Screen Printing vs Embroidery: How to Choose the Right Method

As experienced garment decorators, we’re often tasked with deciding which decoration method is best suited for a particular project.

Screen printing and embroidery are two of the most established methods of decorating apparel. Both offer excellent durability and professional results, but understanding their differences can help determine which process is right for the job.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between the two.

Screen printing: big designs and bigger runs

Screen printing is generally faster and more cost effective for larger quantities. It also offers greater flexibility when it comes to design size, making it ideal for large graphics on T shirts, hoodies, and other apparel.

Embroidery: durable and polished

Embroidery, on the other hand, offers exceptional durability, allows multiple thread colors without requiring separate screens, and is particularly well suited for smaller logos and professional apparel.

A quick example

For example, a large, colorful design across the back of a T shirt is usually better suited for screen printing, while a small company logo on the chest of a polo is often better suited for embroidery.

The craft behind both

Experienced screen printers understand that mesh selection, ink formulation, proper curing, and garment composition all contribute to the quality and longevity of a finished print. (Curious how specialty inks fit in? Read our take on screen printing vs heat press special effects, or learn the basics hands on at Print School.)

Likewise, successful embroidery requires more than simply loading a design into a machine. Proper digitizing, stabilizer selection, thread tension, and an understanding of how different fabrics respond to stitching are essential to producing quality results.

So which one is better?

Ultimately, neither method is inherently better. The right choice depends on the customer’s preferences, the garment being decorated, the design itself, and the decorator’s experience and understanding of both processes.

At Rhodes Printing, our experience with both screen printing and embroidery allows us to recommend the method that best suits each customer’s needs. Have a project in mind? Tell us about it, check out our current deals, or see how our team package works for groups.