opting for the individual payments option, Exclaim offers a unique and empowering feature to its users: the ability to manage their own storefront. This innovative approach provides users with an unprecedented level of control and customization over their product listings, pricing, and overall store management. Here's a breakdown of how this works:

1. Personalized Storefront: Users are given the opportunity to create and customize their own storefront on Exclaim's platform. This personalized space is where they can showcase their esports jerseys and other merchandise, reflecting their team's brand and spirit.

2. Control over Product Listings: Users have full autonomy to decide which items they want to list in their store. This means they can tailor their product offerings to what they believe will be most appealing to their team and fan base, ensuring that their store is always aligned with their audience's preferences and needs.

3. Flexible Pricing Options: With the ability to set their own prices, users can strategize on pricing to best suit their target market. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for teams or individuals looking to balance affordability for players and fans with the financial objectives of the team or organization.

4. Convenient Store Management: Exclaim's platform is designed for ease of use, allowing users to manage their store with minimal hassle. Whether it's updating product listings, adjusting prices, or just keeping an eye on how their store is performing, users can do all this and more whenever they need, from wherever they are.

5. Empowerment and Independence: This feature empowers users by giving them a significant degree of independence in how they run their store. It's an ideal solution for those who want to take a more hands-on approach in managing their esports merchandise sales.

By providing a platform where users can manage their own storefronts, Exclaim not only facilitates individual payments but also fosters a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit among its users. This unique offering differentiates Exclaim in the esports merchandising arena, providing an engaging and customizable experience for both sellers and buyers.

Exclaim's platform extends beyond just custom esports jerseys, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 products that users can add to their storefronts. This diverse product selection enhances the outfitting options and opens up exciting fundraising opportunities for teams and organizations. Here’s how it works:

1. Wide Range of Products: In addition to custom esports jerseys, Exclaim provides an extensive array of products, including apparel, accessories, and other merchandise. This variety ensures that users can find products that resonate with their team's identity and appeal to a broad audience.

2. Seamless Integration into Storefronts: Users can easily incorporate these products into their existing storefronts. Whether they want to complement their custom jersey offerings with related apparel or diversify with a range of different products, the integration process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient.

3. Fundraising Opportunities: These products are not just for outfitting teams; they also serve as powerful tools for fundraising. By selling a variety of items, teams and organizations can generate additional revenue streams. This is particularly beneficial for teams looking to finance their activities, from tournaments and travel expenses to equipment and training facilities.

4. Customization and Branding: Many of these products can be customized to align with the team's branding and aesthetic. This personalization enhances the appeal of the merchandise, making it more attractive to fans and supporters.

5. Autonomy in Pricing and Promotion: Users have complete control over the pricing of these products, allowing them to set margins that make sense for their fundraising goals. They can also strategize promotions and discounts to boost sales during specific periods or events.

6. Engaging with Fans and Supporters: Offering a wide range of products allows teams to engage more effectively with their fans and supporters. By providing more options, teams can cater to different preferences and interests, strengthening their connection with their community.

In summary, Exclaim's offering of nearly 150 products for storefronts empowers users to not only outfit their teams but also to embark on successful fundraising campaigns. This versatility and breadth of options make Exclaim's platform a comprehensive solution for esports teams and organizations looking to enhance their brand presence and financial sustainability.

Which Custom Esports Product is Best for You?

If you've made it this far, you should understand that production method is the main factor when deciding on the product that best suits your team. Let's take a look at our various offerings.

Full Sublimation Cut & Sew Esport Jersey Options

Most versatile graphic design capabilities using premium polyester fabrics.