When it comes to getting your brand on clothing you’ll often be faced with the choice of embroidery or print. But which is best and ideal for you? At Recognition Express, we’ll always give you unbiased advice as to what might be the most suitable, and in this blog, we’ll take you through some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Embroidery is a precise process that involves stitching intricate designs onto fabric using specialised embroidery machines. This time-honoured technique has long been associated with a premium, professional appearance, making it a popular choice for corporate clothing and both formal and casual wear.
Durability and longevity: Embroidered designs are renowned for their exceptional durability, withstanding the rigours of frequent washing, commercial laundering, and even industrial environments. The sturdy polyester threads used ensure that your branding remains vibrant and clear typically for the life of the garment.
Professional appearance: Embroidered logos and designs convey a sense of quality making them a popular choice for corporate clothing. This visual appeal can help elevate your brand’s image and establish a strong, professional presence.
Versatility in fabric selection: Embroidery can be applied to a wide range of fabrics and garments, from cotton to polyester through to fleeces and headwear.
Challenges with gradient colours and small text: Embroidery excels at reproducing sharp, distinct colours and bold designs, but it can struggle with intricate colour gradients and small text. The distinct nature of embroidery threads makes it more challenging to achieve seamless colour transitions or capture really fine details.
Unsuitability for waterproof garments: The stitching process involved in embroidery can compromise the waterproof properties of certain fabrics, making it less suitable for items such as weatherproof jackets or high-visibility workwear. In these instances printing can be a more suitable option. However, when embroidery is preferred, we can apply waterproof linings to overcome this issue.
Exploring the versatility of printing
Historically printing of garments was carried out using screen printing. This is a printing technique that involves transferring ink directly onto the fabric through a mesh screen. This method offers a diverse range of design possibilities, from vibrant full-colour graphics to detailed text and intricate patterns.
The screen printing process begins by creating a stencil or “screen” for each colour in the design. The screens are then placed on the garment, and ink is pushed through the mesh using a squeegee, transferring the desired image onto the fabric. After the printing, the garments undergo a curing process to ensure the ink’s durability and longevity.
Nowadays the technology has dramatically changed and improved and we can now print direct onto garments in small volumes, or can apply printed graphics during direct-to-film, vinyl or screen-printed transfers.
Versatility in design complexity: Printing excels at reproducing detailed, complex designs, including gradients, photorealistic artwork, and intricate graphics. This makes it an excellent choice for bold, eye-catching branding on garments such as t-shirts or hoodies.
Cost-effectiveness for large orders: Screen printing becomes increasingly cost-effective as the order quantity increases. The setup cost for creating the screens is spread across multiple units, making it a budget-friendly option for large-scale projects.
Suitability for diverse fabrics: Unlike embroidery, screen printing can be applied to a wide range of fabrics, including delicate materials like rayon, nylon, and lightweight polyester. This versatility allows for greater flexibility in your clothing selections.
Vibrant and long-lasting prints: Today printed graphics last well and will still look good in years to come. How you handle and wash the clothing is important, and you should always follow the washing instructions to get the best out of your garments.
Fabric limitations: While printing is versatile, it may not be the optimal choice for certain fabric types, such as thick, fuzzy, or highly textured materials. These fabrics can pose challenges in achieving a clean, consistent print. For example, we can’t print on fleeces due to the fabric’s surface texture.
Potential for fading: Depending on the quality of the ink and the care instructions, printed designs may be more susceptible to fading over time compared to embroidered elements. Proper maintenance and adhering to washing instructions are crucial to preserve the longevity of screen-printed items.
When deciding between embroidery and printing we take into account the following factors to ensure the best outcome for your branding needs.
For designs with intricate details, gradients, or photorealistic elements, printing often shines. The printing process allows for a greater level of design complexity and the ability to reproduce a wider range of colours and colour blends.
Embroidery, on the other hand, excels at bold, distinct designs with sharp, defined colours. While it can handle some level of detail, it may struggle with highly intricate artwork or subtle colour transitions.
In some cases, a hybrid approach that incorporates both embroidery and printing can be the optimal solution. By combining the strengths of each technique, you can create a cohesive and visually compelling branding strategy with your clothing.
Recognition Express – the preferred partner for your customisation needs
Regardless of whether you choose embroidery or printing, partnering with a reputable and experienced company like Recognition Express Derby & North Leicestershire is essential. Delivering the best solution for our customers is always our focus and we can offer the following:
At the end of the day, the team at Recognition Express will provide you with the best solution for your branded clothing. We want to make sure you’re happy with your garments and we’ll use our years of experience to guide you in the right direction. If you would like any advice on any aspect of branded clothing, please feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be delighted to help.
