By 55 Strong
If you’ve ever bought a dope T-shirt, only to have it crack, peel, or fade after a few washes, you’re not alone. That’s the downside of traditional screen printing—it looks good at first, but over time, the design starts breaking down.
At 55 Strong, we do things differently. We use sublimation printing, not screen printing, because we believe your image is power—and that power shouldn’t fade.
But what’s the difference between sublimation vs. screen printing, and why does it matter for Juggalo streetwear? Let’s break it down.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is the old-school method of printing designs onto clothing. It uses thick layers of ink on top of the fabric, creating a design that sits on the surface.
🔴 Pros:
✅ Can be good for simple, one-color designs
✅ Works well on cotton shirts
❌ Cons:
- Cracks, peels, and fades over time
- Limited color range—can’t do highly detailed prints
- Heavy ink buildup—feels thick on the fabric
- No all-over printing—can only print in certain areas
If you’ve ever had a screen-printed shirt that looked amazing at first, only to get ruined in the wash, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is the next level of apparel printing. Instead of laying ink on top of the fabric, sublimation infuses the ink into the fibers—making the design a permanent part of the shirt.
🔵 Pros:
✅ No cracking, peeling, or fading—EVER
✅ Unlimited colors & high-detail artwork
✅ Lightweight & breathable—feels like part of the shirt
✅ Full all-over prints—no placement restrictions
💀 Cons:
- Requires high-quality polyester blend shirts
- Not as common in mainstream merch printing (because most brands choose cheaper screen printing instead)
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) vs. Sublimation
Some brands use Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing instead of screen printing. DTG is a better option than screen printing because it allows for more detailed prints, but it still sits on the surface of the shirt, which means it can still fade and crack over time.
Sublimation goes deeper—literally. The ink is absorbed into the fabric itself, making the design part of the shirt instead of just sitting on top of it.
Why 55 Strong ONLY Uses Sublimation Printing
At 55 Strong, we’re not just selling T-shirts—we’re building a movement. When you wear Juggalo streetwear, it should represent who you are—and it should stay fresh for the long haul.
That’s why we only use sublimation printing for our designs:
🔥 High-detail, bold colors that never fade
🔥 Super comfortable, lightweight, and breathable
🔥 All-over prints that pop from every angle
Your image is power—and at 55 Strong, we make sure that power never fades.
Final Thoughts: Why Sublimation is the Future of Juggalo Streetwear
Most brands stick with cheap screen printing, knowing that shirts will eventually crack and fade—forcing people to buy replacements.
At 55 Strong, we do things differently. We believe Juggalo merch should be built to last, which is why we ONLY use sublimation for our high-quality designs.
👉 Ready to see the difference? Check out our latest Juggalo streetwear drops here: Latest Drops