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Printing running shirts: material, method and race numbers
Running shirts are made of polyester and often stretchy. We show which method holds on them, when sublimation fits and where your logo stays visible next to the race number.
What running shirts are made of
A running shirt should be light, move sweat outwards and dry quickly. That is why sports shirts are made of polyester, often as a fine knit or mesh. A share of elastane makes the fabric stretchier and lets the shirt sit closer to the body. For printing this means: polyester tolerates less heat than cotton, and the print has to follow every movement.
You’ll find these models in our range of running shirts printed with your logo. The details come from the product data:
| Model | Material | Weight | Fit | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just Cool Cool T and Women's Cool T | Pure polyester | 140 g/m² | Men’s and women’s cut | XS to XXL |
| James & Nicholson Active-T (men, women) | Pure polyester, single jersey | 150 g/m² | Regular | S to 3XL |
| Tee Jays CoolDry Tee (men, women) | Polyester with elastane | 160 g/m² | Slim | Men S to 3XL, women S to XXL |
| Tee Jays Long Sleeve CoolDry Tee | Polyester with elastane | 160 g/m² | Slim | XS to 3XL |
The CoolDry Tee has flatlock seams that lie flat against the skin and comes with a reflective print from the factory. We take it into account when we plan where your logo goes.
Which methods hold on sports fabric
For running shirts we usually go with DTF (direct to film). The design is printed digitally onto a film, coated with adhesive powder and transferred to the shirt with heat and pressure. The transfer bonds well with polyester, and the number of colours doesn’t matter.
For single-colour lettering and names, flex works too: a thin, smooth film cut from one colour. Screen printing shows its strengths mainly on cotton. How DTF, flex and flock differ is explained in our post Transfer printing explained: DTF, flex and flock.
- 1Print on filmDigital, all colours in one pass
- 2Adhesive powderBonds to the fabric later
- 3Heat and pressureThe press transfers the design
- Strong at
- Multicolour logos on light and dark running shirts, including ones with elastane
- Less suited to
- Very large, full-surface designs – there the layer becomes noticeable and the shirt warmer
Sublimation: only on light polyester
In sublimation, heat carries the ink straight into the polyester fibre. No layer forms on the fabric: the shirt feels the same as before and breathes just as well. That sounds ideal for running shirts, but it comes with clear conditions:
White or light polyester
Colours are bright, and even large designs stay airy
Designs with gradients and patterns
Fine transitions work without a noticeable edge
Black, dark or strongly coloured shirts
The ink doesn’t cover – here we use DTF
Cotton
The ink only bonds with polyester
Matching garments
Design them in the shop
DTF or sublimation for running shirts?
We do both methods in-house. Which one fits depends mainly on the shirt colour and the size of the design:
| Criterion | Film on the fabric DTF | In the fibre Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt colour | Any colour, black included | White or light only |
| Feel | Thin, flexible layer | Not noticeable |
| Breathability | Hardly any difference with small designs | Same as the unprinted shirt |
| Design size | Chest logo, back design, name | Large areas too |
| Typical | Company logo on a dark team shirt | Colourful design on a white shirt |
Why large areas feel warm
A DTF print sits on the fabric as a closed layer. With a chest logo you won’t notice it. But if a design covers half the back, less air can pass through the fabric there. For long runs we therefore prefer to keep designs compact.
Planning for the race number
The race number is usually worn at the front at stomach height and fixed with safety pins or a race belt. If your logo sits there, it disappears in every finish photo. These cases help with placement:
At a corporate run the logo should stay visible with a race number.
High on the chest
The team name should be readable from behind in the field.
Upper back
Every runner gets their first name.
Flex or DTF
The logo has many colours and the shirt is dark.
DTF
The race is in three weeks.
Order now
Often the best answer
Small at the front, large at the back
A compact logo high on the chest, the team name on the back – both stay visible with a race number.
Chest + back
Delivery usually takes approx. 7–10 working days. Names on team shirts follow the same rules as on jerseys – more in Printing or flocking jerseys?.
Colourful designs on dark running shirts
Most running shirts in our range also come in black or navy. For printing, a dark shirt means: sublimation is out, and the colours need a base so they stay strong.
From the workshop
Orange on dark
The photo shows a multicolour sports design in orange, black and white, digitally printed on a dark shirt. For orange and white to look strong on dark fabric, DTF places a white base layer under the colours. Black parts of a design, on the other hand, need a light frame or outline on dark fabric, otherwise they get lost.
Care: keeping shirt and print in shape
Sports shirts are easy-care but more sensitive to heat than cotton. According to their care labels, the Cool T, Active-T and CoolDry Tee can be washed at 30 °C.
- Wash inside out so nothing rubs directly against the print
- Stick to the temperature on the care label
- Skip fabric softener – it can impair the fabric’s performance
- Let them dry in the air, sports shirts dry quickly
- Don’t iron directly over the print
You’ll find all the advice in one place in our washing instructions.
Running shirts: frequently asked questions
Can running shirts with elastane be printed?
Yes. DTF is flexible and stretches with the fabric. On very close-fitting slim models we tend to keep the design compact.
Why not screen printing on running shirts?
Screen printing shows its strengths mainly on cotton and for larger runs with few colours. For polyester sports shirts we usually use DTF.
Does sublimation work on black running shirts?
No. Sublimation only works on light polyester. On dark shirts we print in DTF.
Will I see where the logo goes beforehand?
Yes. Before production you receive a print approval, the digital preview showing position, size and colours. We only print once you approve it.
Planning shirts for a corporate run or your running group? Send us your logo and the race date – we’ll get back to you with a recommendation.
Team Shirtplus
Printing and embroidery in our own workshop in Munich. Created with AI support. Last updated: 12 Oct 2026.
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