When Kansas State University prepared for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, they faced a challenge many clubs will recognise: how do you create apparel that goes beyond simple branding and truly tells a story?
This wasn’t just another game. It was an international event celebrating Irish heritage, connecting the states of Kansas and Iowa with their shared cultural roots. For such a special occasion, the team wanted their pre-match quarter zip sweaters to become more than functional garments – they had to be symbolic, premium, and memorable.
THE CHALLENGE
The request from Kansas State was clear: they wanted their logos to be turned into special edition heat transfers that would capture the Irish connection of the game, while also meeting the standards of high-performance sports apparel.
The challenge lay in balancing three key demands:
- taking the existing commemorative logo and making sure its symbolism translated into a physical heat transfer,
- achieving a premium, tactile finish worthy of such a special occasion,
- ensuring a durable production method that would perform on high-quality sports apparel
It’s a situation many clubs face when preparing for milestone matches or international showcases: standard logos aren’t enough – apparel must capture the moment.
THE SOLUTION
To meet these requirements, dekoGraphics developed two bespoke embellishments that brought together innovative heat transfer technology and cultural storytelling.
On the left chest, the Irish Willie logo was produced using our 3D SILICONE process. This technique delivers a striking raised effect with sharp-edged finishings, giving the design both depth and presence. Known for its durability, 3D SILICONE is widely used in performance apparel – and with a special DWR adhesive option, it can even be applied to water-repellent fabrics without losing strength. For Kansas State, it offered the perfect mix of premium look and long-lasting performance.
On the sleeve, Kansas State needed the Aer Lingus sponsor logo to stand out clearly on the quarter zip sweaters. A standard silicone application would not have provided enough contrast between the lettering and the base.
To solve this, we used 3D SILICONE X TATAMI – a combination of silicone printed on a high-quality Tatami fabric base. This technique created a textured surface that made the background more visible and gave the lettering an even stronger presence. The result was a premium, tactile effect that elevated the sponsor logo into a true design element.
Together, these two embellishments transformed the quarter zip sweaters into something much more than sportswear: they became a symbol of heritage, identity, and innovation.
THE RESULT
The final garments successfully captured the spirit of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Kansas State’s players and staff wore apparel that was not only functional but also celebrated the Irish roots of the event. The logos gave the sweaters a premium, commemorative quality, making them a lasting reminder of the occasion.
For dekoGraphics, this collaboration marked an important milestone: our first-ever NCAA American Football project. It opened the door to a new sports market while proving once again how heat transfer logos can add meaning and storytelling to team apparel.
What other clubs can learn
The Aer Lingus project highlights a challenge that many clubs encounter: when it comes to special occasions, standard branding is rarely enough. Apparel needs to become part of the story.
From this project, other clubs can take away three key insights:
Commemorative design matters – a logo can be more than decoration, it can embody heritage, milestones, or cultural ties.
Technology drives quality – 3D SILICONE delivers sharp, raised effects and durability, while 3D SILICONE X TATAMI creates a distinctive tactile finish by blending materials.
Apparel can inspire connection – when garments reflect meaning, they resonate with players, staff, and fans on a deeper level.
✨ Takeaway: Whether it’s an international match, an anniversary, or a cultural celebration, premium heat transfer solutions can transform teamwear into a storytelling medium – just as Kansas State achieved in Dublin.
Ready to create your own story?
If your club is planning a milestone match or looking for ways to elevate your apparel with meaningful design, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us and discover how our 3D SILICONE solutions – from sharp raised effects to unique fabric combinations – can bring your vision to life.
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