When it comes to custom jerseys, choosing UV-resistant fabrics is critical for protecting athletes from harmful sun exposure while ensuring comfort and performance. UV-resistant materials block or absorb ultraviolet rays, reducing risks like sunburn and skin damage. Here’s a quick rundown of the top seven materials highlighted for their UV-blocking properties, breathability, durability, and print compatibility:
- Polyester Microfiber: Tight weave offers UPF 30–50+ protection, excellent moisture-wicking, and durability.
- Nylon/Spandex Blends: Combines UV resistance (UPF 30–50+) with stretch and comfort, ideal for high-movement sports.
- UPF-Rated Mesh Fabrics: Provides certified UPF 50+ protection with superior airflow for hot conditions.
- DWR-Coated Technical Fabrics: Adds water and UV resistance but may require special care for durability.
- UV-Resistant Sublimation Printing: Infuses UV protection into the fabric design for long-lasting, fade-resistant prints.
- Premium Polyester Mesh: Balances UV protection (UPF 40–50+) with lightweight breathability and durability.
- Advanced Synthetic Blends: Offers UPF 50+ protection, moisture management, and excellent print compatibility.
These materials not only shield against UV rays but also enhance athletic performance through features like moisture-wicking, breathability, and durability. Below, we explore each material in detail, covering their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
Sun Protective Fabrics!
1. Polyester Microfiber
Polyester microfiber stands out as a reliable, UV-resistant fabric for custom jerseys. It combines the natural UV-blocking properties of polyester with the functional benefits of microfiber, making it an excellent choice for athletes.
What makes this fabric so effective? It’s all about its ultra-fine design. Polyester microfiber is crafted from fibers that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter. This creates an exceptionally tight weave that forms a natural shield against harmful UV rays, all while maintaining the flexibility athletes need during competition.
UV Protection Level
Polyester microfiber can deliver impressive UV protection, with tightly woven variants achieving UPF ratings of 30 to 50+. To put this into perspective, a UPF rating of 30 allows roughly 3% of UV rays to penetrate, while a rating of 50 reduces that to about 2%. Factors like fabric density, weave pattern, color, and additional UV-blocking treatments influence its effectiveness. Darker shades of polyester tend to absorb more UV rays than lighter ones. This fabric also provides broad-spectrum protection, shielding against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for athletes exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Breathability
Engineered for performance, polyester microfiber includes tiny, 1-millimeter holes that enhance breathability and improve moisture-wicking. Typically made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, this material offers a 35% vertical stretch, allowing it to move seamlessly with the body. At just 0.45 mm thick and weighing around 4 ounces per linear yard, it ensures lightweight comfort while maintaining effective UV protection.
Durability
Durability is one of polyester microfiber’s standout qualities. It resists wear, retains its shape through repeated washes, and is less prone to wrinkles and shrinking. Team uniforms made from this fabric maintain a polished, professional look game after game. Additionally, its color retention and fade resistance help preserve team colors and logos over time. However, it’s worth noting that factors like wetness, frequent wear, and stretching can gradually reduce the effectiveness of UPF-rated clothing.
At Wooter Apparel, we’ve consistently found that polyester microfiber not only delivers sleek, professional designs but also provides the UV protection athletes need for outdoor competition. Up next, we’ll dive into another advanced UV-resistant fabric that’s raising the bar for custom jersey performance.
2. Nylon/Spandex Blends
Nylon/spandex blends bring together two key features: nylon’s ability to shield against UV rays and spandex’s stretch and flexibility. This combination makes them a popular choice for custom jerseys, offering both protection and comfort for athletes.
Nylon’s tightly packed fibers act as a solid barrier against harmful UV rays. When paired with spandex, the blend retains these protective qualities while adding the elasticity and recovery needed for high-performance activities. On its own, spandex provides minimal UV resistance unless it’s treated or combined with UV-blocking fibers.
UV Protection Level
When designed with care, nylon/spandex blends can deliver impressive UV protection. Fabrics with tightly woven or knit patterns can achieve UPF ratings ranging from 30 to 50+. These ratings classify protection as either very good (UPF 30–49) or excellent (UPF 50+). Additionally, darker colors tend to block more UV rays compared to lighter shades.
