Coach guide
All-over printed vs screen printed vs tackle twill jerseys: which is best for your team?
Short answer
For travel softball and baseball, there is no single best method. All-over printing suits bold, multi-color designs; screen printing is great value for simple one- or two-color designs; tackle twill gives a classic stitched look. Stitchfields offers all three and recommends the right one for your team.
The three decoration methods explained
All-over printing
The design is printed onto transfer paper with special dye inks, then pressed onto white polyester fabric under heat. The dye turns into a gas and bonds with the fibers, so the fabric itself becomes the color. Panels are then cut and sewn into the jersey. Because the whole garment is printed, there is no limit on colors, gradients or patterns.
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the fabric, one screen per color. It gives crisp, bold color and is excellent value for clean one- or two-color designs, team logos, practice wear and fan tees.
Tackle twill
Letters and numbers are cut from twill fabric and stitched onto the jersey. It's the traditional "pro" look, with raised texture and depth that many high school-age and adult teams love.
Side-by-side comparison
| All-over printing | Screen print | Tackle twill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Many colors, patterns and gradients | Crisp one- or two-color designs | Classic stitched lettering |
| Names and numbers | Printed in | Printed on | Stitched on |
| Feel | Light, smooth, breathable | Soft, smooth print | Raised, textured |
| Fabric | Polyester only | Cotton or poly | Most fabrics |
| Single-jersey reorders | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Popular with | Travel teams, bold designs | Clean team looks, practice and fan wear | High school-age and adult teams |
When to choose each method
- Choose all-over printing for bold, team-specific designs with many colors, patterns and gradients.
- Choose screen printing for clean one- or two-color designs, practice wear and fan tees.
- Choose tackle twill for a traditional stitched, pro-style look.
Some teams combine methods, for example an all-over printed jersey with a small stitched patch logo. Send us your idea and we'll advise.
Caring for printed uniforms
- Wash inside-out in cold water with similar colors
- No bleach or fabric softener
- Tumble dry low or hang dry; never iron directly on the print
- Pre-treat grass and clay stains before washing