When you put your logo on workwear, you will usually choose between embroidery and print. Neither is simply "better" — the right method depends on the garment, the design, the quantity and how hard the kit will be worn. Here is how they compare.
Embroidery — premium and hard-wearing
Embroidery stitches your logo directly into the fabric. It looks smart and professional, adds a sense of quality, and stands up to repeated industrial washing better than almost any print. It is the natural choice for polo shirts, fleeces, softshells and jackets, and for left-breast logos.
- Best for: polos, fleeces, softshells, jackets, beanies; smaller logos.
- Strengths: durability, premium feel, no fading.
- Watch-outs: priced by stitch count, so large or highly detailed designs cost more; not ideal for very thin fabrics or fine photographic detail.
Print — bold, colourful and great at volume
Printing applies the design to the surface of the garment — by screen printing, heat transfer or direct-to-film. It handles large designs, bright colours and gradients that embroidery cannot, and becomes very economical at higher volumes. It is the usual choice for t-shirts, big back prints and high-volume campaigns.
- Best for: t-shirts, large prints, multi-colour or detailed artwork, big quantities.
- Strengths: cost-effective at volume, vivid colour, large coverage.
- Watch-outs: surface prints can crack or fade over years of heavy washing if low quality; method matters.
A note on hi-vis
Branding certified hi-vis needs care: decoration must not cover so much of the garment that it drops below its EN ISO 20471 class. We use compliant heat-applied transfers and placement that keeps your hi-vis legal while still carrying your logo.
Quick recommendation
- Branding polos, fleeces or jackets for staff who wear them daily — embroidery.
- A bold, colourful or large design, or a big run of t-shirts — print.
- A full uniform mixing garments — often both, matched across the kit.
Not sure which suits your kit? Send us your logo and the garments you have in mind and we will advise.