Table of Contents

• What is Screen Printing? 
• What is Embroidery? 
• Everything You Should Consider
• Design
• Budget
• Timeline
• Fabric
• Durability
• Which is Best for Your Custom Apparel?
• Design High-Quality Custom Apparel with Bell Printing

Custom apparel is a great way to create merchandise that stands out from everyone else’s. From designing shirts for an upcoming family reunion to creating accessories for your brand or store, it lets you showcase your unique style and make a lasting impression. When designing custom apparel, you may find yourself stuck between screen printing and embroidery.

Each offers a great way to bring your designs to life, but which is best for achieving the results you’re looking for? Whether you’re outfitting a team, promoting a brand, or designing merchandise, understanding the difference between these techniques is essential to making the best choice.

In this blog, we’ll break down how each method works and everything you should consider before making the investment in your custom apparel. 

What is Screen Printing? 

Screen printing is a popular way to apply a design to fabric. This method uses a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee. Each color in your design requires a separate screen, allowing for vibrant, multi-colored prints. The ink is pushed through the mesh onto the fabric, creating bold, durable images that withstand washing and wear well.

Screen printing works best on cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, making it ideal for t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. It enables precise and consistent designs, making it cost-effective for bulk orders. While it may not be suitable for extremely detailed images or small runs, its versatility, long-lasting quality, and ability to produce vivid, opaque colors make it a top choice for many custom apparel projects.

What is Embroidery? 

Embroidery is a method of decorating fabric with thread to create a design that is stitched directly into the fabric. This process is performed either manually or through computerized machines. When completed, it produces a textured, three-dimensional effect that adds elegance and professionalism to all apparel. 

It’s commonly used on hats, jackets, polos, and uniforms, as the stitched designs are highly durable and resist fading or peeling. Embroidery is well-suited for logos, monograms, or any design that requires a premium look. While it’s more expensive per piece than screen printing and less suitable for highly detailed or large designs, it provides a classic, long-lasting finish that elevates the perception of any garment.

Everything You Should Consider

Before you take the leap and invest in custom apparel, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. These include: 

Design

As you begin creating the design for your custom apparel, you will quickly be able to determine whether embroidery is a reliable option. While it gives your custom apparel a more elevated look, it may not be a great option for more complex designs. If you are designing a logo or creating apparel that features multiple bright colors, gradients, or intricate details, screen printing is the best option. 

Budget

When investing in custom apparel, it is essential to consider your budget before choosing between these two options. Because embroidery is far more intricate and time-consuming, it can be more expensive than if you invested in screen printing. If you are working on a limited budget but still want your apparel to look its best, you might want to consider screen printing. 

Timeline

If you are in a rush to get new products out, whether for an upcoming work event, team pictures, or a family reunion, you may not have the time to wait for shirts or hats to be embroidered. In that case, you may want to consider whether screen printing is best for your custom apparel. Small batches of custom screen-printed clothing, such as t-shirts or sweatshirts, can be completed in 3 to 5 days, while larger orders typically take 7 to 10 days to finish. 

Fabric

Not all fabrics will react similarly when going through embroidery or screen printing. If you’re purchasing thinner materials, such as cotton, screen printing may be a better option, as it won’t bunch or pucker when the design is complete. Conversely, thicker materials, like those used to make hats or polos, perform well when embroidered. To avoid the fabric reacting poorly, it is best to select an option that complements your chosen fabric. 

Durability

While both options are designed to last, embroidery is often the far more durable choice. Not only will it not fade over the years, but it can also withstand regular wear and washing, ensuring your custom apparel looks great for years to come. In some cases, screen-printed apparel may begin to crack or peel away from the fabric over time, which may not be quite what you have in mind when investing in custom items. 

Which is Best for Your Custom Apparel?

Ultimately, choosing between screen printing and embroidery for your custom apparel depends on your design, fabric, and budget. Screen printing is the ideal option for creating bold, colorful designs, producing large runs, and working with lightweight fabrics. It offers vibrant results at a lower price per item, which also makes it a great option for smaller businesses, individuals, or families who want custom items. 

Embroidery, on the other hand, offers a premium, textured finish that is well-suited for logos, professional apparel, and thicker materials. If your goal is long-lasting elegance and a high-end appearance, embroidery is the ideal choice. For complex, colorful artwork or large bulk orders, screen printing may be a better option.

If you’re undecided about which option is best for your upcoming project, it’s best to consult a trusted printing company for guidance. They can assess your design, talk to you about your budget, and recommend suitable apparel materials to ensure your design looks its best and lasts for years to come. 

Design High-Quality Custom Apparel with Bell Printing

Whether you love the vibrancy of screen-printed designs or the luxury that comes with embroidered apparel, our team at Bell Printing is here to help you create high-end custom apparel. From shirts and totes to hats, polos, and so much more, our team is committed to delivering exceptional results every time. 

If you would like to learn more about our screen printing and embroidery services, don’t hesitate to contact us.