Screen Printing vs Embroidery

When it comes to apparel decoration there are two main directions our clients typically go. Each has its pros and cons.

Screen Printing - decorating an item by printing in ink, one color at a time, through a tight silk mesh.

Set Up: The creation of the screens typically runs $20 per color. For larger quantity orders, these charges are dropped.

Cost: Based on number of colors in the design. Printing on dark colors is more expensive because it requires a white base coat. For simple designs or high quantity orders, screen printing is much more affordable than embroidery.

Pros / Cons: Screen printing is affordable and looks sharp on t-shirts however it typically doesn't provide the desired effect when placed on polo shirts, jackets, and hats. Pricing is not based on the size of the design, only the # of colors in it. This allows for large impact at a great price.


Embroidery - decorating an item by sewing a design into it using colored thread.

Set Up: Each design must be digitized to determine the stitch count. This process is a 1 time fee and typically runs $12 per 1000 stitches of embroidery.

Cost: Based on the number of stitches in the design. Design can be multicolored at no additional cost.

Pros / Cons: Embroidery gives a higher end/corporate look to golf polo shirts, hats, jackets, ect. Fine details and small fonts may lose their resolution. Because the cost is determined by the # of stitches, the larger designs are going to be more expensive.


Still not sure which imprint method is best for your project? Give us a call and let us work our magic!