However, one key factor to consider is how the fabric behaves when stretched. Stretching the material can reduce its UPF effectiveness, making proper sizing and fit essential to maintain optimal protection during athletic activities. This highlights the importance of choosing well-fitted jerseys to ensure consistent UV safety.
Breathability
The inclusion of spandex in the blend ensures the fabric moves naturally with the body while maintaining breathability. Engineered to wick moisture away, this material helps athletes stay dry and comfortable, even during long hours of outdoor play. The stretch also allows for better airflow as the fabric adjusts with movement, enhancing overall comfort.
Durability
Nylon contributes outstanding durability to the blend, making it well-suited for team jerseys that face frequent washing and heavy use. Its strength, combined with spandex’s ability to retain shape, ensures that jerseys maintain their fit and functionality over time. Additionally, high-quality blends are better at preserving UV protection, even after repeated wear and wash cycles. This balance of resilience and performance makes nylon/spandex blends a dependable option for sportswear.
At Wooter Apparel, we’ve seen firsthand how nylon/spandex blends provide teams with a winning mix of protection, comfort, and durability. These fabrics are particularly effective for outdoor sports where UV exposure is a constant concern, offering athletes the performance edge they need through advanced fabric technology.
3. UPF-Rated Mesh Fabrics
Traditional mesh fabrics are known for their excellent breathability, thanks to their open, perforated design. However, this same structure creates gaps that allow harmful UV rays to pass through, offering little to no sun protection. Unlike tightly woven fabrics that can achieve high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, standard mesh materials typically fall short in shielding against UV radiation. As Sandy Flint, Senior Materials Manager at Stio, puts it:
"Less space between yarns means fewer UV rays can pass through."
That’s where UPF-rated mesh fabrics come into play. These specially engineered materials combine breathability with effective sun protection by using tighter weaves and UV-blocking treatments, offering a smart solution for outdoor performance wear.
UV Protection Level
The UV protection level in mesh fabrics varies significantly depending on their construction. Standard mesh fabrics often provide minimal protection, failing to meet even basic UPF thresholds.
On the other hand, UPF-rated mesh fabrics are designed to block harmful rays more effectively. For instance, a fabric with a UPF rating of 30 allows only about 3% of UV radiation to pass through, while UPF 50 fabrics reduce transmission to just 2%.
The difference lies in the details – UPF-rated mesh fabrics use tighter yarn spacing and special UV-blocking treatments to close the gaps that typically let radiation through in standard mesh materials.
Breathability
One of the standout features of UPF-rated mesh fabrics is their ability to maintain breathability while providing sun protection. Even with modified designs to enhance UV resistance, the open weave structure still allows for excellent airflow and moisture management.
This makes them ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who spend long hours in the sun. These fabrics help regulate body temperature by allowing air to circulate and sweat to evaporate efficiently. This dual benefit prevents overheating and reduces the buildup of moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
For teams competing in hot, sunny conditions, this breathability is a game-changer. The fabric’s ability to keep the body cool and dry, while also protecting against UV rays, creates a more comfortable and performance-friendly environment.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor for UPF-rated mesh fabrics, especially for teams whose uniforms endure frequent washing and heavy use. Over time, wear, stretching, and repeated washing can reduce the fabric’s UV-blocking effectiveness.
However, high-quality UPF-rated mesh fabrics are designed to retain their protective properties even with extended use. For example, premium options can maintain strong UV protection for one to two years when cared for properly. Some manufacturers, like Essuntials, go a step further by testing their fabrics to ensure they maintain UPF 50+ protection even after 40 washes or more.
To preserve durability, proper care is essential. Washing in cold water with gentle detergent and air drying helps maintain the fabric’s UV-blocking capabilities. Teams should also monitor for signs of wear, such as thinning, fading, or overstretched areas, which indicate the material may no longer provide adequate protection.
Print Compatibility
Printing on UPF-rated mesh fabrics requires special techniques to ensure vibrant, long-lasting designs. The open weave structure can make it challenging for inks and dyes to adhere properly, so the printing process needs to be carefully adjusted to maintain both the visual quality and protective properties of the material.
