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SCREEN PRINTING VS EMBROIDERY COMPARISON

Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Which Is Better?

Which Wins: Screen Printing or Embroidery for Your Custom T-Shirts?

Screen printing vs embroidery offers distinct advantages for custom t-shirt printing in Brisbane, helping businesses and events choose the optimal method for logos, uniforms, and bulk orders. Screen printing excels in vibrant, multi-color designs on cotton tees for large runs (50+ units), delivering cost-effective, durable prints that withstand washes but require setup per color. Embroidery provides a premium, textured finish ideal for polos, workwear, and branding, with superior longevity on thicker fabrics though limited for complex graphics. Key factors include order quantity, design detail, fabric type, and budget - screen for bold promo tees, embroidery for professional uniforms. Brisbane printers like Custom T Shirt Printing Online guide selections for maximum impact.

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Key Takeaways!

  • What Makes Screen Printing Cost-Effective?
    Screen printing reduces per-unit costs on bulk orders of 50+ shirts by spreading the screen setup expense across larger quantities.
  • When Does Embroidery Outlast Prints?
    Embroidery resists fading and cracking through repeated washes, making it ideal for uniforms and hi-vis workwear.
  • Which Method Handles Complex Designs Better?
    Screen printing is best for bold, multi-colour graphics, while embroidery excels with simple logos that benefit from texture.
  • Best Fabrics for Each Method?
    Screen printing works best on cotton t-shirts, while embroidery is suited to polos, jackets, and thicker fabrics.
  • Ideal Order Sizes Compared?
    Screen printing is ideal for large-volume orders, whereas embroidery is cost-effective for small to medium runs with minimal setup.
  • Which Offers a More Professional Look?
    Embroidery delivers an upscale, corporate appearance, while screen printing provides a vibrant and casual style.

Overview: Screen Printing vs Embroidery

Screen printing and embroidery are both popular methods for custom branding, but they serve different purposes and suit different garment types.

This page compares the two methods so you can choose the best option based on:

  • Garment type
  • Logo size and complexity
  • Quantity
  • Desired look and durability
Screen print festival shirts

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing applies ink to the surface of a garment using mesh screens. It is widely used for t-shirts and bulk orders.

Best suited for:

  • T-shirts and lightweight garments
  • Bulk orders
  • Larger designs
  • Flat artwork and logos

Key benefits:

  • Cost-effective for bulk orders
  • Consistent results across many garments
  • Ideal for large prints

What Is Embroidery?

Embroidery stitches your design directly into the fabric using thread. It creates a raised, textured finish and is commonly used for uniforms and workwear.

Best suited for:

  • Polos, hoodies, jackets, and caps
  • Corporate uniforms
  • Small logos and text
  • Professional branding

Key benefits:

  • Premium appearance
  • Extremely durable
  • Long-lasting for daily wear

Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Screen Printing Embroidery
Best Garments               T-shirts Polos, hoodies, workwear
Ideal Quantity 20–200+ 10+
Artwork Size Small to large Small to medium
Artwork Type Logos, flat designs Logos, text
Print Feel Ink on fabric Raised stitched texture
Durability Excellent Excellent
Best For Bulk printed shirts                     Professional uniforms
Cost at Scale Lower per unit Higher per unit

Which Is Cheaper?

Screen printing is usually cheaper when:

  • You’re ordering larger quantities.
  • The design is printed on t-shirts.
  • The design is large or covers more area.

 

Embroidery is usually cheaper when:

  • The logo is small.
  • The garment is a polo or hoodie.
  • You want a premium, stitched finish.

 

Embroidery pricing is influenced by stitch count, while screen printing pricing is influenced by quantity.

Which Looks Better?

Screen printing looks best when:

  • You want bold, eye-catching designs
  • The artwork is large or detailed
  • You’re printing on t-shirts

Embroidery looks best when:

  • You want a professional, uniform look
  • The logo is small and simple
  • The garment is made from heavier fabric

Best Use Cases

Choose Screen Printing if you are ordering:

  • Event t-shirts
  • Promotional shirts
  • Sports team apparel
  • Bulk t-shirt runs

Choose Embroidery if you are ordering:

  • Corporate polos
  • Workwear and uniforms
  • Branded hoodies or jackets
  • Long-term staff apparel

Can You Combine Screen Printing and Embroidery?

Yes. Many customers choose to:

  • Screen print large designs on t-shirts
  • Embroider logos on polos or jackets

This approach allows you to match the printing method to each garment type for the best result.

How to Decide Quickly

A simple rule of thumb:

  • T-shirts + bulk orders → Screen printing
  • Polos/hoodies + logos → Embroidery

If you’re unsure, we can recommend the best option based on your design and garments.

Next Steps

To continue exploring:

Choosing the right method ensures your branding looks professional and lasts.

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