Embroidery or Screen Printing: Which is Right for You?

Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 02-28-2025

Ever found yourself standing in front of your closet, glancing at the logos on your favorite shirts and wondering, "How did they get that design onto there?" At Fox Cities Embroidery, we are asked this question quite a bit, and it is always followed by: "Which option should I use for my project?"

Let's look at the two most popular techniques of decoration—screen printing and embroidery—so that you can choose what would be suitable for your own custom apparel business.

The Tale of Two Methods

Embroidery utilizes thousands of stitches placed strategically to thread your design literally into the very fabric itself.

Screen Printing uses ink forced through individual mesh screens to print your design onto the face of the garment, resulting in a shiny print that's actually part of the fabric.

Both can be terrific, but both are applied for different purposes and do different things. Let's talk about when you would need one versus the other.

When Embroidery Reigns Supreme

There’s something about an embroidered logo that just screams quality. That raised, textured stitching gives off a high-end, professional look—perfect for business apparel, uniforms, and premium giveaways. A local company we worked with recently made the switch from printed polos to embroidered ones and immediately noticed a shift. Clients started commenting on how much more polished and established their crew looked. That’s the power of embroidery.

The Durability Factor

Embroidery isn’t just about looks—it’s built to last. Unlike screen printing, it won’t fade, crack, or peel over time. That makes it ideal for workwear, uniforms, and outdoor gear—anything that gets heavy use. If you want something that holds up wash after wash, embroidery is the way to go.

Best Uses for Embroidery:
Polo shirts and business button-downs for a professional edge
Outerwear, jackets, and backpacks that need long-lasting branding
Bold, simple logos that look great in a small format
Thicker fabrics that can support the weight of stitched designs

But what if you need bigger, bolder, or more colorful designs? That’s where screen printing steps in.

When Screen Printing Steals the Show

If you want vibrant, eye-catching designs that pop, screen printing is your best friend. This method allows for precise color matching, making it perfect for businesses that want to stay on-brand. Plus, screen-printed apparel has a soft, lightweight feel, making it great for everyday wear. Whether you’re designing event tees, promo shirts, or large team orders, screen printing delivers high-impact results without breaking the bank.

The Volume Advantage

One major perk of screen printing? The more you order, the cheaper it gets. If you're outfitting a big group, running a fundraiser, or stocking up for a promotional event, screen printing is the most cost-effective option.

Best Uses for Screen Printing:
Large chest or back designs that stand out
Multi-color, detailed graphics that need precision
Soft, lightweight fabrics like tri-blends or cotton tees
Special effects like distressed or vintage looks

Making Your Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself

Still not sure what to do? Ask yourself these questions:

• How long does the product have to withstand? Several years of steady wear implies embroidery.

• How complex is my pattern? Much detail and color? Screen printing may be the solution.

• What is the purpose of the apparel? Professional uniforms value the touch of embroidery, but spirit wear for teams might glitter more with screen printing.

• What is my budget? For small print runs, embroidery can be very affordable, but bigger print runs might be more economical with screen printing.

• What am I printing on? Thin t-shirts seem to prefer screen printing, but thick jackets do well with embroidery.

Sometimes, You Can Have Both!

Most of our clients utilize an efficient combination of both processes. One of the building companies with whom we are affiliated utilizes embroidery for their durable work polos and coats but screen printing for their summer fest t-shirts and give-aways.

The hybrid system offers you the best of the two worlds—professional permanence where it truly counts and quality, budget-friendly printing where necessary.

Regardless of the process you choose, quality is important. Poor embroidery will make fabric pucker and feel uncomfortable, and poor screen printing will crack after a few washes.

At Fox Cities Embroidery, we've mastered both processes so that your branded apparel appears professional and will last, regardless of what decoration process you use. Our personnel can guide you through the process, sometimes presenting solutions you never would have considered.

Still unclear on which process is best for your project? That's understandable! The easiest way to determine is to talk to our team about your unique needs, deadline, and budget. We can even provide you with examples of both processes on comparable products so you can see for yourself the difference.

Remember, there is no single "right" answer—only the right answer for your specific branding needs. And we can help you find it.

What decoration method are you thinking of using for your next custom apparel project?