Screen Printing VS Embroidery: Which type of T-shirt customisation is best?
Embroidery and screen-printing are the most popular types of T-shirt customisation methods, allowing creators to transform their unique designs and ideas into high-quality decorative or personalised garments.
However, these two customisation options deliver fundamentally different results, making them better suited to specific projects, so knowing which one is best for you is key to achieving your desired results.
So, which type of T-shirt customisation is best for your project? We’re here to help you make the right choice. In this article, we break down the screen printing vs embroidery debate, covering the differences between these two popular customisation methods and providing the advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the right one.
Table of contents:
- What is the difference between screen-printing and custom embroidery?
- Screen printing vs embroidery: The benefits
- Embroidery vs screen-printing cost
- What is the best T-shirt material for printing & embroidery?
- Is screen-printing durable vs embroidery?
- Screen print vs embroidery: Which is better?
What is the difference between screen-printing and custom embroidery?
Embroidery and screen-printing both offer excellent results for T-shirt personalisation. However, the best one for your project depends on your preferred customisation and clothing style, as well as your expectations for clothing longevity. Below, we’ve explored these two types of T-shirt customisation methods, including what each service entails and what the finished products will look like.
What is screen-printing?
Screen-printing, also known as silk screening or silk printing, is the process of printing custom designs, logos and text onto T-shirts and other garments.
The process uses a mesh screen and an ink-blocking stencil. When correctly positioned, ink is evenly distributed, pushed through the stencil and transferred onto the fabric surface. The ink is applied through porous mesh screens, allowing for subtle and intricate designs. Screen-printing is perfect for bulk orders, offering quick results at a low price point.
What is embroidery?
Embroidery is the process of stitching a custom design, logo or image onto a garment of your choice. Our skilled team uses state-of-the-art embroidery machines, creating custom garments that stand out.
We first digitise your logo or design for the embroidery process to be ready for the machine. Then, we colour-match the embroidery threads that will be used for your design, ensuring a perfect match. Our service offers a wide range of thread colours, so no matter your design or idea, it can be executed perfectly.
The T-shirt embroidery machine has a framing mechanism that keeps the garment’s fabric embroidery area taut under the sewing needs, and the machine will move the frame accordingly. Once completed, we quality-check each product to ensure it meets our standards, resulting in a durable finish.
Screen printing vs embroidery: The benefits
Below we’ve put together a like-for-like comparison of the benefits of T-shirt screen-printing and embroidery to help you decide on the right one for you.
Benefits of screen-printing
- Cost-efficient for large orders: Once the initial screens are set up (which can be a higher upfront cost), the cost per item significantly decreases with larger quantities. As a result, screen-printing is ideal for bulk orders of promotional items, team uniforms, or event T-shirts.
- Vibrant colours & high opacity: Screen-printing uses thick layers of ink, resulting in exceptionally vibrant, bold, and opaque colours that pop, even on dark fabrics.
- Excellent for detail (with limitations): While T-shirt screen-printing excels at solid, crisp designs, screen-printing can also achieve fine details and sharp contrasts. However, it can struggle with very intricate gradients or photographic images.
- Durable prints: When properly cured, screen-printed designs are highly durable and can withstand frequent washing without cracking, fading, or peeling. The ink binds well with the fabric.
- Versatility in materials: Screen printing can be applied to a wide range of materials and material thicknesses.
- Lightweight Feel: The ink sits on the surface of the fabric, often resulting in a softer and lighter feel compared to the raised texture of embroidery, especially on thinner materials like T-shirts.
- Speciality Ink Options: A variety of speciality inks can be used, such as metallic, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or fluorescent inks, allowing for unique visual effects.
Benefits of embroidery
- Premium & professional appearance: Although embroidery will cost more per T-shirt, it creates a textured, three-dimensional and often “up-scale” look. It’s perceived as a higher-quality finish, making it excellent for corporate wear or uniforms.
