Embroidery vs. Screen Printing: How to Choose

If you want to exude instant credibility when interacting with a customer or business partner, consider adding a company logo to your shirt. Subtle artwork on your work apparel acts as permanent advertising for your business. 

When you’re ready to brand your business on apparel, it’s important to weigh how you’ll add the logo — embroidery vs. screen printing. The two techniques can help you achieve your goals, and depending on your unique needs, there are advantages to one over the other. 

Embroidery vs. Screen Printing: How to Choose?

Embroidery uses a needle and thread. Thanks to computers and advanced technology, embroidery is a swift process that produces sharp, clean results that are typically raised just a smidge. 

Screen printing is a multi-step process that results in a flat design. Your logo is placed on a silkscreen where one ink color is pressed through and then transferred to the garment. The process is repeated for every color in the design, so multi-color printing takes more time and typically carries a higher cost. This process is a great option for large areas like the back of a T-shirt, trade show tablecloth, and flags or banners. 

Pricing

If the surface area you want to cover is large or the quantity of items you’d like produced is high, screen printing is likely to be a more affordable option. Set-up cost depends on the number of colors included in the design, not the quantity ordered. If you have multiple designs on the shirt — think front, arm, and back — that may increase the price and the overall order quantity. 

For custom orders in low quantities or on small surface areas, embroidery is a great option because the set-up cost is typically a flat fee, and an automated machine completes the work. Because the work is priced per stitch, it’s not cost-effective for large surface areas. 

Apparel

Consider the item’s material when choosing screen printing vs. embroidery. Screen printing works best on stretchy, lightweight materials like cotton T-shirts. Thicker materials with a light weave like cotton, silk, linen, and wool are the ideal fabrics for embroidery. They have more heft and can easily stretch in the embroidery process. Polo-style shirts are one of the most frequently embroidered items because of how clean embroidered artwork looks on them. 

Turnaround Time

You probably want your items quickly — like as soon as possible. The good news is that there’s not much difference in turnaround time between embroidery or screen printing, even though th process is different. So, rest assured that the method you choose won’t slow down delivery. 

Design

Another thing to consider when selecting embroidery or screen printing is the design size, and the level of detail included. Embroidery doesn’t do well with large designs, so screen printing is likely the most cost-effective and attractive option if you’re seeking something larger than a shirt pocket. 

Embroidery machines can do up to 15 colors in a design and have no problem doing complex, detailed designs. It also creates a fun, 3D effect on the apparel item. 

Preference

Personal preference also plays a role in choosing between embroidery and screen printing. If you want something that will work size-wise on a material suitable for either choice, it’s really about the look you prefer. 

Do you want something that may look more traditional, upscale, or classic? If so, embroidery is the way to go. 

Do you want something that looks more trendy and super eye-catching? Then, screen printing may be the choice for you. 

The same logo will look different, depending on the approach, so your preference and the tone you’re trying to set matter.

Whatever You Choose, Lettering Express Can Help

With an understanding of the differences between embroidery and screen printing and knowledge about the fabric, surface area, and complexity of your design, you can make an informed decision about which process is best for your apparel. 

No matter your choice, the professional team at Lettering Express is ready to execute your vision and offers a vast catalog of apparel and gear. Lettering Express provides businesses with the products they need to be noticed and remembered, so contact Lettering Express today to get your order started.