You’ve got a company apparel order to place, and somewhere along the way someone asks the question that stalls the whole thing: should it be embroidered or screen printed? It sounds like a small detail. It’s actually the decision that shapes how your logo looks, how long it lasts, and what the order costs.
The good news is the answer is usually clear once you know the trade-offs. This guide breaks down the difference between embroidery and screen printing, when to use each for company apparel, and how to decide for your specific order. At Branded Screen Printing & Embroidery we do both in-house every day, so we’re not steering you toward one or the other — we just want your logo on the right product.
What’s the difference between embroidery and screen printing?
The short version: embroidery stitches your logo into the fabric with thread, and screen printing lays your design onto the fabric with ink.
That one difference drives everything else. Thread gives you a raised, textured, premium look that holds up for years. Ink gives you a flat, smooth print that can reproduce large, colorful artwork affordably at volume. Neither is “better” — they’re built for different jobs.
When should you choose embroidery for company apparel?
Custom embroidery is the right call when you want your logo to look sharp and last. Reach for it when you’re ordering:
- Polos, button-downs, and jackets — embroidery reads as professional and premium, which is why it’s the standard for staff uniforms.
- Hats and beanies — headwear is almost always embroidered; ink doesn’t hold up on structured caps.
- Bags, quarter-zips, and outerwear — thicker items take a stitched logo beautifully.
- Anything worn repeatedly — embroidery won’t crack, fade, or peel, so it stays looking good wash after wash.
Embroidery also works well for smaller quantities. If you need a dozen embroidered polos for your management team, that’s a normal order, not a problem.
When should you choose screen printing for company apparel?
Screen printing shines when you’re printing bold designs on softer garments at higher volume. Choose it for:
- T-shirts and hoodies — the classic screen-print canvas, whether for staff, events, or giveaways.
- Large designs — a big front or back graphic that would take a huge (and expensive) stitch count to embroider.
- Full-color artwork — gradients, photographic elements, and detailed illustrations print far better than they stitch.
- High-volume orders — the more shirts you print, the lower the per-piece cost, which makes screen printing the value choice for big runs.
If you’re outfitting 200 people for a company 5K or handing out tees at a conference, screen printing is almost always the way to go.
Embroidery vs. screen printing: a quick comparison
Here’s how the two stack up on the things that actually matter for a company order:
- Durability: Embroidery is the more durable of the two — stitched thread outlasts printed ink over years of wear and washing.
- Best garments: Embroidery for polos, jackets, and hats; screen printing for t-shirts and hoodies.
- Best for artwork: Embroidery for clean, bold logos; screen printing for large or full-color designs.
- Look and feel: Embroidery is raised and textured; screen printing is flat and smooth.
- Small orders: Embroidery handles low quantities comfortably; screen printing is happiest at volume.
- Cost at high volume: Screen printing usually wins on price for large t-shirt runs; embroidery holds its value on premium pieces.
Which one costs less?
It depends on what you’re ordering, so there’s no single answer — but here’s the logic. Embroidery pricing is driven mainly by stitch count (how big and detailed your logo is), while screen printing pricing is driven by the number of ink colors and the quantity. That’s why a simple logo on 500 t-shirts is very cost-effective to screen print, while the same logo on 24 polos is a natural fit for embroidery.
For a full breakdown of what moves the price, see our guide on how much custom embroidery costs. And whenever you want a real number, the fastest path is to get a quick quote — send your logo, garment, and quantity and you’ll get pricing back quickly.
Can you use both on the same order?
Yes, and plenty of companies do. A common setup is embroidered polos and hats for the team’s everyday uniform, plus screen-printed tees for the company event or giveaway. Because we run both in-house, you can do it all in one order and one conversation instead of juggling two vendors. If you’re planning a full apparel program, this is often the smartest mix.
How to decide for your order
Run through these quick questions:
- What garment is it going on? Hats, polos, and jackets lean embroidery. T-shirts and hoodies lean screen printing.
- How big and colorful is the design? A clean logo suits embroidery; a large or full-color graphic suits screen printing.
- How many are you ordering? Small runs favor embroidery; large runs favor screen printing.
- How will it be worn? Everyday uniforms benefit from embroidery’s durability; one-time event shirts are perfect for screen printing.
Still not sure? Tell us the garment, the artwork, and the quantity, and we’ll recommend the best fit — it’s what we do all day.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, embroidery or screen printing?
Embroidery. Stitched thread doesn’t crack, peel, or fade the way ink can over time, which is why it’s preferred for uniforms worn week after week.
Which is better for hats?
Embroidery. Structured caps are almost always embroidered; screen printing doesn’t hold up well on headwear.
Which is better for t-shirts?
Screen printing, in most cases — especially for larger designs, full color, or higher quantities.
Is embroidery more expensive than screen printing?
It depends on the garment, design, and quantity. Embroidery cost is driven by stitch count; screen printing by ink colors and volume. For big t-shirt runs, screen printing is usually more cost-effective; for hats and polos, embroidery is the natural choice.
Can you embroider and screen print the same order?
Yes. We do both in-house, so you can mix embroidered polos and hats with screen-printed tees in a single order.
How fast can I get my order?
Most orders are completed in typically 5–7 business days after proof approval, with rush service available if you’re on a deadline.
TL;DR: embroidery vs. screen printing
- Embroidery (thread): best for polos, jackets, hats, uniforms, and premium, long-lasting logos. Great for small orders.
- Screen printing (ink): best for t-shirts, hoodies, large or full-color designs, and high-volume runs.
- Durability: embroidery outlasts screen printing over time.
- Cost: embroidery is priced by stitch count; screen printing by ink colors and quantity. Big tee runs favor screen printing; hats and polos favor embroidery.
- You can combine both in one order — embroidered uniforms plus screen-printed event tees.
Not sure which way to go for your company apparel? Send us the details and we’ll point you to the right method. Get a quick quote from Branded Screen Printing & Embroidery, call (800) 757-5646, or email info@brandedscreenprinting.com.
Branded Screen Printing & Embroidery has helped businesses, teams, and schools with custom apparel since 2009 — both embroidery and screen printing, in-house, with fast turnaround and free online stores for teams.