So you need custom apparel. Shirts, hats, hoodies—maybe for your team, your brand, your event, your whatever. Great. But now you’re stuck. Screen printing or embroidery? Two methods. Two very different outcomes. And somehow, choosing between them feels like a pop quiz no one prepared you for. Let’s fix that.
If you’re working with a screen printing embroidery company, you already know the power of pro gear and quality work. But even the best company can’t choose for you. You need to know the difference—the real difference. The “why one and not the other” kind of difference. Let’s break it down.
Screen printing is ink. Laid flat. Pushed through mesh screens. Dried, sealed, vivid. You want bold? You want color? This is your method.
Embroidery is thread. Raised. Textured. It doesn’t just sit on the fabric—it becomes part of it. Think logos that pop off a polo or a stitched design on a dad hat that feels a little luxe.
So right off the bat, you're choosing between something that’s printed on and something that’s stitched in. Already, the vibe is different.
Embroidery is a beast. Wash it, dry it, abuse it—it doesn’t flinch. Because thread doesn’t peel. It doesn’t fade. It ages like denim.
Screen printing? It’s not fragile, but let’s be honest: it’s a little more high-maintenance. Cheap prints will crack. Cheap ink will fade. A good screen printing embroidery company will know how to do it right—but still, embroidery holds the crown when it comes to endurance.
Tiny text? Gradient color? Hyper-detailed illustration of a fire-breathing squirrel riding a skateboard? Screen printing.
Embroidery can’t do that. It’s limited by thread and tension and gravity. You want clean lines, yes. But you can’t expect miracles.
However—if your design is bold, iconic, or just a logo that needs to scream professional—embroidery’s got your back.
Heavy garments love embroidery. Hoodies, jackets, canvas bags—they hold the weight and texture like champs.
Screen printing? More flexible. Lightweight cotton tees? No problem. Dri-fit performance wear? Easy. Want a full-chest design on a buttery-soft shirt? Screen printing is your friend.
Try embroidering that same lightweight tee and you’ll get puckering, pulling, weird lumps. Not cute.
Screen printing is a volume game. The more you print, the cheaper it gets. One screen, hundreds of prints. Efficiency wins.
Embroidery pricing? It’s based on stitch count. Intricate = expensive. Big = expensive. Small, clean logo? More reasonable. But don’t expect embroidery to ever be your budget-friendly option. It’s premium for a reason.
Embroidery gives off a timeless, established, buttoned-up energy. Think embroidered chest logos on crisp polos at trade shows or hospitality uniforms that mean business.
Screen printing? Way more versatile. Way more expressive. Concert tees, gym merch, start-up gear—it’s your branding playground.
In short: embroidery whispers “legacy.” Screen printing shouts “let’s go.”
Find a screen printing embroidery company that does both. A good one will walk you through the options, the fabrics, the designs—without the fluff.
Ask questions. Hold samples. Feel the difference. Because this isn’t just about logos. It’s about identity. And when you get the method right, the message follows.
Want help choosing? Start with a partner who gets the nuance—and delivers the goods. Our team at Four Seasons Screen Printing can help you get the perfect result, whether you opt for our screen printing or embroidery services. Reach out to get started today.
