Guides
Screen printing or embroidery – which is better for team clothing with a logo?
In short
Embroidery looks robust and lasts a long time, and is especially suited to polo shirts and jackets with a small logo. Printing is the more economical choice for large-area designs or many colours. Which method fits depends on the type of logo, the garment and the look you want.
What is screen printing?
In screen printing, ink is pressed through a fine-mesh screen directly onto the garment. A separate screen is needed for every colour in the design. The method delivers bold, opaque colours and is especially economical for large runs. Logos with a few solid colours and clearly defined areas work well. Very fine details or colour gradients are harder to achieve with classic screen printing than with other methods.
What is textile embroidery?
In embroidery, the design is stitched into the garment with thread. This gives a three-dimensional, durable look that survives many washes. Embroidery looks high-quality and refined, especially on polo shirts, softshell jackets and caps. Small logos with clear outlines are best suited to embroidery. For very large or intricate designs, effort and price go up.
When is printing the better choice?
Printing is the usual solution for T-shirts and sweatshirts with large back designs. If the logo has many colours, gradients or fine details, printing often gives better results than embroidery. For events, summer campaigns or team clothing with changing designs, printing is flexible and fast.
What decides the choice?
Logo size, quantity and garment type are the three most important factors. A small company logo on a polo chest embroiders well. A back design with a company slogan and several colours looks better printed. At Macherkleidung.de you can have your chest logo either printed or embroidered – the back design is always included.
At a glance
| Feature | Embroidery | Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Three-dimensional, refined | Flat, rich in colour |
| Durability when washed | Very high | Good to very good |
| Suitability for large areas | Limited | Very good |
| Suitability for small logos | Very good | Good |
| Typical garments | Polo, jacket, cap | T-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt |
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine embroidery and printing in one order?
At Macherkleidung.de you can choose between printing and embroidery for the chest logo. The back design is always included as a print. An embroidered chest with a printed back is a common standard for many trade businesses and service providers.
Which method lasts longer with frequent washing?
Embroidery is particularly wash-resistant because the thread is firmly stitched into the garment. High-quality printing methods also last many years with proper care. In every case, it is essential to follow the care label and to wash printed clothing inside out.
Is embroidery worthwhile on simple T-shirts too?
In principle, embroidery on T-shirts is possible, but the balance between effort and look is less often right than on polo shirts or jackets. Very light jersey fabrics can be distorted by the embroidery machine. For T-shirts, a high-quality print is usually the better choice.
