sportswear

High-quality sportswear (functional T-shirts, shorts, running jerseys) is made from modern synthetic materials such as 100% polyester, nylon or blends with elastane (spandex). Unlike cotton, these fabrics do not absorb moisture into the fibres — instead they actively wick perspiration away from the body to the outer surface of the garment, where it evaporates almost instantly (quick-dry technology). The clothing is extremely lightweight and breathable, maintains optimal thermoregulation during intense physical activity, and is often sewn with flat seams that prevent uncomfortable chafing of the skin during sport.

Sublimation printing is the most advanced and effective technology for branding sportswear made from white polyester. It works on the principle of chemically transferring special inks under high pressure and temperature directly into the structure of the polyester fibre — the colour does not form a layer on the surface but instead dyes the yarn itself. Sublimation enables 100% full-surface coverage (seam to seam) in full photographic quality, including numbers, name tags and sponsor logos. The print does not block the fabric's pores, so the garment retains full breathability, and the print is completely wash-proof — it will not crack or peel even after hundreds of washes.

When sportswear is not made from white polyester suitable for sublimation printing — for example coloured functional T-shirts, club hoodies or cotton accessories — highly flexible DTF printing is the preferred branding method. DTF perfectly follows the elasticity of sportswear fabrics, does not crack when stretched on the athlete's body, and delivers vivid colours. Machine embroidery, on the other hand, is the right choice for supplementary club products that are not designed for extreme perspiration — such as knitted winter sports beanies, terry wristbands, softshell team gilets or representative polo shirts.

Small sports accessories such as terry wristbands and headbands combine very accessible pricing with high practical utility directly during a race or training session. They serve to quickly wipe sweat from the forehead and eyes and provide light support for the wrist. Due to the high elasticity of the material and the need for frequent washing, durable machine embroidery or a woven label application is used for branding. They are an ideal gift for starter packs (welcome packs) for participants of corporate marathons, cycling races or tennis tournaments.

Functional sportswear requires specific care to avoid damaging the microscopic pores in the fibres. Always wash sports garments at a maximum of 30–40 °C, turned inside out, and ideally with a specialist liquid gel detergent designed for sports textiles. One critical rule is to **never use fabric softener** — it coats the delicate fibres, clogs the fabric structure and causes the garment to completely lose its ability to wick moisture and breathe. Functional sportswear must not be tumble-dried or ironed (high temperatures can damage synthetic fibres and any elastic print), but thanks to quick-dry technology the fabric dries very quickly on its own when air-dried.