At Wooter Apparel, we use advanced UPF-rated mesh fabrics that are specifically designed for sublimation printing compatibility. This ensures that team logos, numbers, and other designs remain bold and durable without compromising the fabric’s UV protection. By calibrating the printing process to work seamlessly with the material, teams can achieve a professional look while still benefiting from the sun protection that standard mesh fabrics simply can’t provide.
4. DWR-Coated Technical Fabrics
DWR, or Durable Water Repellent, coatings are a game-changer for custom jerseys, offering both water and UV resistance. These coatings are applied to fabric surfaces, making them water-resistant, and when combined with UV blockers, they provide dual protection against moisture and harmful sun exposure.
Jones Snowboards puts it best:
"The DWR treatment increases the surface tension on the face of the fabric which causes the water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric."
With UV-blocking agents added, these coatings create a solid shield against both water and sun damage.
UV Protection Level
The level of UV protection in DWR-coated fabrics depends on the specific coating and how the fabric is made. While older DWR treatments focused on basic water resistance, newer versions incorporate UV-blocking compounds for added sun protection.
Take the 300D Solution Dyed PU Waterproof Hexagon Grid Ripstop as an example. Made from 300 denier polyester fibers dyed before weaving, this fabric not only features rich, vibrant colors but also provides strong UV resistance. The combination of solution dyeing and DWR treatment significantly enhances its ability to endure sun exposure.
The coating type also plays a role. Fluoropolymer-based DWR coatings, when paired with UV-blocking additives, deliver strong resistance to water, oil, and stains, with long-lasting results. Silicone-based coatings, while also effective, can slightly reduce breathability when UV-blocking agents are added.
Breathability
A common challenge with DWR-coated fabrics is finding the balance between protection and breathability. The coating causes water to bead up and roll off, while the fabric membrane prevents moisture from being absorbed.
Silicone-based DWR coatings are highly water-repellent and durable but tend to limit breathability. In contrast, wax-based coatings offer a more breathable option but are less durable and add extra weight to the fabric. Choosing the right combination depends on the specific needs of different sports or environments.
Durability
Durability in DWR coatings is often measured by the "80/20 standard", meaning the coating should retain at least 80% of its effectiveness after 20 washes. Depending on the formulation and care, durability can range from 3 to 20 washes.
Fluoropolymer-based DWR coatings last longer but come with environmental concerns due to PFCs and higher costs. Eco-friendly alternatives are available but may require more frequent maintenance and reapplication. Over time, factors like dirt, body oils, abrasion, and exposure to chemicals can reduce the coating’s performance. Washing with harsh detergents accelerates this process, so using specialized fabric cleaners and applying heat via a dryer or iron can help reactivate the coating and extend its lifespan.
Print Compatibility
Printing on DWR-coated fabrics presents a unique challenge because the water-repellent surface can make it difficult for inks to adhere properly. To address this, specialized adhesives are used. For instance, dekoGraphics offers ECOFLEX | DWR, a screen print transfer made from 100% solvent-free, water-based polyurethane, ensuring strong adhesion while being eco-friendly.
Other options like RFX PU | DWR provide reflectivity for high-visibility needs, and 3D SILICONE | DWR heat transfer logos come with adhesives designed specifically for these treated fabrics. To ensure success, it’s important to pre-heat the garment, use the correct temperature and pressure, and test on fabric swatches before full production.
At Wooter Apparel, we utilize advanced DWR-coated fabrics that seamlessly integrate with our sublimation printing process. This ensures team designs remain vibrant and durable while preserving the fabric’s protective qualities. By combining cutting-edge DWR technology with our printing techniques, we continue to deliver high-performance, protective custom jerseys tailored for athletes and teams.
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5. UV-Resistant Sublimation Printing
UV-resistant sublimation printing takes fabric innovation a step further by embedding sun protection directly into the design of garments. This method transforms custom jerseys by combining vibrant, long-lasting designs with built-in UV protection. Unlike traditional printing, which applies ink on the fabric’s surface, sublimation printing infuses dyes directly into the fibers. The result? Designs that resist fading, peeling, and cracking while also helping to shield against UV damage.
