Compare our sublimation fabric families by composition, construction, weight, stretch, and durability to understand their differences and choose the right material for your product.
Dye-sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dyes into polyester fibers, producing full-color designs that become part of the fabric rather than sitting on its surface. This is why our sublimated products use polyester-based materials, including polyester-spandex blends.
Fabric composition, knit construction, weight, and stretch characteristics influence how a garment feels, fits, and performs. Different fabrics may be better suited to lightweight athletic apparel, high-contact uniforms, structured garments, or everyday wear.
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). We use the following weight classes to help compare fabrics across our catalog.
| Weight Class | GSM |
|---|---|
| Featherweight | 160 GSM or less |
| Lightweight | 161-200 GSM |
| Midweight | 201-240 GSM |
| Heavyweight | 241-280 GSM |
| Super Heavyweight | 281+ GSM |
GSM describes fabric weight, not thickness, durability, or stretch directly. Two fabrics with the same GSM can feel and perform differently depending on their fiber composition and construction. These classes are our catalog classifications rather than universal industry standards.
An 85% polyester and 15% spandex knit with a smooth exterior and soft, peached interior. Its 4-way stretch provides flexibility and recovery, while the smooth outer surface supports detailed sublimation printing.
This fabric family offers a balance of softness, stretch, and structure across multiple weights, making it suitable for a range of athletic apparel and uniforms.
Available weights: 180, 200, 220, and 240 GSM.
A reinforced knit containing 73% polyester and 27% spandex, designed for improved abrasion resistance while maintaining 4-way stretch.
Its construction makes it suitable for higher-contact applications where resistance to surface wear and flexibility are important. The higher spandex content distinguishes it from our standard peached polyester-spandex family.
Available weights: 240 and 270 GSM.
A dense, structured double-knit fabric containing 85% polyester and 15% spandex. Its 300 GSM construction provides substantial weight, shape retention, and a more structured feel than lighter polyester-spandex fabrics.
SCUBA retains 4-way stretch while offering the body and structure suited to heavyweight jerseys, outerwear, and similar garments.
Available weight: 300 GSM.
A soft, matte polyester-spandex knit containing 85% polyester and 15% spandex. It provides 4-way stretch and recovery with a smooth, comfortable feel.
Its lightweight construction makes it suitable for performance apparel, athleisure, and lifestyle garments where flexibility and comfort are priorities.
Available weight: 180 GSM.
A smooth, stable double-knit fabric made from 100% polyester. Unlike polyester-spandex blends, interlock relies on its knit construction for mechanical 2-way stretch rather than added elastic fibers.
It provides a more stable structure with less elasticity than our 4-way stretch fabrics, making it suitable for garments that do not require substantial stretch.
Available weights: 180 and 220 GSM.
The best fabric depends on the product's intended use, fit, and performance requirements.
Fabric availability depends on the product. Review the fabric options provided for the specific garment before making your selection.
Our sublimated products use polyester-based fabrics rather than cotton, wool, rayon, or other natural fibers. Conventional dye-sublimation relies on polyester-compatible materials, and natural fibers do not provide the same reliable dye transfer and retention.
We also avoid fabric constructions that are unsuitable for consistent sublimation results. Available fabric options are selected according to the requirements of each product.