WHY AKUMA USES SUBLIMATION FOR TEAMWEAR: THE BENEFITS BEHIND THE PROCESS

Sublimation isn’t just a way to print garments, it’s one of the core reasons why Akuma can offer teams the most flexible, durable and customisable kit on the market. Here’s how sublimation plays such a big role in how we design and manufacture teamwear.

Sublimation is a specialised process where designs are dyed directly into the fabric during production. Heat and pressure turn the ink into a gas, which permanently bonds with the fibres of the material. This results in the design becoming part of the garment itself, rather than something stuck on top. This is the foundation of many of the benefits Akuma teams experience.

One of the biggest reasons we use sublimation is the creative freedom it offers. Because we’re not restricted to adding print onto a finished garment, every inch of the shirt can be designed exactly how a team wants it.

• Full-body patterns
• Gradients
• Textures
• Complete colour combinations
• Unique identity elements

As well as our on-field ranges, our Juro range is fully sublimated, allowing clubs, schools and universities to move far beyond stock designs for garments like hoodies and training tops.

With sublimation, the number of logos or design elements doesn’t change the production process. That means:

• No additional print charges
• No embroidery fees
• No extra cost for extra logos

Because these elements are built into the fabric itself, they appear cleanly within the design rather than as last-minute add-ons.

We use sublimation because it helps create garments that stand up to the demands of sport. With the design sitting inside the fibres:

• Logos can’t peel
• Prints won’t crack
• Colours stay sharp for longer
• Large embroideries that can rub or irritate aren’t needed
• Garments withstand repeated washing

For schools, colleges, universities and teams where kit is used hard and washed constantly, this durability is a major reason we choose sublimation.

Another reason Akuma uses sublimation is simple – it looks better. Sublimated kit has a sleek, modern aesthetic with uninterrupted design flow across panels. With no heavy print layers or thick embroideries, garments feel smoother, lighter and more premium. When teams want something that stands out, or want a professional look for competitions, tours or university sport, sublimation offers a level of quality traditional methods can’t match.

Because Akuma owns and operates our own UK production facility, we sublimate every garment in-house, giving us complete control over quality, speed and consistency. There are no long overseas shipping delays, no third-party bottlenecks and no unpredictable supply chains. Every stage, from design to sublimation to delivery, happens under one roof. That’s why we can deliver fully bespoke, fully sublimated teamwear in three weeks or less. Fast, reliable and built exactly the way teams need it.

At Akuma, sublimation allows us to deliver what matters most to teams:

• Ultimate creativity
• No extra costs for full customisation
• Lightweight, durable performance
• Long-lasting colours and clarity
• A premium modern appearance

It’s the process that lets us bring team identity to life – with every detail, colour and logo engineered into the garment from day one.

One process, unlimited possibilities. One shirt that truly represents your team.