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Hockey jerseys are 100% polyester, and DTF transfers bond excellently to polyester. But there are a few things to know before you press.
DTF transfers adhere to polyester at the same temperature as cotton — 280°F (138°C), medium pressure, 10 seconds, hot peel, then a 5-second cure press. The adhesive in DTF transfers bonds to synthetic fibres just as well as natural ones, which is why DTF is popular for athletic apparel decoration.
Hockey jerseys are usually polyester mesh — a knit construction with larger holes than a flat-woven fabric. On mesh, DTF transfers adhere across the tops of the knit loops rather than penetrating into the weave. This is fine for most applications, but it means very fine details (hairline text, thin outlines) may look slightly less crisp than on a flat-knit polyester. For jersey numbers, player names, and team logos with normal line weights, DTF performs perfectly.
Use a silicone platen or thick pressing pad under the jersey to fill the mesh and create a flat surface. Without this, the mesh holes create an uneven surface and the transfer may not bond uniformly. A firm pressing pad ($20–$40 at most heat press suppliers) makes a significant difference on athletic fabrics.
DTF transfers on polyester hold up well to washing if pressed correctly. Machine wash cold, inside-out, with no fabric softener. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Most properly pressed DTF transfers on polyester last 50+ wash cycles without significant fading or peeling. For rec league jerseys that get washed weekly all season, this durability is more than adequate.
If you're outfitting a team with full custom sublimated jerseys, DTF transfers are a decoration option for adding names and numbers to existing jerseys or blanks. For all-over custom jersey design from scratch, sublimation is the standard — it dye-bonds to polyester and doesn't sit on top of the fabric at all. DTF Vancouver specialises in transfers; for full custom sublimated jerseys, our sister brand ProTeam Jerseys handles that from design to delivery.
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