Dye sublimation is the gold standard for custom sportswear, team uniforms and branded apparel. Unlike screen printing or heat transfer vinyl, sublimation ink bonds into polyester fibers permanently, so prints do not crack, peel or fade after repeated washing. But not all polyester knits deliver the same sublimation result. The knit structure, GSM, surface smoothness and moisture-wicking finish all change color sharpness, breathability and production stability.

At Tongye Knitting, we produce circular knit polyester fabrics optimized specifically for sublimation. Below we break down our most popular sublimation-friendly knits, their strengths, ideal applications and key buying notes for apparel manufacturers, uniform suppliers and print houses.

Interlock is a double knit with smooth faces on both sides, making it the best choice when crisp, detailed graphics are your priority.

• Composition: 100% polyester, or 90/10 poly-spandex
• GSM: 130–180 GSM
• Sublimation performance: Sharp gradients, small sponsor logos and fine text reproduce cleanly. The tight knit reduces stretching and shifting during heat transfer.
• Pros: Stable dimension, low shrinkage, snag-resistant, fully opaque, balanced stretch
• Cons: Less ventilated than birdseye; thicker fabric may need adjusted heat press settings
• Best for: Basketball jerseys, volleyball uniforms, rugby wear, premium training apparel

Birdseye is the most widely used fabric for sublimated soccer jerseys, running singlets and hot-weather teamwear. Its signature dimpled structure creates tiny air pockets for fast airflow and moisture release.

• Composition: 100% polyester DTY
• GSM: 130–180 GSM
• Sublimation performance: Excellent dye uptake. The subtle texture hides minor registration marks or tiny color inconsistencies that would stand out on smooth fabrics.
• Pros: Lightweight, ultra-breathable, quick dry, cost-effective for bulk team orders
• Cons: Less opaque than interlock; fine text can look slightly dotted on the textured surface
• Best for: Soccer kits, running jerseys, training tops, pinnies

Pique has a distinctive waffle-knit surface, best known for polo shirts and corporate uniforms.

• Composition: 100% polyester
• GSM: 130–200 GSM
• Sublimation performance: Good color saturation, though the raised texture softens ultra-fine graphic details slightly.
• Pros: Structured hand feel, wrinkle resistant, holds shape well
• Cons: Slower drying than birdseye; surface texture limits photorealistic prints
• Best for: School polos, corporate teamwear, golf uniforms, casual performance tops

Single jersey is the basic smooth knit for lightweight tees and base layers.

• Composition: 100% polyester or poly-spandex
• GSM: 120–160 GSM
• Sublimation performance: Very flat surface delivers brilliant, even color. Every tiny defect, lint spot or bar mark will be visible.
• Pros: Soft, low cost, flexible
• Cons: Less stable, prone to curling edges, lower opacity at light GSM
• Best for: Basic sublimation tees, event giveaways, lightweight base layers

Scuba is a thick, compact double knit with a foam-like stable hand feel.

• Composition: poly-spandex
• GSM: 200–300 GSM
• Sublimation performance: Accepts sublimation ink well, but higher density needs longer heat testing.
• Pros: Great structure, non-sheer, excellent for structured garments
• Cons: Heavy, low breathability, not suitable for high-intensity sports
• Best for: Skirts, jackets, fashion activewear, sublimated accessories

• Maximum breathability + bulk team jerseys → Birdseye
• Sharp logos, contact sports, premium uniforms → Interlock
• Polo shirts, school & corporate uniforms → Pique
• Low-cost tees & promotional wear → Single Jersey
• Structured fashion garments → Scuba

We produce all these sublimation circular knits in our own facility, with in-house DTY texturing, knitting and finishing. We offer custom GSM, custom widths, lab dips and hand samples for your print trials.

If you are developing a sublimated sportswear line or sourcing uniform fabric, send us your spec and artwork requirements. We will recommend the most suitable knit and provide test swatches before bulk order.