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Sublimation vs Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Which Is Best for Your Custom Fishing Shirts?
Picking the right decoration method decides how your shirt feels, how long it lasts and how good your design looks out on the water. Here's the straight-talking guide from Switchbait's custom team.
The Quick Answer
For a performance fishing shirt, sublimation wins. The ink becomes part of the polyester fibres, so the shirt stays light, breathable and UPF 50+, with unlimited colours and a print that won't crack or peel. Screen printing is the go-to for cotton tees and casual merch. Embroidery is best for caps, polos and button-up fishing shirts that need a premium finish.
Why the Decoration Method Matters on a Fishing Shirt
A custom fishing shirt isn't a regular tee. It lives in full sun, salt spray, sunscreen, fish slime and hours of casting, so the way your logo or artwork goes on is just as important as the fabric underneath.
The method you choose changes the shirt's airflow, sun protection, design freedom, durability and lead time, so it's worth getting right before you order.
1. Sublimation: The Performance Fishing Shirt Standard
How it works
Your design is printed onto transfer paper, then heat-pressed so the ink turns into a gas and bonds inside the polyester fibres. There's no layer of ink sitting on the surface. The colour is part of the fabric.
- Unlimited colours and full-coverage prints
- Won't crack, peel or fade fast
- Shirt stays light and breathable
- Every sponsor logo at no extra "per colour" cost
- Only works on polyester performance fabric
- Longer production time
- Needs good-quality artwork files
Switchbait's sublimated shirts use UPF 50+ fabric tested to the Australian Standard, in long sleeve, short sleeve, hooded and vented styles. It's the default for tournament teams, clubs, charter crews and tackle store ranges.
Want your own sublimated design?
Use Switchbait's original fish graphics or bring your own idea. Quotes are obligation-free.
2. Screen Printing: Bold, Classic and Great for Merch
How it works
Ink is pushed through a fine mesh stencil (one screen per colour) onto the garment. It sits on top of the fabric, giving you crisp, punchy prints that look great on cotton.
- Vibrant, solid colour logos
- Classic feel on cotton tees
- Very cost-effective in larger runs
- Cost rises with each extra colour
- Ink layer is less breathable on hot days
- Not ideal for photo-detail fish art
Switchbait screen prints on premium AS Colour garments, which are ideal for business uniforms, club social shirts and event giveaways.
3. Embroidery: The Premium Finish
How it works
Your logo is digitised and stitched directly into the garment with thread. It gives a raised, textured, high-end look that lasts for years.
- Premium, professional look
- Extremely durable
- Perfect for small chest logos
- Not suited to large designs
- Thick stitching reduces airflow
- Fine detail and gradients don't translate
Embroidery shines on headwear and the Easy Fisher button-up, a 150gsm ripstop UPF 50+ shirt with a vented back. It's a smart pick for charter skippers and marine businesses.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's how the three methods compare for a custom fishing shirt.
| Factor | Sublimation | Screen Printing | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best garment | Polyester performance fishing shirts | Cotton tees, casual shirts | Caps, polos, button-ups |
| Breathability | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ (small logos only) |
| Colours | Unlimited, full photo detail | Solid colours (cost per colour) | Thread colours, no gradients |
| Print coverage | All-over, seam to seam | Set print areas | Small, defined areas |
| Durability | Won't crack or peel | Very good with proper care | Excellent, lasts for years |
| Feel on skin | No added layer | Slight ink layer | Raised stitching |
| Switchbait production time | ~6 weeks | ~4 weeks | ~4 weeks |
| Ideal for | Teams, clubs, tournaments, retail ranges | Events, staff, casual merch | Headwear, charter & business uniforms |
Put Switchbait Fishing Shirts on Your Shelves
Sublimated and technical UPF 50+ fishing shirts, with new collections all year. Join the retail program and give your customers gear they'll come back for.
Which Method Suits Your Project?
Not sure where your order fits? Match your situation below.
Tournament or comp team
Sponsor logos, boat name, team colours and a big marlin across the back.
→ SublimationTackle store own-brand range
Shirts that sell themselves on the rack and walk your brand down every boat ramp.
→ Sublimation + embroidered capsFishing club committee & members
Performance shirts for on the water plus cotton tees for presentation nights.
→ Sublimation + screen printCharter boat & marine business
A smart, professional crew look that still handles sun and spray.
→ Embroidered Easy Fisher button-upHow Ordering Custom Fishing Shirts Works at Switchbait
Consult
The customer care team walks you through garment options, fabrics, patterns and the right decoration method for your budget and timeline.
Design 1–10 days
Pick a semi-custom template with Switchbait's original fish graphics, add your own photos, or go fully custom with commissioned illustration. AI-generated ideas can be used as a reference.
Produce ~4–6 weeks
Sublimation takes around 6 weeks. Screen printing and embroidery take around 4 weeks.
Deliver
Shipped Australia-wide and worldwide through all major delivery partners.
3 Mistakes to Avoid
- Screen printing big designs on performance shirts. A heavy ink layer traps heat. Use sublimation instead.
- Embroidering large back designs. They're stiff and heavy, so keep embroidery for chest logos and caps.
- Leaving it too late. Custom garments are made to order, so build the production time into your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printing method for custom fishing shirts?
For performance fishing shirts, sublimation is usually best. The ink becomes part of the polyester, so the shirt stays lightweight, breathable and UPF 50+, and the print won't crack or peel. Screen printing suits cotton tees and merch, and embroidery suits caps, polos and button-ups.
Does sublimation affect the UPF rating of a fishing shirt?
No. Sublimation dyes the fibres instead of adding a layer on top, so the fabric keeps its breathability and sun protection. Switchbait performance garments are rated UPF 50+ to AS 4399:2020.
How long does it take to make custom fishing shirts?
Design takes around 1–10 days. Sublimated garments take around 6 weeks to produce, and screen printing and embroidery take around 4 weeks. Order early for tournaments, holidays and Christmas.
Can my tackle store sell Switchbait fishing shirts?
Yes. Switchbait runs a retail stockist program for tackle stores and outdoor retailers. Apply through the Become a Stockist page.
Ready to Get Your Custom Fishing Shirts Made?
Australian-owned and family-run, with designers who bring 20+ years of experience. Whether you're kitting out a team or stocking your store, Switchbait has you covered.