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Print or embroidery? The right technique for the fabric

Short answer: embroidery on fleece and heavy sweatshirts, screen printing on cotton t-shirts, and transfer printing on polyester jackets and vests give the best results. The table below compares the three techniques for each product, with guidance notes.

Comparison by product

Suitability of printing and embroidery techniques by product
ProductScreen printingTransfer printingEmbroidery
T-shirtHighly suitableThe most economical and durable choice on cotton t-shirts.SuitableFor multi-colour or photographic logos.SuitableVery good on piqué polo shirts; a small logo is recommended on fine jersey.
SweatshirtHighly suitableFor large prints on the chest and back.SuitableFor multi-colour logos and sleeve prints.Highly suitableA premium chest logo on a heavy body.
HoodieHighly suitableIdeal for back prints.SuitableFor sleeve prints and small details.Highly suitableThe most durable result for chest logos.
FleeceLimitedInk does not spread evenly on the pile surface; not recommended.LimitedOnly on smooth-faced (non-pile) fleece, after a sample.Highly suitableThe right technique for fleece: crisp, raised and durable.
JacketLimitedThe print looks broken across quilted stitching.Highly suitableClean, durable results on polyester shell fabric.SuitableApplied to flat panels or as a patch.
VestLimitedNot recommended on quilted surfaces.Highly suitableClean results on the chest and back.SuitableOn a flat panel or as a patch.

Three techniques, three different results

Screen printing

Ink is pressed onto the fabric through a stencil (screen).

A separate screen is prepared for each colour and the ink is applied directly to the fabric. Because the screen cost is spread over the order quantity, it is one of the lowest-cost methods per piece on large orders.

Strengths

  • + Low unit cost at high quantities
  • + Flat, vivid colours and a large print area
  • + Wash-resistant results on cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts

Points to watch

  • – More colours mean more screens and a higher cost
  • – Uneven results on fleece (pile) and quilted surfaces

Transfer printing

Digital transfer (DTF); the design is printed on film and applied to the fabric with heat and pressure.

There is no limit on colours; gradients, fine lines and small text are preserved. It also works on synthetic fabrics such as polyester jackets and softshell, which makes it a very versatile method.

Strengths

  • + Unlimited colours and gradients
  • + Small details and fine text
  • + Works on synthetic and blended fabrics

Points to watch

  • – The printed area feels slightly different from the fabric
  • – Heat-sensitive fabrics are tested on a sample first

Embroidery

The logo is stitched directly into the fabric with thread.

It gives a raised, textured and long-lasting look. It delivers the most premium result on sturdy fabrics such as fleece, sweatshirts, piqué polos and jackets.

Strengths

  • + Premium, textured look
  • + Does not fade with washing and wear
  • + Best result on fleece and heavy fabrics

Points to watch

  • – Very fine lines and very small text may lose detail
  • – Fine jersey t-shirts may pucker; piqué polos are preferred
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Frequently asked questions

Should fleece be printed or embroidered?

We recommend embroidery on fleece. Screen printing ink does not spread evenly on the pile surface; transfer printing can only be tested on smooth-faced fleece, with a sample.

What is the most economical logo application for t-shirts?

On cotton t-shirts with logos in few colours, screen printing is the most economical method at high quantities. For multi-colour logos, transfer printing may be the better fit.

How is a logo applied to a jacket?

On jackets with a polyester shell, transfer printing gives a clean, durable result. Embroidery is applied to flat panels or as a patch; screen printing is not recommended on quilted surfaces.

My logo has very fine text. Which technique suits it?

Transfer printing preserves fine lines and small text best. In embroidery, very small text can lose legibility.

Detailed guide: Embroidery or print? Choosing the right technique for corporate logos

Get a quote for your team

For orders from 1,000 pieces per product, choose from our series models or have a design made to your brief.

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