When you're ordering custom branded clothing, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how to decorate it. Embroidery and screen printing are the two most popular methods — and each has clear strengths. Here's how to choose.
Embroidery: Premium, Permanent, Professional
Embroidery stitches your design directly into the fabric using coloured thread. It raises slightly off the garment surface, giving a tactile, high-quality finish.
Best for:
- Corporate logos and crests
- Polo shirts, fleeces, caps and jackets
- Workwear and uniforms
- Any item that needs to look premium and last for years
Limitations:
- Not suitable for very fine detail or gradients
- Can feel heavy on thin fabrics
- Larger designs cost more due to stitch count
Screen Printing: Bold, Cost-Effective, Scalable
Screen printing uses ink pressed through a mesh stencil onto the fabric. It's the go-to for large flat areas of colour and runs where cost-per-unit matters.
Best for:
- T-shirts and event garments
- Large chest or back prints
- Runs of 10+ identical garments
- Bold, graphic designs with solid colours
Limitations:
- Set-up cost per colour makes small runs expensive
- Not suitable for photographic or gradient artwork without specialist process
- Does not suit embossed, textured or dark fabrics as well as embroidery
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing
For full-colour photographic prints on smaller runs, DTG is a growing option. It jets ink directly onto the fabric like a printer. Best on light-coloured cotton t-shirts. Ideal for complex artwork with many colours.
The Hybrid Approach
Many of our customers combine both methods: embroidered logo on the chest, screen-printed design on the back. This gives the best of both worlds — premium front branding with bold back artwork.
Quick Decision Guide
| Factor | Choose Embroidery | Choose Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Garment type | Polo, fleece, cap, jacket | T-shirt, sweatshirt, bag |
| Design complexity | Simple logo or text | Full colour or photo |
| Quantity | Any (no set-up colour cost) | Better value at 10+ |
| Perceived quality | Premium, corporate | Casual, event, promotional |
| Wash durability | Excellent | Good (screen print); moderate (DTG) |
Still Not Sure?
Send us your logo and we'll tell you which method suits it best — and give you a quote for both. Contact us here.
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Whether you choose embroidery or screen printing, we handle both in-house. No minimum orders — from just 1 item.
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