Custom hockey jerseys: a buyer's guide
Sublimation or tackle twill, player or goalie cut, which neckline, and how to brief numbers, names and socks — everything a team, club or brand needs to order custom ice hockey jerseys.
In short
Custom hockey jerseys are made one of two ways: fully sublimated, where the whole design is dyed into the fabric, or cut-and-sew with tackle twill crests and numbers stitched on. Sublimation suits complex graphics and light jerseys; tackle twill gives the heavier, classic pro look. Blackthorn World makes both, plus goalie-cut, practice, referee, replica and inline jerseys, matching socks and pant shells, for teams, clubs and hockey brands in Canada, the USA, the Nordics and Europe.
- Methods
- Full sublimation, or cut-and-sew with tackle twill
- Cuts
- Player, goalie cut, practice / reversible, referee, replica fan
- Necklines
- 10 hockey necklines — see the collar guide
- Matching kit
- Socks & pant shells, hoodies, jackets, bags
- Range
- Ice hockey category
- Production
- Blackthorn World’s own factory — export orders only
Sublimation vs tackle twill
| Sublimated jersey | Tackle twill jersey | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Design printed on paper and heat-transferred into polyester, so the colors become part of the fabric | Body panels cut and sewn in solid colors; crests, numbers and names cut from twill and stitched on |
| Best for | Gradients, patterns, sponsor logos, unlimited colors | Classic and heritage looks, pro-style game jerseys |
| Feel and weight | Light and breathable — nothing sits on top of the fabric | Heavier and more structured; the crest has texture |
| Durability | Print will not crack or peel | Very durable; stitching holds crests through contact |
| Design changes | Easy to update year to year | Each new crest needs new twill and stitching |
Many teams combine the two: a sublimated body with a tackle twill crest, or sublimated stripes with twill numbers.
Choosing the cut
- Player cut — roomy enough to fit over shoulder pads and elbow pads.
- Goalie cut — wider body and arms to fit over goalie chest protectors.
- Practice and reversible — light two-color jerseys for drills, often without numbers.
- Referee — striped officials' jerseys.
- Replica / fan — a lighter, everyday fit for supporters and club shops.
- Inline / roller hockey — lighter fabrics for warm rinks and outdoor play.
What to put in your brief
- Design or reference photo, team colors (Pantone if you have them) and crest artwork as vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or CDR).
- Method: sublimated, tackle twill, or a mix.
- Neckline by number from our hockey neckline chart — for example lace-up V with insert.
- Sizes per player, including goalie cuts, plus youth sizes if needed.
- Names and numbers on back, sleeves and shoulders, and any captain letters.
- Matching items: knitted or sublimated socks, pant shells, hoodies, jackets, toques and bags.
Every order starts with a sample: you approve fit, colors, crest position and finishing before bulk production runs against that approved sample.
Related guides and pages
Frequently asked questions
Is sublimation or tackle twill better for hockey jerseys?
Sublimation is lighter, allows unlimited colors and graphics, and will not crack or peel. Tackle twill gives the heavier, classic pro look with stitched crests and numbers. Choose sublimation for complex designs and twill for heritage styles; many teams combine both.
What is a goalie cut hockey jersey?
A goalie cut jersey has a wider body and arms so it fits over a goalie chest protector. It is ordered alongside the player jerseys in the same design.
Can you add names and numbers to custom hockey jerseys?
Yes. Names and numbers can be sublimated into the fabric or made in tackle twill and stitched on the back, sleeves and shoulders, with captain letters if needed.
Do you make matching hockey socks and pant shells?
Yes. Blackthorn World makes knitted and sublimated hockey socks and pant shells to match your jerseys, plus hoodies, jackets, toques and bags.
Who do you make custom hockey jerseys for?
Teams, clubs, leagues, schools and hockey brands in Canada, the USA, the Nordics, the UK and Europe, including private-label orders.