Sometimes, changing the way a logo is made can have just as much impact as changing the design itself.
For the 2026 season, the University of California, Berkeley Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs introduced new logos and digits as part of an updated on-field look. Along with the new designs came another important change: moving away from vinyl transfers and sublimated logos to a more dimensional finish.
The goal was to give the new branding a stronger physical presence on the jersey while keeping the overall look clean and consistent.
THE CHALLENGE
The project wasn’t simply about applying a new logo.
Berkeley had previously relied on vinyl transfers and sublimated logos. Both create a relatively flat appearance, so the new designs presented an opportunity to rethink how the branding could actually look and feel on the garment.
The challenge was to find an execution that would complement the new artwork and add depth without making the jersey feel overly complicated.
At the same time, the new embellishments needed to create a consistent look across both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs.
THE SOLUTION
For the new logos, we used 3D SILICONE I MATT GLOSS.
The three-dimensional construction raises the logo from the surface of the jersey, while the gloss finish gives it a clean, polished appearance. Rather than relying on additional graphics or colors to create impact, the logo gains presence through its material and finish.
It’s a difference that becomes particularly noticeable up close. The shape, edges and glossy surface give the artwork a much more dimensional character than the previous flat applications.
The new digits were also developed as part of the updated embellishment package, helping create a cohesive look across the jerseys.
FROM FLAT GRAPHICS TO DIMENSIONAL BRANDING
One of the most interesting aspects of this project is the shift in how the branding becomes part of the jersey.
With sublimation, the artwork sits within the printed fabric. With a three-dimensional application, the logo becomes a physical element of the garment.
That added depth changes how the design is perceived, especially as light moves across the glossy surface. Instead of simply reproducing the new artwork, the chosen finish gives it another layer of character.
For Berkeley, this made 3D SILICONE I MATT GLOSS a natural fit for the new logos.
ONE LOOK ACROSS BOTH PROGRAMS
The project covers both the University of California, Berkeley Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs for the 2026 season.
Using the new embellishment approach across both programs helps establish a consistent visual language, with the logos and digits working together as part of the overall kit rather than as separate elements.
It also shows how much of a difference the right application can make. The artwork itself is only one part of the equation. Material, surface and finish all influence how that artwork ultimately appears on the jersey.
THE RESULT
The new embellishments give Berkeley Soccer a noticeably different look for 2026.
Moving away from vinyl transfers and sublimated logos adds depth and a more defined physical presence to the new branding. 3D SILICONE I MATT GLOSS brings structure and shine to the logos while allowing the designs themselves to remain the focus.
The result is a clean evolution of the programs’ on-field branding – driven not by adding more, but by giving the existing elements more dimension.
CONCLUSION
The Berkeley Soccer project is a good example of how embellishment can become an active part of the design.
By moving from flat applications to 3D SILICONE I MATT GLOSS, the new logos gain depth, surface and character. Together with the updated digits, they help shape a consistent new look for the Men’s and Women’s Soccer Programs heading into the 2026 season.
Let’s find the right solution for your next project together.
