If you’ve ever picked up one of our crewnecks and thought, “Wow… this feels like it was meant to be worn,” there’s a good chance dye sublimation played a role in that feeling.
At Liv By Designs, we’re big believers in doing things the right way — not the fastest way, not the mass-produced way, but the way that lasts. And dye sublimation is one of those behind-the-scenes processes that helps us create apparel you can truly live life in.
So let’s talk about what dye sublimation actually is, why we use it, and how it ties into our bigger mission of building trust, connection, and community — right here at home.
What Is Dye Sublimation, Really?
Dye sublimation is a printing method where the design doesn’t just sit on top of the fabric — it becomes part of it. It gives a very retro old school look which wears well every day
Instead of layering ink or vinyl over the shirt, the design is transferred using heat, turning special dye into a gas that bonds directly with the fabric fibers. Once it cools, the design is permanently embedded into the material.
No cracking.
No peeling.
No heavy or stiff feel.
Just soft, breathable, wearable art.
Why We Choose Dye Sublimation for Our Apparel
We’re intentional about the garments we use, and dye sublimation pairs beautifully with our go-to blanks:
Our sublimated pieces are printed on:
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Gildan Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirts
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Gildan T-Shirts
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Gildan Long Sleeve Shirts
Fabric Content:
50% cotton / 50% polyester fleece
This blend is key. While 100% polyester is ideal for this type of design, we choose a 50% blend - The polyester allows the dye to bond properly, while the cotton keeps everything soft, cozy, and familiar — the kind of sweatshirt you reach for again and again.
Fit Details:
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Unisex sizing, S–3XL
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True to size
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Size up if you love that relaxed, oversized look (we see you 👀)
What Makes Dye Sublimation Different from Other Printing Methods?
One of the biggest reasons we love sublimation is longevity.
Because the design is infused into the fabric:
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You won’t feel a thick print when you run your hand across it
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It doesn’t crack or peel over time
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It fades naturally with the garment, not all at once
Each piece ends up with a slightly unique, vintage-inspired finish — which honestly feels a lot like our community. Not mass-produced. Not cookie-cutter. Just real, lived-in, and full of character.
A Process Rooted in Care (Not Speed)
Dye sublimation isn’t a “push a button and walk away” process.
Each design is:
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Sized intentionally
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Pressed with precise heat and timing
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Checked and rechecked for quality
That hands-on process means no two days in the shop look the same — and we kind of love it that way. It allows us to slow down, be present, and create pieces we’re genuinely proud to send out into the world.
And when you order from us, you’re not buying from a warehouse.
You’re supporting late nights, early mornings, and a small business built around family, faith, and community.
Why This Matters for Our Community
At Liv By Designs, apparel has always been about more than clothing.
It’s about:
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Showing up for local families
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Creating pieces that feel personal
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Offering quality you can trust
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Building something meaningful together
Dye sublimation helps us do that. It allows us to offer designs that last, feel good, and fit seamlessly into real life — school drop-offs, weekend games, coffee runs, and cozy nights at home.
When you wear one of our sublimated pieces, you’re not just wearing a design — you’re wearing something made with intention, right here by someone who cares deeply about this community.
Built to Be Worn, Loved, and Lived In
We want you to wash your sweatshirt without worry.
We want you to reach for it year after year.
We want it to feel like yours.
That’s why dye sublimation will always have a place in our shop.
Thank you for trusting us with your orders, your gifts, and your stories. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just found us recently — we’re so grateful you’re part of the Liv By Designs community.
And as always, if you ever have questions about how something is made, why we chose a certain process, or what would work best for your needs — our inbox is always open. 🤍