11oz vs 15oz Sublimation Mugs: Which Should You Offer?

Choosing between 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs is one of the most common decisions sublimation businesses face. While both sizes are popular, each serves different customer preferences, design needs, and pricing strategies.

In this guide, we’ll compare 11oz vs 15oz sublimation mugs so you can decide which size—or combination—makes the most sense for your business.

If you’re new to mug sublimation, start with our step-by-step mug and drinkware sublimation guide .

What’s the Difference Between 11oz and 15oz Sublimation Mugs?

The difference between 11oz and 15oz mugs is primarily size and capacity, but that difference impacts design layout, customer perception, and production workflow.

  • 11oz mugs: classic, compact, and widely recognized
  • 15oz mugs: taller, wider, and perceived as premium

Both sizes are available in white sublimation mug blanks designed specifically for dye sublimation.

11oz Sublimation Mugs: Pros and Use Cases

The 11oz mug is the most traditional and widely used sublimation mug size. It’s familiar to customers and works well for a wide range of designs.

Advantages of 11oz Mugs

  • Lower blank cost
  • Fits most standard mug presses
  • Works well for logos and text-based designs
  • Easy to package and ship

When 11oz Mugs Make Sense

  • Bulk orders and promotions
  • Simple or minimalist designs
  • Entry-level pricing strategies
Classic 11oz white sublimation mug with centered full-color design
Suggested image: finished 11oz sublimation mug with a centered design.

15oz Sublimation Mugs: Pros and Use Cases

15oz sublimation mugs offer a larger canvas and higher perceived value. Many customers prefer the larger size for daily use, especially for coffee or tea drinkers who want fewer refills.

Advantages of 15oz Mugs

  • More space for detailed or wrap-style designs
  • Larger drink capacity compared to standard 11oz mugs
  • Comfortable for customers with larger hands
  • Higher perceived value
  • Opportunity for premium pricing

When 15oz Mugs Make Sense

  • Photo-heavy or full-wrap designs
  • Gift-focused and personalization-based products
  • Customers who prefer larger drinkware for everyday use
  • Premium branding or higher-priced offerings
15oz white sublimation mug showing a larger wrap-style design area and taller profile for increased drink capacity

Production Considerations for Each Size

While 11oz and 15oz mugs use similar sublimation workflows, there are some production differences to consider.

  • Mug press compatibility: confirm your press supports both sizes
  • Wrap templates: designs must be sized correctly for each mug
  • Press settings: time and pressure may vary slightly

For press setup guidance, see common sublimation printing problems and fixes .

Pricing Strategy: 11oz vs 15oz Mugs

Many businesses offer both sizes at different price points. A common approach is to treat the 15oz mug as a premium upgrade.

  • 11oz mugs for entry-level pricing
  • 15oz mugs as a higher-priced option
  • Upsell based on design size or personalization

This strategy allows customers to choose based on budget and preference without increasing complexity.

Which Size Should You Stock?

For most sublimation businesses, the answer isn’t one or the other—it’s both. Offering 11oz and 15oz mugs gives you flexibility across designs, customer preferences, and order types.

Browse available options in the sublimation drinkables category to compare sizes and formats.

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