A Guide to Custom Uniforms

By Beth D.
for HRSInformer.com

Published: February 2, 2010

Ordering custom uniforms can be a confusing process. With so many kinds of customization to choose from, how do you know which will be right for your team? The entire process can become overwhelming, but never fear! You aren’t the only one confused. The following is the number one question we get at HRS! regarding uniform customization.

What is tackle twill/screen printing/sublimation/embroidery, and which one should I choose?

There are four main methods of customization (at least at HRS!): Tackle twill, screen printing, sublimation, and embroidery. First I’ll give an overview of the different methods.

Tackle Twill is a process of customization in which a letter, number, or logo is cut out of high quality fabric then stitched onto a uniform. This is the most sturdy and long lasting form of uniform customization, and is the method used by most professional sports teams. Tackle twill is a bit on the pricey side, but they will last much longer than jerseys customized with any other method.

Screen printing means numbers, letters, or logos are silk screened onto the uniform. The terms silk screening and screen printing can be used interchangeably. This method offers more variety of uniform designs than tackle twill, because it is not limited by fabric cut outs. If you need a fancy custom logo, or any logo in general, this is your best option. Screen printing is usually the least expensive method of customization; however, it does not last as long as other customization options. Screen printing can be prone to cracking or degrading over time, and uniforms customized in this way usually last about a year or two.

Sublimation is a service offered by some uniform manufacturers where they allow you to design your own jersey from the ground up. Teamwork sublimated uniforms are a good example. Rather than numbers, logos, and team names being sewn or silk screened onto the jersey, they are actually manufactured with whatever you want dyed right into the fabric. This offers a wide range of possibilities for uniforms. This process usually takes less time to complete than traditional screen printing or tackle twill, and the results are quite nice.

Embroidery is a method of customization where the design you want is stitched onto your uniform. Embroidery isn’t used for the main team name or numbers on uniforms, but works great for small designs on sleeves or customizing team caps, hats or visors.

The method you choose is mostly determined by what your goal is for your uniforms. Here are some pros and cons of each method to help you choose.

Tackle Twill

Pros	Cons
•Used by most professional sports teams	•Expensive
•Sturdy, high quality	•Limits design possibilities
•Lasts years longer than other methods

Screen Printing

Pros	Cons
•Least expensive method	•Weathers more quickly than other methods
•Greater range of designs possible	•Prone to cracking and weathering
•Used by many youth and recreational teams	•Cannot print across full button jerseys

Sublimation

Pros	Cons
•Nearly limitless possibilities for customization	•Expensive
•Can customize uniform color as well as team names and numbers	•Design process can be confusing
•Takes less time than other methods
•Designs are dyed right into the fabric
•Easy to reorder

Embroidery

Pros	Cons
•Method used to customize caps, hats, and visors	•Use for small scale only
•Works well for small logos or patches on jersey sleeves	•Not used for main team name, logo, or numbers on uniforms

If you’d like to have more information about customizing uniforms, visit our lettering and numbering page at www.hitrunscore.com.

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5 Youth Batting Helmets Your Little Leaguer will Love | HRS! Informer on Wed, 24th Feb 2010 9:27 am

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