Quick answer: no Three Layer blank is suitable for sublimation. Every style we carry is either 100% cotton or a cotton-rich cotton-poly blend (70/30 or 80/20). In conventional dye sublimation, the dyes bond with polyester fibers, not cotton, and polyester is 30 percent or less of every Three Layer blend. For a Three Layer blank, use screen printing, DTF, DTG, embroidery or heat transfer vinyl instead.
What Sublimation Needs From a Blank
Sublimation is a heat transfer process. Heat turns solid dye on a transfer paper into a gas, and press pressure pushes that gas into the surface of the fabric. As the fabric cools, the dye locks inside polyester fibers instead of sitting on top of them.
The same chemistry sets hard limits on the blank. Sublimation needs three things:
- Polyester fibers for the dye to bond with. Cotton fibers do not take conventional sublimation dyes.
- A high polyester content. Sublimation is designed for high-polyester fabric.
- A light base color. Sublimation dye is transparent, so it cannot cover a dark garment.
What Happens on Cotton and Cotton-Rich Fabric
In conventional dye sublimation, cotton fibers do not take the dye. On a cotton-poly blend, only the polyester fibers can take it, and polyester is 30 percent or less of every Three Layer blend. That is why no current Three Layer blank is suitable for sublimation.
That rules out every Three Layer style. The table below lists our fabrics so there is no guesswork when a client asks.
| Fabric | Three Layer Styles | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | 1003 Combed Cotton Tee, 1005 Heavy Cotton Tee | Not suitable |
| 70/30 cotton-poly | P280 Midweight Pullover Hoodie, CR280 Midweight Crewneck, 7770 Fleece Shorts, 8801 Fleece Joggers, Y300 Youth Pullover Hoodie, Y5501 Youth Fleece Jogger, 1062 Wholesale Sweatsuits | Not suitable |
| 80/20 cotton-poly | 5108 Premium Pullover Hoodie, 5109 Premium Full Zip Hoodie, 15001 Heavyweight Urban Hoodie, 3130 French Terry Sleeveless Hoodie | Not suitable |
What to Use Instead on Three Layer Blanks
The picks below come from our method-by-method guides, so you can follow each link for the full ratings. Results depend on your equipment, inks and settings, so test on a sample blank before production.
Screen Printing
Screen printing suits our whole catalog. For hoodies, the P280 is the best all-around pick, the 5108 gives a premium retail hand feel, and the 15001 suits large streetwear prints. See the screen printing hoodie guide.
DTF (Direct to Film)
DTF transfers bond to cotton and cotton-poly fabric, and our DTF guides rate most of the catalog for it. The 15001 and P280 are our top-rated hoodies for DTF, and the 5109 full zip suits left-chest and back placements. For tees, the 1003 and 1005 both rate Excellent. See the DTF hoodie guide.
DTG (Direct to Garment)
DTG ink bonds to cotton, so the 100% cotton tees lead. The 1003 Combed Cotton Tee is our best DTG blank, and the 1005 Heavy Cotton Tee suits dark garments and heavier merch. For hoodies, start with the 5108. Our decoration guide also lists the P280, CR280 and Y300 for DTG. See the DTG guide.
Embroidery
The 15001 Heavyweight Urban Hoodie is the best embroidery blank in our lineup, and the CR280 Midweight Crewneck is a strong choice for high-volume left-chest programs. See the embroidery guide.
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
HTV needs a smooth face. The 1003, 5108 and CR280 lead for fine vinyl cuts. The P280 and 1005 are the most versatile picks if you run both HTV and DTF. See the heat transfer and DTF guide.
If You Must Sublimate
If a client needs sublimation, use light-colored, high-polyester blanks from a supplier that stocks them. None of Three Layer’s current blanks are suitable for sublimation, and our cotton-poly blends are not a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sublimate on Three Layer blanks?
No. None of our current blanks are suitable for sublimation. Every style is either 100% cotton or a cotton-rich cotton-poly blend, and conventional sublimation dyes bond with polyester fibers.
Why does conventional sublimation not work on cotton?
In conventional dye sublimation, the dyes are made to bond with polyester fibers. Cotton fibers do not take these dyes, so conventional sublimation is not used on cotton.
What about the 70/30 and 80/20 cotton-poly blends?
They are not suitable either. Only the polyester fibers in a blend can take sublimation dye, and polyester is 30 percent or less of every Three Layer blend.
What should I use on Three Layer blanks instead of sublimation?
Use screen printing, DTF, DTG, embroidery or heat transfer vinyl. Our guides name the best styles for each, including the P280 for screen printing and DTF, the 1003 and 1005 tees for DTG, the 15001 and CR280 for embroidery, and the 1003, 5108 and CR280 for heat transfer vinyl. Test your method on a sample blank before production.
Where do I get blanks for sublimation?
Use light-colored, high-polyester blanks from a supplier that stocks them. None of Three Layer’s current blanks are suitable for sublimation.
Ordering at a glance
Stock: We offer no minimum ordering from January through September. During our busy season, October through December, please order single sizes in packs of 6 (one polybag) per color, per size. Sizes and colors can be mixed.
Samples: wholesale account required, paid at standard wholesale price, cost credited on the first order
Dispatch: paid in-stock orders placed by 12pm PT ship the same day
Shipping: free at $200 or more on listed wholesale prices
Custom color on an existing style: 600 pieces per style per color for fleece, 1,200 for the 1003 and 1005 tees
New custom style: 2,400 units
Custom timing: 120 days total, 60 days production and 60 days shipping
Origin: designed in Los Angeles, manufactured at a WRAP-certified partner factory in Pakistan
Browse the full collection and current color availability on our wholesale pullover hoodies category page or our wholesale t-shirts category page.
Related Guides
- Best Blank Hoodies for Screen Printing. Our top picks for screen printing across the hoodie range.
- Best Blanks for Heat Transfer and DTF. Ratings for heat transfer vinyl and DTF on every Three Layer style.
- Best Blanks for DTG Printing. Why cotton-dominant blanks suit DTG best.
- Best Blanks for Embroidery. Which blanks hold dense stitching without puckering.
- Cotton vs. Polyester Hoodie. Understand how fiber content affects hand feel, durability, and decoration compatibility.