- Colourfastness: The thread colours are generally very stable and resistant to fading, maintaining their vibrancy over time.
- Consistent quality: Embroidery typically provides a consistent, high-quality finish across different items.
- Exceptional durability & longevity: Embroidered designs are incredibly robust and long-lasting. The thread is stitched directly into the fabric, making it highly resistant to fading, peeling, or cracking, often outlasting the garment itself. It holds up very well to frequent washing and heavy wear.
- Suitable for heavy fabrics: Embroidery works particularly well on thicker, more durable fabrics, which can easily withstand the stitching process.
- Texture & depth: The raised stitching adds a tactile element and depth to the design, making logos and designs stand out.
The above is just a snapshot of the different benefits of screen-printing vs embroidery, so let’s take a deeper dive into their differences to help you decide which method is best for your project.
Embroidery vs screen printing cost
When deciding between the two methods, cost and quality are key factors. Generally, screen-printing is cheaper than embroidery. However, this depends on your project requirements, order size, and colours. If you’re looking for a more premium look for a small number of T-shirts, embroidery is the better option.
How much does screen-printing cost?
Screen-printing is cost-effective, time-efficient, and a great way of customising larger order quantities while ensuring impeccable quality and results. We can print up to 700 T-shirts per hour, so screen-printing is the ideal choice for bulk buying or one-off events, as well as suiting all clothing and T-shirt type customisation needs.
However, it’s important to note that each colour is applied individually during screen-printing. We can print up to 10 colours per T-shirt. The more colours in your design, the more expensive screen-printing can be.
Here’s a breakdown of the starting cost of screen-printing to help you find the right price for your project.
| Number of colours in design (All Prices are Ex VAT) | ||||||||
| T-shirt quantity | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 25 – 49 | £3.30 | £4.30 | £5.30 | £6.30 | £7.30 | x | x | x |
| 50 – 74 | £2.95 | £3.65 | £4.30 | £4.95 | £5.65 | £6.30 | £7.00 | £7.65 |
| 75 – 99 | £2.30 | £2.80 | £3.40 | £3.90 | £4.60 | £5.10 | £5.60 | £6.15 |
| 100 – 199 | £1.45 | £1.80 | £2.20 | £2.55 | £2.90 | £3.30 | £3.65 | £4.00 |
| 200 – 299 | £1.30 | £1.65 | £2.05 | £2.40 | £2.75 | £3.15 | £3.50 | £3.85 |
| 300 – 499 | £1.15 | £1.50 | £1.85 | £2.25 | £2.60 | £2.85 | £3.35 | £3.70 |
| 500 – 749 | £1.00 | £1.35 | £1.75 | £2.10 | £2.45 | £2.70 | £3.20 | £3.55 |
| 750 – 999 | 90p | £1.15 | £1.45 | £1.75 | £2.05 | £2.45 | £2.60 | £2.90 |
| 1000 – 1499 | 70p | 95p | £1.15 | £1.35 | £1.60 | £1.80 | £2.05 | £2.25 |
| 1500 – 1999 | 65p | 80p | 95p | £1.10 | £1.25 | £1.35 | £1.50 | £1.65 |
| 2000 – 2499 | 60p | 70p | 90p | £1.05 | £1.25 | £1.30 | £1.45 | £1.60 |
| 2500 – 3000 | 50p | 65p | 80p | 95p | £1.10 | £1.20 | £1.35 | £1.50 |
| 3000 + | Call us | |||||||
How much does custom embroidery cost?
Because of the intricate nature of embroidery customisation, it is more expensive than screen-printing. But if you’re looking to order and customise a small number of T-shirts, create small intricate designs or logos or want a long-lasting finish, embroidery is more cost-effective than screen-printing.
