Guide to Making Your Own Custom Sublimated Pants at Home

An Introduction to Sublimated Pants

Sublimated pants have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to their eye-catching designs and versatility. Often made of polyester or a poly-blend to accept the sublimation ink, these pants can sport vibrant, full-coverage prints that are embedded directly into the fabric using heat and pressure rather than simply screened on top.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing uses specialized ink and a heat press to bond the ink directly with the fabric at a molecular level. The result is permanent prints that won't crack, fade, or peel like traditional screen printed apparel. The sublimation process opens up new possibilities for creating custom pants covered edge-to-edge with unique graphics.

Benefits of Sublimated Pants

There are many advantages that draw people to sublimated pants such as:

• Full Coverage Designs - The entire surface can be printed, allowing for wraparound graphics.
• Permanent Prints - The ink bonds right to the fabric for long-lasting wear.
• Vibrant Colors - Sublimation allows for full-spectrum color palettes.
• Soft Hand Feel - The hand feel after sublimating remains soft.
• Range of Styles - From jeans to joggers, sublimation works on most poly-infused pants.
• Customization - Original graphics can be created and printed.
• Fade and Wrinkle Resistant - The prints hold up well to washing and wearing.

Uses for Sublimated Pants

From athletic brands to hobbyists, sublimated pants have many great applications including:

• Team Uniforms - Full-coverage mascot prints and team logos make a bold statement.
• Cosplay Attire - For conventions or costume parties, all-over prints fit right in.
• Artistic Statements - Launch a clothing line with one-of-a-kind designs.
• Memorable Gifts - Surprise loved ones with custom pants covered in their favorite things.
• Inventive Fashions - Push creative boundaries by dreaming up eye-grabbing concepts.
• Novelty Looks - Pursue humorous or conversation-starting style ideas.

How to Make Your Own Sublimated Pants

While high-volume apparel companies use commercial-grade equipment to produce sublimated pants, home crafters can get in on the fun too with consumer friendly sublimation supplies. Here is what you'll need to make customized sub pants at home:

• Polyester Pants Blank - Look for pants, leggings, or joggers containing at least 60% polyester.
• Sublimation Ink & Printer - Special ink bonds permanently with poly fibers when heat is applied.
• Sublimation Paper - The printed designs are transferred from this paper onto the pants.
• Heat Press - Use a home heat press to apply high heat and pressure to bond the ink to the fabric.
• Design Software - If printing custom graphics, use programs like Photoshop, Illustrator or GIMP.

How to Transfer Sublimation Prints

Once you've gathered the necessary supplies, follow this reliable process for applying your sublimated designs onto pants and leggings:

1. Choose or create your print designs and print onto sublimation paper with sufficient ink coverage.
2. Cut sublimation paper to fully cover each pant leg, leaving some overlap room.
3. Insert paper print side down onto the pants and smooth flat.
4. Set heat press to 395-400°F with heavy 60+ psi pressure.
5. Press for 40-60 seconds to allow ink to gasify and permeate fabric.
6. Check print quality and re-press as needed for full transfer.
7. Trim excess paper and enjoy your personalized sublimated pants!

Tips for Quality Results

Follow these top tips when crafting your own sublimated pants for best possible results:

• Use very high heat and pressure - Sublimation demands intense conditions to work properly.
• Print abundant ink coverage - Don't be shy with the ink or colors will look washed out.
• Overlap prints across seams - To prevent faint lines between panels, overlap prints.
• Give the ink time to release - 40 seconds may work but 60 seconds or more ensures full bonding.
• Secure pants flat in press - Shifting garments means shifting prints.
• Store in cool dry place - While these prints won't crack or peel, humidity and direct heat accelerates fading over decades.

Get Creative with DIY Sublimated Pants

With some simple supplies and the techniques above, you'll be equipped to unleash your creativity through sublimated clothing prints made right at home. Give those plain pants and leggings in your drawer a bold, colorful makeover for a look that's sure to turn heads.

From crazy conceal print camo pants to tall socks prints that span the shin and calf, scope your imagination and see what custom sublimated looks you can dream up. It's just plain fun watching a creation come to life right on the fabric. And having one-of-a-kind apparel pieces that no one else is wearing feels pretty great too!

FAQs

What types of pants work best for sublimation?

Synthetic fibers like polyester and polyester blends that contain at least 60% polyester work best to accept sublimated ink bonding. They will yield the most vibrant prints with a comfortable hand feel even after pressing.

How long do sublimated pants and leggings stay vibrant?

Sublimated pants tend to keep their bold colors and crisp prints for years - even decades - if properly cared for. Store them folded out of direct sunlight and wash in cold water, hang drying if possible, to extend longevity.

Can I make leather or denim jeans into sublimated pants?

Unfortunately sublimation only works on fabrics with a high synthetic polyester content. Garments like 100% cotton t-shirts or genuine full grain leather will not accept a bond with the gaseous ink the way synthetics do.

Is special equipment required for sublimating pants at home?

All that's needed is polyester or high-poly blend pants, sublimation ink & paper, design software if custom printing, a heat press for applying high pressure, and a rotary fabric trimmer for neat edges.