Here’s how industry experts explain it:
"Sublimation coatings make prints last longer by bonding dyes directly to surfaces like polyester, ceramics, metals, and glass. This process ensures vibrant, fade-resistant designs that resist wear, scratches, and UV damage."
The process involves heating sublimation inks until they turn into gas, which then penetrates polyester fibers. When UV-resistant additives are included, this creates a protective barrier that safeguards both the fabric and the design from harmful sun exposure.
UV Protection Level
The level of UV protection achieved through sublimation printing depends on the base fabric and ink formulation. Fabrics with at least 85% polyester content are ideal, as they absorb dyes more effectively, resulting in vibrant and UV-resistant prints. While sublimation inks can be sensitive to prolonged UV exposure, using darker colors like black or yellow can improve their resistance to light compared to lighter shades.
For added protection, specialized coatings or UV-protective sprays can be applied to sublimated designs. These extra layers help defend against UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors, extending the life of the garment and ensuring it maintains its performance over time.
Durability
Sublimated designs are highly durable because the dyes become part of the fabric itself. This integration helps prevent fading, peeling, and cracking, with designs often lasting over five years when properly cared for.
As Craft Express puts it:
"Sublimation printing is highly durable, with designs that are resistant to fading, peeling, and cracking. This is because the sublimation ink becomes part of the substrate, rather than sitting on top of it like other printing methods."
Print Compatibility
For the best results, sublimation printing requires fabrics with at least 85% polyester content. Polyester is a favorite in sportswear because it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchable – all qualities that make it perfect for custom jerseys. Unlike screen printing, which can add layers and alter the fabric’s texture, sublimation printing preserves the original feel of the garment while delivering full-color, high-resolution designs.
At Wooter Apparel, we use advanced sublimation techniques and premium polyester fabrics to create custom jerseys that combine standout style with reliable sun protection. Our process ensures that each design is not only eye-catching but also built to last, even under the toughest conditions.
6. Premium Polyester Mesh
Premium polyester mesh takes the spotlight as a fabric that blends functionality and style, offering advanced UV protection and enhanced airflow. By carefully balancing yarn weight, filament count, and a tightly knitted structure, this material delivers both durability and performance. Its design ensures better UV protection compared to looser alternatives, while still maintaining the breathability athletes need during intense activities. This fabric also stands out for its durability and visual appeal, making it a favorite for sportswear.
As Qicai Knitting puts it:
"Our athletic mesh fabric is the ideal solution for sports apparel due to its superior breathability and performance. Designed to naturally repel water, resist staining, and withstand UV degradation, this fabric is made for heavy-duty use."
UV Protection Level
The dense construction of premium polyester mesh is key to its UV resistance. Polyester naturally resists UV rays, and when combined with a tight weave, it can achieve UPF ratings of 30 or higher. Factors like fabric density, color, and UV-blocking treatments further influence the level of protection. Darker or brighter colors in polyester mesh tend to absorb UV rays more effectively than lighter shades, potentially blocking up to 98% of harmful radiation when engineered correctly. For accurate protection levels, it’s essential to check for lab-tested UPF ratings, as emphasized by Ken Knapp, REI Editor Emeritus:
"Always look for a garment’s lab-tested UPF rating (if it’s available) to evaluate its true UV protection level."
Breathability
The mesh’s design incorporates thousands of precisely spaced holes, allowing for excellent airflow without compromising its structure. This lightweight texture not only regulates temperature but also manages moisture efficiently. Unlike natural fibers, polyester mesh doesn’t absorb liquid, making it ideal for keeping athletes dry and focused during physical activity.
Durability
Durability is another hallmark of premium polyester mesh. With 6% stretch and quick recovery, it retains its shape even under demanding conditions. For outdoor use, UV inhibitors are often added to prevent fading and degradation over time. While polyester fibers naturally resist heat and UV rays, untreated material can still wear down with prolonged exposure. Quality treatments are essential to maintaining the fabric’s performance and longevity.
