It is the question we get asked more than any other. You have a logo, you want it on your team's workwear, and you are not sure whether to have it stitched or printed. Both are good. They just suit different jobs.
We do both in our own workshop in Elford, near Tamworth, so we have no reason to push you one way. Here is how we decide.
When embroidery is the better choice
Embroidery is your logo stitched into the fabric with thread. It looks smart, it feels like a quality finish, and it lasts as long as the garment does. It will not crack, peel or fade in the wash.
It suits polos, fleeces, softshell jackets, gilets, caps and beanies. These are the garments people wear day in, day out, and they need to look tidy in front of customers. Most trades and office teams go for an embroidered left chest logo on a polo or a fleece.
Embroidery works best on logos that are not too fine. Very small text, thin lines and gradients do not stitch well. If your logo has a lot of detail, we will tell you before you order and suggest a simpler version for the stitch.
When print is the better choice
Print is better for big designs, fine detail and lots of colours. Photos, gradients and small text all come out sharp. It is also lighter on the garment, so it suits t-shirts and hoodies where a large stitched logo would feel heavy and stiff.
Print is the usual choice for event shirts, staff t-shirts, large back logos and anything with a lot going on in the design.
What it costs
Embroidery is £4.95 a logo on the left chest and £7.50 for a large back. There is a one off £15 setup to turn your logo into a stitch file, and we keep that file for every order after, so you only ever pay it once. It is free on our team bundles.
Print starts at £3.95 a logo. As a guide, our most popular polo starts at £11.75 with a printed chest logo, or £12.75 embroidered. So for a polo the difference is small, and most people pick the finish they prefer.
Can you mix them?
Yes, and plenty of our customers do. A common setup is an embroidered logo on polos and jackets for everyday wear, with printed t-shirts for summer or for events. Your logo looks the same across both.
Still not sure?
Send us your logo and tell us what you want it on. We will send back a free visual and tell you which finish will look best, usually within one working day. There is no minimum order, so you can start with a few and add more later.
If you are local to Tamworth, Lichfield or Burton, you are welcome to book a visit and see both finishes on real garments in our showroom.
Send us your logo for a free visual, call 07564 868640 or email orders@elitethreadco.com.