Ask three suppliers what logo embroidery costs and you can get three very different answers, none of them directly comparable. That is because embroidery is not priced like a product off a shelf. This guide explains what actually drives the price of embroidered and printed clothing in the UK, so you can compare quotes properly and avoid paying for things you do not need.
Quick answer: The cost of logo embroidery depends on five things: the garment, the size and stitch count of the logo, where it goes on the garment, how many pieces you order, and whether your logo needs digitising (a one-off set-up). T-shirt printing is priced on a different basis: print method, number of colours or print size, and quantity. We do not publish fixed prices here because they vary with the order, but the sections below show you what moves a quote up or down.
What decides the price of logo embroidery
1. Stitch count and logo size
An embroidery machine is slow compared with a printer, so the time a logo takes to stitch matters. A simple, small chest logo takes far fewer stitches than a large, detailed crest. More stitches means more machine time and a higher price per garment. This is why a tidy, simplified logo is usually cheaper than a dense one, and why a small left-chest design costs less than a full back.
2. Digitising: the one-off set-up
Before a logo can be stitched, it has to be converted into a stitch file that tells the machine where to place every stitch. This is called digitising. It is normally a one-off job: once your logo is digitised, it can be reused on future orders. If a quote includes a digitising line, it is worth asking whether that file is yours to reuse. Our guide to embroidery digitising explains the process, and our digitising service page covers what we need from you.
3. The garment itself
In most orders, the garment is a large part of the total. A basic polo and a premium fleece are not the same cost before a single stitch goes in, and thick or stretchy fabrics can take more care to embroider cleanly. Choosing the right blank matters as much as the logo. See our custom embroidery services for the types of garment we embroider.
4. Placement and number of positions
One logo on the left chest is the baseline. Add a sleeve, a back or a name underneath, and each position adds to the cost. Consider whether you need them all. Our workwear logo placement guide helps you decide where a logo earns its place.
5. Quantity
Set-up work is spread across the whole order, so the price per piece generally falls as quantity rises. An order of 50 matching polos will usually cost less per polo than an order of 5. That is also why a mixed, last-minute order often costs more than planning ahead.
What decides the price of t-shirt printing
Printing is priced differently from embroidery because the work is different.
- Screen printing involves preparing a screen for each colour, so the set-up is spread over the run. It tends to suit larger orders of simple designs. See our screen printing page.
- DTF transfers print a full-colour design onto film and then transfer it, which makes them well suited to detailed artwork and smaller batches. See DTF printing.
- Vinyl and other transfers are often used for names and numbers.
For printing, the main cost drivers are the method, the number of colours or the size of the print, the garment and the quantity. Our print method comparison explains which method suits which job, and our custom t-shirt printing page covers ordering.
Embroidery or print: which is better value?
It depends on what you are branding and how long you want it to last. Embroidery usually suits polos, caps, jackets and workwear where a smart, durable finish matters. Printing usually suits t-shirts and large or colourful designs, where embroidery would be heavy or expensive. Many businesses use both: embroidered polos for the front-of-house team and printed tees for events.
How to compare two embroidery quotes properly
When you have two quotes in front of you, check that you are comparing like with like. Here is a quick checklist:
- Is the garment the same make, weight and style, or just the same colour?
- Is digitising included, charged separately, or already done? Will you own the file?
- How many logo positions are included?
- Is the logo size the same, and has the stitch count been checked?
- Does the price include delivery and VAT, or are they added on top?
- Is a proof or sample included before the full run?
As an illustration only, imagine two quotes for the same 20 polos. Quote A looks cheaper, but excludes digitising, charges extra for a second logo position and adds delivery. Quote B looks higher, but includes everything. Once you add the extras, the gap often closes or reverses. The numbers will vary; the lesson is to compare the full price, not the headline figure. Our guide on choosing an embroidery company has ten more questions worth asking.
Practical ways to keep costs down
- Simplify the logo. Fine detail and tiny text can cost more and may not stitch cleanly at small sizes.
- Order together. Combining items in one order spreads the set-up.
- Standardise your garments. Fewer styles and colours make for a simpler order.
- Reuse your digitised logo. Keep the file for repeat orders.
- Plan ahead. Rushed orders limit your options.
- Consider a bundle. Packages can make outfitting a team simpler. See our workwear bundles.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to embroider a logo on a polo shirt?
There is no single figure, because the price depends on the polo, the logo size and stitch count, the number of positions and the quantity. Ask for a quote that lists the garment, digitising and each embroidery position separately.
Do I have to pay for digitising every time?
Not usually. Digitising is generally a one-off set-up for a given logo. Ask your supplier whether the file will be kept and reused on future orders.
Is printing cheaper than embroidery?
Often, for t-shirts and large designs, but not always. For small logos on workwear, embroidery can be competitive and lasts well. The right answer depends on the garment and design.
Why do quotes for the same job differ so much?
Usually because they include different garments, set-up charges, logo positions or delivery. Compare the full price, not the headline.
Should I confirm VAT on my order?
Yes. Check whether a quote includes VAT, and confirm your own VAT position with your accountant or HMRC.
Get an accurate quote
Every order is different, so the quickest way to get a real number is to tell us what you need. Contact CentralCustom with your logo, garments and quantity and we will give you a clear quote. You can also browse our workwear collection to pick your garments first.
