A Guide to Buying Custom Hockey Jerseys for Your Team
Sep 20, 2024
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Sublimation vs. Tackle Twill: What’s the Difference?
The choice between sublimation and tackle twill is one of the most important decisions when ordering custom jerseys. Each method has its strengths and drawbacks.
Sublimation Process
With sublimation, the design is infused directly into the fabric, creating a lightweight, vibrant jersey that’s ideal for teams looking for flexibility in their designs. This is a common style for many professional teams in Europe.
Pros:
- Lightweight: The ink becomes part of the fabric, keeping the jersey light and breathable.
- Cost-effective: Ideal for complex or multicolor designs, as there’s no additional cost for extra colors.
- Unlimited design options: You can include detailed patterns, gradients, and color fades.
Cons:
- Flat appearance: Sublimated logos and numbers won’t have the raised, textured look of other methods.Tackle Twill
Tackle twill involves stitching fabric elements like names and numbers onto the jersey, giving it a premium, professional appearance. This is a traditional style jersey.
Pros
- Durable: The stitching and fabric application provide long-lasting durability.- Textured look: Tackle twill adds dimension and texture, making it visually striking.
- Professional appeal: This method is used in the jerseys worn by NHL players.
Cons:
- Heavier: The added fabric and stitching can make the jersey heavier.
- Limited design flexibility: Complex designs are harder to achieve with this method.
- Higher cost: Tackle twill is more labor-intensive, which can make it pricier. Prices can be double that of sublimination jerseys, because there is incremental cost for every number and letter applied, as well as double the cost for 2 color numbers and names.
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Hybrid Jerseys: The Best of Both World:
A hybrid jersey combines the strengths of both sublimation and tackle twill. With this method, the core of the jersey is created using sublimation, allowing for complex and colorful designs, while the names, numbers, and logos are sewn onto the jersey, giving it that high-quality look and feel associated with tackle twill. This can be reversed as well, having fun patterns printed onto names and numbers and then sewn on creates a more complex look with the traditional feel of tackle twill.
Benefits of Hybrid Jerseys
- Customizable: The sublimated design gives you creative freedom, while tackle twill provides durability for high-wear areas like names and numbers.- Durable and Lightweight: Hybrid jerseys balance the lightweight benefits of sublimation with the added durability of stitched elements.
- Cost-effective: For teams wanting a more affordable alternative to full tackle twill, hybrid jerseys offer a good compromise.
Whether your team wants intricate designs or prefers the more professional appearance of sewn-on names and logos, hybrid jerseys offer flexibility without sacrificing durability.
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Jersey Weight and Performance
The weight of a jersey is an important consideration, especially when it comes to comfort during gameplay. Jersey weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter)**, and different types of jerseys will have different weights:
- Practice jerseys are often lighter weight, coming in between 160-220 GSM. Conway+Banks Essentials jerseys comes in at 160 GSM.
- Retail Adidas NHL jerseys weigh in at 220-240 GSM, which strikes a balance between durability and comfort for recreational and fan use. Conway+Banks Enhanced jerseys are 220 GSM.
- Pro-grade NHL jerseys, like the ones worn by players on the ice, have a slightly heavier weight of 240-280 GSM to withstand the rigors of professional play. Conway+Banks Elite jerseys are 240 GSM.
When choosing for your team, consider how often the jerseys will be worn and in what conditions. A heavier jersey might be more durable, but a lighter one can be more comfortable and breathable, especially for younger or less competitive players.
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Customizing Your Jerseys with Conway+Banks
At onway+Banks, we provide a seamless customization experience. Our online design tool allows you to create your custom hockey jerseys in real time. You can choose from various styles, colors, and designs, and add logos, names, and numbers with ease.
Want something more unique? We also offer completely custom designs—just send us a photo or drawing, and we’ll bring your vision to life. Whether you're inspired by a retro look or want to create something completely original, Conway+Banks can make it happen.
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Fast Turnaround and Flexible Reordering
One of the most challenging aspects of custom jerseys is often the wait time. But at Conway+Banks, we’re proud to offer quick turnaround times—you can receive your jerseys in as little as 4-5 weeks. And once you’ve placed an initial order, adding jerseys for new team members is simple. There are no minimum order quantities for reorders, so you can easily keep your roster looking sharp without over-ordering.
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Making the Right Choice
Choosing custom hockey jerseys for your team doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering the pros and cons of sublimation vs. tackle twill, exploring hybrid jersey options, and understanding the weight and performance of different types of jerseys, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best choice for your team.
At Conway+Banks, we’re here to help you create jerseys that are both functional and stylish. Whether you’re designing with our online tool or working on a completely custom design, we’re committed to delivering high-quality jerseys that your team will be proud to wear.
Start customizing your team’s jerseys today, or contact us for help bringing your unique design to life!
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For any questions or further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at Conway+Banks.
