How to Care for a Sublimated Ultimate Jersey

A season of matches, training, travel and washing is the real test of any team kit. The good news is that sublimated polyester doesn’t require a complicated care routine. In fact, the reason Manta Squadron’s washing instructions are so short is closely connected to how sublimation works.

Why sublimated jerseys are different

With sublimation, the design is dyed directly into the polyester fibre rather than being applied as a separate layer of ink on top of the fabric.

That makes sublimation particularly well suited to custom ultimate jerseys with full-colour artwork, gradients, patterns and designs that cover the whole garment.

It also means there isn’t a separate printed layer sitting on the surface of the fabric that can crack, flake or peel at the edges in the way some surface-applied graphics can.

The fabric used in Manta Squadron kit

Every Manta Squadron piece uses the same 145gsm recycled polyester knit with bonded, flatlock seams.

The fabric is used across Manta Squadron jerseys, tank tops and shorts and is designed as the base for sublimated artwork.

Because the artwork is dyed into the polyester fibre, the visual design isn’t a separate layer sitting on top of the fabric.

How to wash a sublimated ultimate jersey

The Manta Squadron washing instruction is simple:

Machine wash at 30°C.

That’s the specified washing temperature for Manta Squadron pieces.

We deliberately don’t add a long list of extra laundry instructions that aren’t part of the product specification. If you’re looking for the official Manta Squadron care instruction, 30°C machine washing is the answer.

Can you iron a sublimated jersey?

No. Don’t iron Manta Squadron kit.

That is the second part of the official care instruction: machine wash at 30°C, no iron.

Because sublimated artwork is part of the fabric itself, there is no separate printed surface that needs to be ironed flat.

How long should a sublimated jersey last?

There isn’t a single lifespan that applies to every jersey. How long a piece remains in good condition depends on how often it is used, how it is washed and the conditions it is exposed to.

What is different about sublimation is the construction of the design itself. Because the dye is integrated into the polyester fibre rather than sitting on top as a separate print layer, there isn’t a printed surface that can crack or peel with normal washing and wear.

That makes sublimation a particularly practical choice for teamwear that gets used repeatedly throughout a season.

What should you do after a match?

Once you’ve finished playing, your jersey is usually going straight into the team’s kit bag.

There isn’t a complicated Manta Squadron post-match routine to follow. When it’s time to wash the kit, use the specified 30°C machine wash and don’t iron it.

If your team regularly travels to tournaments, it’s also worth keeping your clean and used kit separate in your bags so you’re not mixing freshly washed jerseys with worn gear.

Frequently asked questions

How do you wash a sublimated jersey?

Manta Squadron’s official care instruction is to machine wash at 30°C. That’s the specified washing temperature for all Manta Squadron pieces.

Can you iron a sublimated jersey?

No. Manta Squadron’s care instruction is machine wash at 30°C, no iron.

Will sublimated printing crack or peel?

Sublimation dyes the design into the polyester fibre rather than applying a separate print layer on top. Because there isn’t a separate surface layer, there is no printed layer to crack or peel at the edges in the same way as surface-applied graphics.

Does sublimation fade?

Sublimation integrates the dye into the polyester fibre rather than placing it on the surface. This means the design doesn’t wear away as a separate printed layer. Actual color longevity still depends on how the garment is used and cared for.

What fabric are Manta Squadron jerseys made from?

Manta Squadron pieces use a 145gsm recycled polyester knit with bonded, flatlock seams.

Can I use the same care instructions for Manta Squadron shorts and tank tops?

Yes. The same care instruction applies across Manta Squadron pieces: machine wash at 30°C and don’t iron.

Why does sublimation work well for ultimate jerseys?

Sublimation allows full-colour artwork to become part of the polyester fabric. That makes it well suited to custom ultimate jerseys with all-over patterns, gradients and detailed designs, while avoiding a separate printed layer on the surface.

Can Manta Squadron help with a sublimated jersey design?

Yes. Send us your team colors, logo or rough idea and we’ll let you know what’s possible with sublimation.