At Steel City, we select branded sportswear just as if we were issuing it to our own team. We pick fabrics that we know will hold up, and then match the branding method to exactly how that fabric moves, stretches, and gets washed. Our goal is to make sure you can order once and reorder without any surprises, taking away the worry of peeling prints or awkward placements.
- Wash-safe branding: We choose printing and embroidery options that specifically suit polyester and poly/elastane sports fabrics. It is really important to get this right to avoid cracking or peeling after a wash. This keeps the logo looking sharp after a few wears and ensures team and sponsor branding stays readable and professional.
- Proof-fixed positioning: Our proofing process is tight so we can lock down logo size, placement, and colour before production. This means the artwork sits in the same place across mixed garment sizes and styles, preventing off-centre logos and ensuring a consistent look across a full squad.
- Lead-time choices upfront: We will always be upfront about lead times. We pick ranges with known turnarounds and separate quick standard lines from longer bespoke runs before you commit. If you have a match day, event, or photo date coming up, this helps avoid last-minute kit swaps, ensuring you get the fabric feel and finish you are expecting.
- Fabric weight control: We carefully specify fabric weights, using lightweight wicking tops around 140gsm-160gsm, and stepping up to stretch blends up to 280gsm when more structure is needed. This stops thinner tops from feeling clingy or see-through, and helps shorts and joggers keep their shape at the knees after regular wear.
- Fit range that works: We source men’s, women’s, and youth fits across key styles so you can issue kit properly rather than guessing the “closest size”. This ensures a better fit, reducing split seams or tight shoulders, and making sure everyone feels comfortable when they’re moving.
- Branding that suits the job: Our range covers everything from small chest branding with transfer print or embroidery, to full-colour sublimation when you want the whole garment to carry the design. If you are adding sponsors, we make sure logos look crisp without those thick, shiny print panels that can feel hot and stiff.
- Core kit baseline: We start with a shortlist we trust for repeat orders because we know the fabrics behave predictably and the branding works well on them. If your brief needs something outside this list—different cuts, colours, or fully bespoke—we can source it, but we will do it with the same rigorous approach to ensure it lasts.