Screen Printing vs Embroidery
The two most popular decoration methods for branded apparel. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to make the right choice for your project.
The Quick Answer
Choose screen printing for large orders (100+), t-shirts, and bold graphic designs with limited colors. Choose embroidery for premium corporate apparel, polos, hats, and when you want a professional, textured look that conveys quality.
Bold, Vibrant, Cost-Effective
Premium, Professional, Timeless
Which Method is Right for You?
Answer 5 quick questions to get a personalized recommendation.
How many pieces do you need?
Method Overview
A detailed look at how each decoration method works.
Screen Printing
Bold, Vibrant, Cost-Effective
A traditional printing method using mesh screens to apply ink layers onto fabric. Each color requires a separate screen, making it ideal for high-volume orders with limited colors.
How It Works
- 1Design is separated into individual colors
- 2Each color gets its own mesh screen
- 3Ink is pushed through the screen onto fabric
- 4Each layer is cured with heat
- 5Final product is quality checked
Best For
- Large quantity orders (100+ pieces)
- Simple designs with 1-4 colors
- T-shirts, hoodies, and soft goods
- Bold, vibrant graphics
- Cost-effective bulk orders
- Event merchandise and giveaways
Embroidery
Premium, Professional, Timeless
A decoration method using thread stitched directly into fabric. Creates a premium, textured appearance that conveys quality and professionalism.
How It Works
- 1Logo is digitized into stitch file
- 2Thread colors are selected and loaded
- 3Machine stitches design into fabric
- 4Backing is trimmed and finished
- 5Final product is quality inspected
Best For
- Polo shirts and dress shirts
- Hats and caps
- Corporate apparel and uniforms
- Small to medium logos
- Premium, professional look
- Executive gifts
Detailed Feature Comparison
Click each category to expand and see the full breakdown.
| Feature | Screen Printing | Embroidery | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for quantities | 100+ pieces | 12-100 pieces | Depends |
| Setup costs | $25-50/color | $50-100 one-time | SP Wins |
| Per-piece cost (bulk) | $5-15 | $8-25 | SP Wins |
| Price at 24 pieces | $12-18/ea | $15-22/ea | SP Wins |
| Price at 100+ pieces | $5-10/ea | $10-18/ea | SP Wins |
Pro Tips from Our Team
Insider knowledge from decorating millions of products.
Combine Both Methods
Many brands use screen printing for casual tees and embroidery for polos. You don't have to choose just one.
Consider the Occasion
Screen printing for trade shows and events. Embroidery for client meetings and executive gifts.
Think Long-Term
If you'll reorder regularly, embroidery's one-time digitizing fee becomes more cost-effective over time.
Test First
Order samples before committing to a large run. We're happy to provide test pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' missteps so you don't repeat them.
Choosing screen printing for 12 polo shirts
Setup costs make small runs expensive. Embroidery is more cost-effective here.
Better approach: Use embroidery for orders under 24 pieces on structured garments.
Requesting embroidery for a detailed photograph
Thread can't reproduce photographic detail or smooth gradients.
Better approach: Use DTG (direct-to-garment) printing for photos, or simplify the design.
Expecting embroidery pricing for a 15-inch design
Large embroidery designs require many stitches, increasing cost significantly.
Better approach: Keep embroidery logos under 4 inches for best value, or use screen printing for large graphics.
Rushing a screen printing order with 8 colors
Each color needs a separate screen. More colors = more setup time.
Better approach: Simplify to 3-4 colors for faster turnaround, or plan ahead for complex designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about decoration methods.
Related Resources