Here is a breakdown of our starting embroidery costs to help you find the best prices for you.
| Embroidery prices starting from (All Prices Are Ex VAT) | ||
| Quantity | Breast application | Large application |
| 8-16 | £6.05 | £12.10 |
| 17-24 | £4.85 | £9.70 |
| 25-48 | £3.95 | £7.95 |
| 49-72 | £3.65 | £7.30 |
| 73-104 | £3.30 | £6.65 |
| 105-200 | £3.00 | £6.00 |
| 200+ | Call us | |
What is the best T-shirt material for printing & embroidery?
The material and finish you want to create will also help you decide between the two. Different printing methods are better suited for different T-shirt materials. Below, we discuss which T-shirt materials suit which customisation method.
What materials can you screen print on?
If you want to print on 100% cotton T-shirts, screen-printing is the best option because high-cotton-density garments absorb moisture easily, allowing the ink to stick to the fabric well and preventing the ink from bleeding. However, polycotton blend T-shirts can also deliver quality results.
What fabric is best for embroidery?
Custom embroidery is best for high-density cotton items, as thicker fabrics can better withstand the tension of the stitching and won’t break down or become damaged after embroidery. Therefore, if you want to embroider T-shirts, we recommend choosing a cotton T-shirt with a high-density stitch or a weight measured in grams per square meter (gsm).
We recommend a mid to heavyweight T-shirt for embroidery. Anything above 180 gsm is the ideal range for embroidery. T-shirts in this weight class are thick, durable, and provide a stable base for the stitches. A heavier fabric prevents the T-shirt from puckering, stretching, or distorting under the tension of the embroidery thread. The result is a clean, professional-looking design that will hold up well over time and with repeated washing.
While not as ideal as a heavier weight, anything between 160-180gsm is acceptable for T-shirt embroidery. This midweight range can still work for embroidery, especially for smaller, less dense designs. Browse our recommended densities below.
Alternatively, if you want a guaranteed flawless finish, still with a T-shirt look, polo T-shirts are an excellent, versatile garment choice for custom embroidery, as their durable construction can withstand the embroidery process without damaging the garment.
If you’re looking to create professional-looking workwear or smart casual clothing, consider embroidered polo shirts as they are ideal for achieving a bespoke, professional finish that you will be proud to show off at work or events.
Is screen-printing durable vs embroidery?
Another major factor you need to consider before deciding between screen-printing and embroidery is how often the garment will be worn and the desired durability of the design.
Screen-printing durability
Screen-printing is a durable T-shirt customisation method, and compared to other printing methods, it’s considered one of the most durable.
Screen-printing applies a thick layer of ink, making the design highly resistant to fading and cracking, even after many washes. The garment is cured using heat to bind the ink directly to the fabric fibres. The ink becomes part of the fabric to ensure there’s no “peel-off”. It’s also resistant to scuffs, scrapes and sunlight, preventing any fading.
However, for the best results, you need to ensure that the ink is of high quality and you’re using the correct T-shirt fabric weight, as we do at BuyTshirtsOnline. In addition, larger designs tend to have less flexibility than smaller ones, so they tend not to last as long. Proper care and maintenance will also help elongate the lifespan of your screen-printed T-shirt. Washing them inside out, using cold water, avoiding harsh chemicals, using the tumble dryer and ironing directly over the print are all ways to help extend the durability of your screen-printed T-shirt.
Embroidery durability
If you’re looking for T-shirt customisation that is even more durable than screen-printing, embroidery is the answer. T-shirt embroidery is exceptionally durable. It is often considered the most durable method for customising apparel. Many experts and manufacturers say that a properly embroidered design will outlast the T-shirt itself.
Embroidery is more durable than screen-printing because it uses tough, high-quality thread that is stitched directly into the fabric. Unlike inks that can fade or crack with age, the thread itself is colourfast and highly resistant to wear and tear, sunlight, frequent washing and tumble drying. The thread is woven through the fabric, creating a strong, permanent bond, meaning it won’t peel, flake, or wash off over time, which can sometimes happen with certain types of prints. Because of this, embroidery is ideal for work uniforms, sports team apparel, or everyday T-shirts that are worn and washed often.