Print Compatibility
One of the standout features of premium polyester mesh is its compatibility with modern printing techniques, especially sublimation printing. This fabric works seamlessly with direct and transfer dye sublimation, as well as UV and solvent printing methods. These technologies allow for vibrant, full-color designs that integrate into the fabric itself, rather than sitting on the surface. At Wooter Apparel, we utilize this print-friendly material to create custom jerseys that combine bold team designs with the breathability and UV protection athletes rely on. This combination of performance and versatility makes premium polyester mesh a cornerstone for innovative jersey designs.
7. Advanced Synthetic Blends
Advanced synthetic blends bring together polyester, nylon, and spandex, enhanced with UV-blocking treatments, to deliver top-tier protection and performance. These fabrics incorporate cutting-edge treatments and UV-blocking minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, ensuring maximum protection while keeping up with the demands of athletic wear.
UV Protection Level
These blends are no strangers to high UV protection, often achieving a UPF 50+ rating, which blocks about 98% of harmful UV rays. Manufacturers carefully design these fabrics by controlling yarn spacing and fiber density to optimize UV blocking. Plus, the addition of UV-blocking minerals and specialized dyes ensures that the protective qualities remain intact even after multiple washes.
Breathability
Even with their dense construction, advanced synthetic blends excel in keeping you cool and dry. Polyester drives moisture-wicking performance, nylon prevents the fabric from sticking when wet, and spandex ensures the material bounces back after stretching. Together, these fibers create a fabric that manages moisture effectively and stays comfortable during intense physical activities. This combination also contributes to the fabric’s long-lasting durability.
Durability
Durability is where these blends shine. Polyester provides wrinkle resistance and vibrant color retention, nylon adds tear strength and resistance to abrasion, and spandex maintains elasticity through countless stretches. These qualities make the fabrics perfect for demanding athletic environments, ensuring they retain their UV protection and withstand wear and tear over time. Additionally, these materials support high-quality prints that last.
Print Compatibility
When it comes to print compatibility, these blends stand out – especially when polyester makes up 85–90% of the composition. This high polyester content allows for vivid, durable prints that fuse directly into the fabric through sublimation, creating designs that resist cracking, peeling, or fading even after repeated washing. At Wooter Apparel, we use these materials to craft custom jerseys with bold, long-lasting graphics and superior UV protection.
The inclusion of spandex also ensures that the fabric stretches without compromising the alignment or clarity of printed designs. This feature is particularly important for competitive sports, where jerseys need to perform under intense conditions while keeping graphics sharp and intact.
Material Comparison Chart
The chart below breaks down key features like UV protection, breathability, durability, and print compatibility for various materials. Each option has its own strengths, making it easier to choose the right one for your needs.
| Material | UV Protection Level | Breathability | Durability | Print Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Microfiber | UPF 30–50+ | Excellent moisture-wicking; quick-dry | High wrinkle resistance; excellent color retention | Outstanding – ideal for sublimation |
| Nylon/Spandex Blends | UPF 30–50+ | Good airflow; stretches without sticking | Excellent tear strength and abrasion resistance | Very good when combined with polyester content |
| UPF-Rated Mesh Fabrics | Certified UPF 50+ | Maximum airflow; lightweight | Moderate durability (varies by construction) | Good for simple designs |
| DWR-Coated Technical Fabrics | UPF 40–50+ | Good moisture repellency | Excellent coating longevity | Moderate – coating may affect print adhesion |
| UV-Resistant Sublimation Printing | Depends on base fabric | Matches the base fabric’s properties | Excellent durability; prints do not crack | Exceptional – designed for sublimation processes |
| Premium Polyester Mesh | UPF 40–50+ | Superior ventilation; lightweight | High strength-to-weight ratio | Excellent when made with 70%+ polyester |
| Advanced Synthetic Blends | UPF 50+ | Excellent multi-fiber performance | Outstanding combined fiber strength | Exceptional when composed of high polyester content |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
This table highlights the trade-offs between UV protection, breathability, durability, and print compatibility. Here’s a closer look at the trends:
- UV Protection: Advanced synthetic blends and UPF-rated mesh fabrics stand out with UPF 50+ ratings, blocking up to 98% of harmful UV rays. These are excellent for outdoor settings where sun exposure is a concern.
