Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Which Is Best for You?

Two Different Approaches

Embroidery and screen printing are the two most established decoration methods for custom clothing, but they work in fundamentally different ways and suit different applications.

Embroidery

Embroidery uses computer-controlled sewing machines to stitch your design into the fabric using coloured threads. The result is a textured, premium finish that is extremely durable.

Best For

• Polo shirts, fleeces, jackets, caps
• Small to medium logos
• Corporate and workwear
• Premium merchandise

Pros

• Premium, professional appearance
• Extremely durable — outlasts the garment
• Withstands frequent and industrial washing
• Perceived as high-value

Cons

• Not suitable for large or full-colour designs
• Can pucker on very thin fabrics
• Cost is per-stitch, so complex logos are expensive
• Less flexible for gradients and photographic elements

Screen Printing

Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh screen onto the garment, one colour at a time. Each colour requires a separate screen and setup. The result is a vibrant, flat print that is highly durable.

Best For

• T-shirts and hoodies
• Large, bold designs
• 1–4 colour logos
• High-volume runs

Pros

• Vibrant, opaque colours
• Very cost-effective at volume
• Highly durable when cured correctly
• Excellent for large designs

Cons

• Setup cost per colour
• Not economical for small runs
• Less suited to full-colour or photographic designs
• Each colour adds cost and production time

Cost Comparison

| Factor | Embroidery | Screen Printing | |---|---|---| | Setup | Digitising fee (one-off) | Per-colour screen setup | | Per-unit (small run) | £3–£8 | Higher (setup spread over few units) | | Per-unit (large run) | £3–£8 (stitch count) | £2–£5 (very economical) | | Full-colour | Not practical | Expensive (many screens) | | Best volume | Any | 50+ units |

How to Choose

Choose Embroidery If

• You are branding polos, fleeces, jackets or caps.
• Your logo is small to medium.
• You want a premium, professional finish.
• The garments will be washed frequently (workwear).
• You are ordering corporate or staff clothing.

Choose Screen Printing If

• You are printing t-shirts or hoodies.
• Your design is large or bold.
• You have 1–4 colours.
• You are ordering 50+ units.
• You need the lowest per-unit cost at volume.

When to Use Both

Many orders use both methods: embroidered logos on polos and fleeces, screen-printed designs on t-shirts. A full-service supplier can advise on the best method per garment.

Next Steps

Not sure which method suits your order? Order a sample pack to see both embroidery and print quality in person, or speak to a supplier who offers both methods.