Augusta Sportswear Brands (asi/37461) has debuted a digital design tool that aims to make it easy to create customized sublimated designs for apparel.

The Augusta, GA-based apparel supplier, which specializes in sportswear and athletic uniforms, says desktop and mobile users can quickly create attractive sublimation looks with the FreeStyle Sublimation platform. Empowered by the platform, clients can develop graphics for garments in Augusta’s namesake Augusta Sportswear brand, along with its Holloway, High Five and Russell Athletic lines. (Russell Athletic will be available in January.)

Brad Sullivan, vice president of custom solutions, Augusta Sportswear

Sublimation refers to a type of garment printing in which a design graphic is embedded into the fabric using a process that involves dye transitioning between the solid and gas states (and back to solid) without going through a liquid stage. The results are long-lasting prints with bold colors that come in options that span the spectrum.

As for the FreeStyle Sublimation platform: Augusta said its mobile interface gives users a 3D/360 degree garment view with more than 1,000 design options. “Whether on desktop, tablet or mobile device, the sublimation design process requires just a handful of simple steps from start to finish,” according to an Augusta news release. “Users can go back and forth and make changes, saving and sharing at any time. They can also review their designs, add rosters and place orders – all from their fingertips on a tablet or smart phone.”

Augusta executives said the company’s intention was to offer a “next generation” sublimation platform. “We left no stone unturned in creatively actualizing a fast, easy-to-use breakthrough design tool that makes creating sublimated garments an enjoyable process,” said Brad Sullivan, vice president of custom solutions at Augusta Sportswear Brands. “We believe [FreeStyle Sublimation] is a game-changer for us and our customers as we continue to invest in technology that makes it easier for our customers to get what they need from us quickly.”

Augusta Sportswear Brands designs, manufactures and markets activewear and spiritwear for teams, coaches, athletes and fans. Last year, Augusta entered into a strategic partnership with Russell Athletic, allowing it to manufacture, market and sell Russell uniforms in the team sports channel. In addition to its apparel brands, the company also offers Pacific Headwear, a 20-year-old company that Augusta acquired in August 2019.