- Breathability: Premium polyester mesh and UPF-rated fabrics excel in ventilation, making them ideal for hot climates or intense activities.
- Durability: Nylon-enhanced blends are the go-to for heavy-duty wear, offering excellent tear strength and abrasion resistance.
- Print Compatibility: High-polyester fabrics, especially those designed for sublimation, ensure bold, vibrant, and long-lasting graphics.
When choosing materials, consider the primary need of your team. For maximum UV protection, advanced synthetic blends and UPF-rated mesh fabrics are top picks. If staying cool is a priority, opt for premium polyester mesh or UPF-rated options. For teams focused on high-impact visuals, fabrics with high polyester content are perfect for vibrant, durable prints. Meanwhile, nylon-enriched blends are best for withstanding wear and tear.
Advanced synthetic blends, in particular, strike a great balance across all categories, providing a versatile option for custom jerseys tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Opting for UV-resistant materials in custom jerseys isn’t just a smart choice – it’s essential for protecting athletes and enhancing their performance. UV radiation poses serious health risks, especially in environments like high altitudes, equatorial regions, or areas with reflective surfaces like water or snow. This makes selecting the right fabric a critical decision for outdoor sports.
Modern UV-resistant fabrics can block up to 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, thanks to their UPF 50+ ratings. This level of protection aligns with The Skin Cancer Foundation‘s Seal of Recommendation. Unlike sunscreen, which requires frequent reapplication, UPF-rated clothing offers consistent protection throughout practices and competitions.
"UPF gear is great for many activities, from thru-hiking to split-boarding and beyond. Any activity that includes sustained sun exposure could benefit from UPF gear."
– Corey Simpson, Head of Product Communications at Patagonia
On top of sun protection, advanced moisture-wicking fabrics cater to athletes’ physiological needs by keeping them cool and dry. Cutting-edge nanotechnology further enhances these fabrics, offering improved temperature control, moisture management, and antimicrobial properties. This means athletes no longer have to compromise between safety and performance – they can have both.
These innovations don’t just improve immediate performance; they also ensure jerseys maintain their color and durability, even after prolonged exposure to the sun and repeated washing. For any team, this makes UV-resistant apparel a practical and long-lasting investment.
For teams that value both safety and performance, UV-resistant fabrics are setting a new benchmark. Whether competing under intense summer heat or in challenging high-altitude conditions, these fabrics keep athletes protected, comfortable, and focused on what truly matters – winning. At Wooter Apparel, our fully sublimated designs incorporate the latest UV-resistant technologies, delivering unmatched protection and performance to keep your team at the top of their game.
FAQs
What should I look for in UV-resistant materials for custom jerseys?
When choosing a material for custom jerseys that can stand up to the sun, pay close attention to the UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Materials with a UPF of 50+ are ideal, as they block up to 98% of harmful UV rays. Fabrics with a tight weave or those treated with UV-blocking finishes offer even better protection.
It’s also important to think about breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, and durability. These qualities not only make the jerseys more comfortable but also ensure they perform well during intense sports activities, keeping players cool and shielded from the sun.
What is a UPF rating, and why does it matter for athletes?
A UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating measures how effectively a fabric shields your skin from harmful UV rays. For instance, a fabric with a UPF 50 rating blocks all but 1/50th of UV radiation, providing a strong barrier against the sun.
This is particularly important for athletes who spend long hours outdoors. Wearing gear with a high UPF rating can help minimize the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. By opting for UV-protective fabrics in jerseys and other sportswear, athletes can focus on their performance without the added worry of sun exposure.
Does UV-resistant sublimation printing make jersey designs more durable and long-lasting?
Yes, UV-resistant sublimation printing is a game-changer when it comes to keeping jersey designs looking fresh and vibrant over time. This technique works by embedding ink directly into the fabric, which means the designs won’t fade, peel, or crack easily. With proper care, sublimation prints can hold up for years – even after more than 100 washes – without losing their sharpness or color.
When UV-resistant inks are added to the mix, jerseys get extra protection against sunlight. This ensures the colors remain bright and the designs stay flawless, even after long periods of outdoor exposure. It’s a great option for custom sports jerseys that need to handle tough conditions while still looking top-notch.