When customizing gear like t-shirts, hats, jackets, or tote bags, you’ve probably heard about two popular options to choose from: embroidery vs screen printing. They’re both great options, but they each bring something different to the table. Choosing between them isn’t just about looks; it can affect your cost, how long the design lasts, and the overall feel of your brand. In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which one’s the best fit for your next project.
Screen printing (also called silk screening) is a method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen and onto fabric, like t-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags. Each color in your design gets its own screen, and the ink is added layer by layer. It may sound technical, but the end result is bold, vibrant graphics that pop.
Screen printing is popular for many businesses, schools, and organizations because it combines quality, cost efficiency, and creative flexibility. This method is worth considering if you're planning a large run of custom shirts or swag.
Great for Large Orders: Screen printing has setup costs (like creating the screens), but after that, the price per item drops as you print more. So if you’re ordering in bulk for a team, event, or promo giveaway, it’s a budget-friendly option.
Bright Colors: This method produces rich, vivid colors that stand out. It’s perfect for logos and designs with multiple colors or details.
Soft Finish: Screen prints feel smooth, not stiff, and blend nicely into the fabric.
Placement Options: Screen printing allows unlimited options for the placement of your design.
Lasting Results: Screen printing ink is durable and holds up well after many washes, making it a great choice for items you want to last.
As great as screen printing is, it’s imperfect for every situation. Here are a few drawbacks to consider when debating embroidery vs screen printing:
Higher Upfront Costs for Small Orders: Because of the setup involved (creating screens for each color), screen printing can get pricey if you’re only printing a few items. It’s much more cost-effective in larger quantities.
Each Color Adds Time and Cost: Do you have a super-colorful design? Each color needs its own screen and setup, which can slow things down and increase your cost.
Not Ideal for Photo-Realistic Images: Screen printing might not be the best choice if you’re looking to print detailed photos or full-color gradients. It's better suited for bold graphics and simpler designs.
May Wear Over Time: While screen prints hold up well, they can eventually crack if you choose lower-quality fabrics or if the item isn’t washed carefully.
Embroidery is a decoration method where your design is stitched directly onto fabric using thread. It creates a raised, textured look that feels professional and long-lasting. Think of company logos on polos, names on hats, or monograms on jackets. It’s a go-to choice for durable, high-quality branding that stands out.
Here are a few reasons to choose embroidery:
Upscale, Professional Look: Embroidery gives a premium impression, making it perfect for polos, jackets, hats, and other gear where you want to look sharp.
Great for Small Designs: It works well for logos, initials, or text-based designs, things that don’t require a lot of detail or large coverage.
No Extra Charge for Threads: Unlike screen printing, you usually won’t pay more to use multiple thread colors. You can get creative without worrying about added costs.
Works on Any Fabric Color: Since embroidery sits on top of the fabric (not printed into it), your design isn’t affected by the shirt color—it pops no matter what.
Durable: Embroidered designs hold up well over time. They’re long-lasting and won’t fade or peel like some prints might.
Embroidery may not always be the perfect fit. Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:
Can Be Pricey: Embroidery usually costs more per item, especially if your design is big or detailed. The price often depends on the number of stitches, so more complex designs mean higher costs.
Not Great for Thin or Stretchy Fabrics: Embroidery works best on thicker materials like polos, jackets, or hats. Lightweight t-shirts or stretchy fabrics can cause puckering or distortion.
Not Ideal for Large Coverage: Big, full-front designs aren't embroidery's strong suit. It’s better suited for smaller logos or patches than large-scale prints.
Ultimately, choosing between embroidery vs screen printing depends on what you’re making, the detail of your design, the number of pieces you need, and the overall look you want to achieve. You can even mix both! For example, print a graphic on the back of a t-shirt and embroider your logo on the front for the best of both worlds.
Not sure what’s right for your project? We’re here to help. Reach out to the Hatteras and I am Detroit team, and we’ll walk you through the options, help you choose the best fit, and make sure your gear looks great. We offer samples and tours of our facility to assist in the process. Let’s create something together.