Looking to get your logo imprinted on some shirts, hats, or bags for an upcoming corporate event, fundraiser, or for a team uniforms? At NYFifth we offer both screen printing (or silk screen) and embroidery on all our apparel and accessories, so your logo can stand out from the rest. Embroidery vs. Screen Printing – which imprint method is the best for your promotional products? Before you decide, it is a good idea to get clued up on the pros and cons of the two imprint methods so that you can determine if it is an ideal fit for your designs, purposes and budgets.
Custom T-Shirts
Pros of screen printing on t-shirts:
1. It is inexpensive for bulk orders.
2. Perfect for larger designs.
3. It is versatile for any canvas-based surfaces.
4. Straightforward operation.
Cons of screen printing on t-shirts:
1. Not practical for small orders.
2. The more colors, the more expensive it is.
Pros of embroidery on t-shirts:
1. Multiple colors in one design with no extra cost.
2. Suited to hard-to-print-on materials, such as fleece and heavy cotton.
3. It is long-lasting and retains its color well.
4. It has a high-quality look and feel.
Cons of embroidery on t-shirts:
1. It is more expensive.
2. It is not suited to some designs, such as very large designs.
Through the above comparison, screen printing is the best imprint method for t-shirts. T-shirts offer a bigger canvas to promote your brand or design. If you’re using a bigger logo, screen printing is more cost effective vs embroidery as you’re only paying for how many colors vs the stitch count of the logo. It can screen print any size logo on both the front or back of the shirt, and screen print will look much sharper, and feel much lighter while embroidery doesn’t work well on large artwork. Screen printing is the most effective t-shirt printing method when it comes to bulk production. Looking for affordable blank t-shirt brands for screen printing for giveaways? Or looking for quality blank t-shirt brands for streetwear? We have got you covered at NYFifth.com. Below are three of our best shirts to screen print on:
- Gildan G200 – 6.1 oz. Ultra Cotton Tee — Made of 6.1 oz., 100% preshrunk cotton (fiber content varies by color), the Gildan G200 is soft, comfortable, and is a standard fit. It features tear away label, double-needle sleeve and bottom hem, seamless collar, taped neck and shoulders. This ultra cotton tee runs all the way from S – 5XL. Comes in 60+ colors, the G200 is great for screen printing.
- Bella + Canvas 3001 – Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee — A customer favorite blank tee for screen printing, the Bella + Canvas 3001 is designed with 4.2 oz. preshrunk superior combed and ring spun cotton that is the perfect blend of softness, comfort, and a great fit for both sexes. With over 80 colors to choose from.
- Tultex 241 – Unisex Poly-Rich Blend T-Shirt — One of our customer favorite blank t-shirts. Made of 3.6 oz., 65% polyester and 35% ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt is the perfect blend of softness, comfort, and affordable price. It features sideseamed, taped neck and shoulder, double-needle stitching on sleeves and bottom hem for added durability. Comes in 16 colors, this custom tee is perfect promotional giveaways for your next trade show.
Custom Polo Shirts
Pros of screen printing on polo-shirts:
1. It is inexpensive for bulk orders.
2. Perfect for larger designs.
3. It is versatile for any canvas-based surfaces.
Cons of screen printing on polo-shirts:
1. Not practical for small orders.
2. The more colors, the more expensive it is.
Pros of logo embroidery on polo shirts:
1. It’s professional and looks very elegant.
2. It is long-lasting.
Cons of logo embroidery on polo shirts:
1. Design limitations – Not suited to very large designs.
Which imprint method is the best for polo shirts? The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking to achieve. If you’re looking to add a professional touch to your brand, logo embroidery is generally the best choice for business polo shirts as custom embroidery lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of logos and will ensure that your branding stands the test of time. If your are in budget, and looking for something that’s cost effective and producing in bulk, screen printing on polo shirts is better. If a large logo is required on the back of the polo shirts – screen printing can be a better solution. Below are three of our best polo shirts for customizing:
- Port Authority – K500 Silk Touch Polo — Made with 5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton pique, with superior wrinkle and shrink resistance, a silky soft hand and an incredible range of styles, this silk touch polo is a first-rate choice for uniforming just about any group. It runs all the way from XS – 6XL. Comes in 37 colors, this custom silk touch polo is perfect for promoting your brand!
- CUTTER & BUCK MCK00291 – Men’s CB DryTec Genre Polo — Made of 100% Polyester, CB DryTec and moisture wicking fabric, this performance polo shirt help you keep dry and comfortable, and the UV protection of 45+ protects your body from the sunshine on the golf course. It also features square texture fabric, self-fabric collar, 3-button placket, angled forward shoulder seam, open sleeves, side panels seams, straight hem, side vents, CB logo buttons, and CB pennant embroidery at left sleeve hem. Available in 31 colors, this custom polo shirt is great for corporate events.
