Embroidery is the better choice for garments that are worn hard and washed often, such as polos, fleeces and softshells. Print is better for t-shirts, hi-vis, full-colour designs and big event runs. Here is how to decide, and what each one costs to set up.
When embroidery is the better choice
A stitched logo holds its shape and colour through years of daily wear and commercial washing. A print on the same garment will eventually crack or lift at the edges. That is why almost every uniform programme we run is embroidered.
Embroidery suits polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, softshells, knitwear, jackets and caps. It also looks established: a stitched logo on a softshell tells a customer your business has been around a while.
When print is the better choice
Print is the method for bold graphics, fine detail, photographs and designs with lots of colours. It suits t-shirts, hoodies, hi-vis, aprons, tote bags and most event merchandise. We run two print methods in house:
- DTF (direct to film) has no screen setup, so it wins on short runs, full-colour artwork and orders with mixed sizes and colours.
- Screen printing has a setup cost for each colour, then a very low cost per garment, so it wins on long runs of the same design.
Where the crossover falls depends on how many colours your design has. We work out which method is cheaper for your order and quote that one.
Our usual recommendation
| Garment | Usually best |
|---|---|
| Polo shirts, sweatshirts, knitwear | Embroidery |
| Fleeces, softshells, jackets | Embroidery |
| Caps and beanies | Embroidery |
| Hoodies | Embroidery for a chest logo, print for a large design on the back |
| Aprons | Embroidery for a logo that lasts, print for large or full-colour designs |
| T-shirts | Print: DTF for small runs, screen printing for large ones |
| Hi-vis vests | |
| Event and promotional t-shirts | Screen printing |
Worth knowing before you order
- Think about washing. If a garment will be washed hot or worn hard for years, we will usually suggest embroidery and explain why.
- Think about layers. If your team wears a hi-vis vest or bodywarmer over a polo, a logo on the polo disappears once the outer layer goes on. Put a logo on the outer layer too.
- Logo size. Most business logos sit at around 80 to 90mm wide on the left chest. That is big enough to read across a room without shouting.
- Hoodies. A front print has to finish above the pocket seam, so big designs usually work better on the back.
- Dark garments. A print on a dark garment needs a white base underneath or the colours come out muddy. We handle that for you.
- Artwork. Vector files give the best result, but send whatever you have. Redrawing a logo properly is part of the job, not an extra.
Whichever method you choose, you get a free digital proof before anything is made, so you see exactly what will be produced and where.
What it costs to set up
Embroidery is priced per logo position, plus a one-off digitising charge the first time we set your logo up. Your logo then stays on file, so reorders skip that step and that cost.
Print is priced per print position. Screen printing adds a setup charge for each colour; DTF has none. With every method, the cost per garment falls as quantities rise, and there is no minimum order.
To keep it simple, you can order embroidery and print straight from our website at set prices: choose a garment, upload your logo and pick the method and position on the product page, and you see the full price before you order. For bulk orders, discounts are possible, so get in touch for a quote on anything large.
Reordering is where it pays off
Once your logo is on file and your garments are chosen, topping up should take minutes. A trade account gives you your own ordering portal, showing only your products at your agreed prices. You can:
- repeat any previous order in one click
- keep your team's garments and sizes on saved lists
- add colleagues and site managers to the same account
- store every site address for delivery
Not sure which to choose?
Send your logo and quantities through our quote form. We will recommend the right method for your garments and come back with pricing and a free digital proof, usually within one working day. Everything is decorated in house in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, and customised orders are usually ready within 3 to 10 working days of logo approval.