As previously mentioned, to ensure your embroidered T-shirt lasts as long as it should, choose a heavyweight cotton T-shirt to hold the stitches and prevent puckering or distorting.
Also, while embroidery is durable, a very dense or large design on a lightweight fabric can feel stiff and may even cause the T-shirt to sag. For the best durability and comfort, simpler, smaller designs often work best on T-shirts.
To ensure the maximum lifespan of your embroidered T-shirt, follow proper care instructions. It’s often recommended to wash the garment inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid ironing directly on the embroidered area.
Screen print vs embroidery: Which is better?
Embroidery and screen printing both offer high-quality results. However, these two types of T-shirt customisation methods each have pros and cons, making the best one dependent on your project requirements. Here is a comprehensive way to view all the pros and cons side-by-side to help you choose the best option.
| Feature | Screen-Printing (Advantages) | Screen Printing (Disadvantages) | Embroidery (Advantages) | Embroidery (Disadvantages) |
| Cost | Cost-effective for large bulk orders | Higher upfront setup cost for screens | Cost per item is relatively consistent | Can be more expensive for small orders or complex designs |
| Appearance | Vibrant, bold, and opaque colours | Can have a “stiff” or “plastic” feel on some fabrics | Premium, professional, and textured look | Can lose detail on very small text or intricate designs |
| Durability | Highly durable, resistant to fading and cracking | Can crack or peel with improper care | Extremely durable, long-lasting, and resistant to fading | The stitching can sag or stretch, and pucker fabric if a lightweight fabric is used |
| Feel | Lightweight feel | Less ideal for very soft or thin materials | Raised, tactile, and three-dimensional | Can feel heavy or stiff on light fabrics |
| Complexity | Excels with solid colours and bold designs | Challenging to create intricate gradients or photographic details | Great for logos, text, and clean lines | Can be difficult to replicate very fine details or small text |
| Material | Versatile, works well on a wide range of materials | Best on flat surfaces | Excellent for thicker, more durable materials | Not ideal for very thin, delicate, or stretchy fabrics |
| Production | Fast production for large quantities | Slower for small, one-off orders | Slower production time per item results in a professional finish | Time-consuming for large or complex designs |
| Versatility | Can use speciality inks like glitter or glow-in-the-dark | Limited to flat surfaces and specific ink types | A wide range of colours can be used per design | Limited to what can be stitched (e.g., cannot do photographic images) |
In summary, embroidery is renowned as the most durable type of T-shirt customisation, creating custom designs that can withstand multiple washes without fading or losing shape. It also adds extra professionalism to your clothing, making it a popular option for customising workwear or school uniforms. With this in mind, if durability and professionalism are important to your project, embroidery is the best type of T-shirt customisation.
Screen-printing is the perfect T-shirt printing method for those looking to customise a large design. However, it does sometimes struggle applying intricate designs, such as transferring photographic images or artwork to a clothing item, as the silk screen printing machine requires the usage of more colours to capture every detail. For cheap bulk orders with larger designs for a range of applications, screen-printing is a perfect choice.
Discover Screen Printing and Custom Embroidery at BuyTshirtsOnline
At BuyTshirtsOnline, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art embroidery and screen-printing for all your custom T-shirt projects. With over a decade of T-shirt printing experience and a passion for creating premium custom clothing, we combine the latest technologies with precision and skill, helping you create unique T-shirt designs that stand out.
We stock an impressive range of industry-leading T-shirt brands like Fruit of the Loom, Gildan and Stanley/Stella, so we’re confident you’ll find a style to suit you!
Shop our complete T-shirt collection today and transform your design ideas into bespoke, custom garments with screen printing and embroidery services at BuyTshirtsOnline. Simply fill in our quotation form to get started!
Related Articles:
Comments are closed here.