- ADIDAS A130 – Men’s ClimaLite Basic Pique Polo — Made of 4.3 oz., 100% polyester pique, this golf polo shirt wicks moisture away keeping you dry and comfortable, and the UPF 25+ protection protects your body from the sunshine on the golf course. Contrast color listed refers to adidas performance heat transfer logo on right sleeve. There are 18 colors to choose from.
Custom Outerwear
Pros of screen printing on outerwear:
1. It is inexpensive for bulk orders.
2. Perfect for larger designs.
Cons of screen printing on outerwear:
1. Not suited to some materials, such as fleece.
2. Not easy to print on the outerwear with lining.
3. Not practical for small orders.
4. The more colors, the more expensive it is.
Pros of embroidery on outerwear:
1. Good durability.
2. Professional finish.
3. Multiple colors for the same cost.
Cons of embroidery on outerwear:
1. More expensive.
2. Not suited to very large designs.
Through the comparison, embroidery is a better imprint method for outerwear. Outerwear is made to endure the toughest of weathers — as should your logo. Logo embroidered outerwear gives you a high-quality finish and professional look. Outerwear made to be embroidered prolong the life of the embroidered logo but also the life of the outerwear. Outerwear is durable and can be worn for years. Embroidered logos are much more durable than screen print and will generally outlast the garment. So embroidery is better if you only replace outerwear every few years.
Custom Bags
Pros of screen printing on bags:
1. It is inexpensive for bulk orders.
2. Perfect for larger designs.
Cons of screen printing on bags:
1. Not practical for small orders.
2. The more colors, the more expensive it is.
Pros of embroidery on bags:
1. Good durability.
2. Professional finish.
3. Multiple colors for the same cost.
Cons of embroidery on bags:
1. More expensive.
2. Not suited to very large designs.
Which imprint method is the best for bags? The answer to this question depends on the product. Custom tote bags have bigger canvas to promote your brand so screen printing is better as it is perfect for larger designs vs embroidery. If you want to order a large number of promotional tote bags for giveaway, screen printing is more cost effective vs embroidery. Custom backpacks have good durability and can be used for years so embroidery is better as it is durable and professional.
Custom Hats
Pros of screen printing on hats:
1. It is inexpensive for bulk orders.
Cons of screen printing on hats:
1. Can only screen print on certain hats.
2. Not practical for small orders.
3. The more colors, the more expensive it is.
Pros of embroidery on hats:
1. Durable and professional.
2. Multiple colors for the same cost.
3. Long-lasting
Cons of embroidery on hats:
1. More expensive.
2. Not good for intricate designs.
Through the comparison, embroidery is a better imprint method for hats. With screen printing, there are a lot of limitations (small imprint, can only screen print on certain caps, etc.). Usually, embroidered designs are relatively small because the larger the logo, the higher the cost. Hats have a smaller area for personalisation so some logos might look better when they are embroidered. Embroidered hats leave a crisp and clean looking and give a good durability and professional finish. Stylish and practical, embroidered hats make excellent gifts for events, family reunions, and tradeshow, they promote your business and are generally popular among youth teams and clubs. Below are three of our best caps for customizing:
- Yupoong 6006 5-Panel Classic Trucker Cap — It is made of 47% cotton, 28% nylon and 25% polyester, and is structured with high-profile design with a snapback closure. Available in 20+ colors to make sure you can choose a color to match your brand or logo design.
- OTTO Cap Heather Wool Blend Twill Square Flat Visor “OTTO SNAP” Five Panel Pro Style Snapback Hat — Made with 85% Acrylic and 15% Wool. This structured, 5-panel snapback features firm front panel, 4 sewn eyelets, plastic adjustable snap, and seamless front panel with full buckram, pro stitch on crown and 8 rows stitching on visor make this hat durable. Gray fabric undervisor and matching color sweatband are stylish. Available in 7 colors, these OTTO custom blank snapback hats are perfect for logo embroidery.
- Richardson 112 – Snapback Trucker Cap — Combine with 65% polyester and 35% cotton front and 100% polyester mesh back, this Richardson 112 is structured, mid-profile and a 6-panel cap. This trucker cap has a pre-curved contrast stitched visor to add the pop of color. The underbill of this cap matches the color of the visor. What makes this trucker cap one of the best: it’s available in 70+ colors!
In Summary
Screen printing is the best choice for t-shirts, hoodies and large logos. Embroidery is the best choice for business shirts, polo shirts, outerwear and hats. Only you know which imprint method is going to be right for you, but hopefully this handy guide will help make the decision easier!
If you need to get some items customized, then don’t hesitate to contact us for a free
quote. You can speak to a friendly customer representative at (877) 695-9722 or simply email us your questions and inquiry at [email protected].