// // “Embroidery or screen printing?” It’s one of the first questions almost every Perth business asks us, and there’s no single right answer — it depends on your design, your quantity, and what the garment needs to survive. Both methods produce great results, but they’re built for different jobs. Here’s how to pick the right one.
How Each Method Actually Works
- Embroidery stitches your logo directly into the fabric with coloured thread, built up stitch by stitch on a computerised embroidery machine. The result sits slightly raised off the garment.
- Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh screen onto the fabric, one colour at a time. It’s the process behind most bulk t-shirt runs and large graphic designs.
Durability: Which One Lasts Longer?
Embroidery is the more durable option, hands down. Stitched thread doesn’t crack, fade or peel the way a printed design eventually can, and with proper care it comfortably handles 60+ washes — which is exactly why it’s the standard choice for uniforms and workwear that get worn and washed constantly.
Screen printing holds up well too, especially with modern plastisol and water-based inks, but heavy commercial laundering will eventually show some cracking or fading over time. For garments that aren’t washed as often — event shirts, merchandise, one-off runs — this generally isn’t something you’ll notice.
Cost: What Actually Drives the Price?
- Embroidery pricing is driven mainly by stitch count. A small, simple logo (like a left-chest polo logo) is quick and affordable; a large, highly detailed design costs more because it takes longer to stitch.
- Screen printing pricing is driven mainly by colours and quantity. Each colour needs its own screen, so a 1–2 colour design printed across a big order is very cost-effective — the setup cost spreads out nicely once you’re printing in bulk.
As a rough rule of thumb: embroidery wins on small, simple logos in low-to-mid quantities. Screen printing wins on large, colourful designs printed in bulk.
Best Use Cases for Each
- Choose embroidery for: corporate polos, uniforms, caps and headwear, jackets — anything worn regularly and washed often.
- Choose screen printing for: event t-shirts, team merch, promotional giveaways, large back prints, full-colour or photo-style designs.
What About the Garment Itself?
Embroidery needs a stable, structured fabric to stitch into properly — it looks fantastic on polos, jackets, caps and heavier cotton, but can feel stiff or heavy on very lightweight or stretchy fabric. Screen printing sits flat and light on the fabric, which makes it the better choice for soft, lightweight tees where you don’t want any added bulk or texture.
Can You Use Both?
Yes — plenty of our Perth clients do exactly this. It’s common to see embroidered polos or jackets for staff who wear their uniform daily, paired with screen-printed t-shirts for events, trade shows or giveaways. We’re happy to quote a mixed order if that’s what suits your brand best.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, embroidery or screen printing?
It depends on your design and quantity. For a small logo in a low-to-mid quantity, the two methods are often similarly priced. For a large, multi-colour design printed in bulk, screen printing is usually the more cost-effective option.
Which lasts longer in the wash?
Embroidery, generally speaking — especially for garments that get washed commercially or worn daily, like uniforms and workwear.
Can I get the same design in both embroidery and print?
Often, yes. Simple logos translate well to either method. Very detailed or photographic designs with fine gradients don’t embroider well and are better suited to print.
What’s the minimum order?
Our minimum order for embroidery is 10 items. Screen printing minimums vary by design — get in touch and we’ll confirm what works for your order.
Not sure which method is right for your project? Send us your logo and garment details and we’ll give you an honest recommendation — sometimes it really is a toss-up either way. Request a quote and we’ll come back with pricing and options.