For custom t-shirts that make an impact on the audience, you need to get the design right. You can either opt for printed custom t-shirts, or embroidered ones.

Although both are equally attractive, you must choose the one that fulfills your requirements. The choice would depend on a lot of factors. Let’s take a look at them!

Embroidered Or Printed? Here’s How To Choose Between These Equally Attractive Custom T-Shirts!

Before choosing between them, let’s understand how screen printing is different from embroidery…

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is one of the most popular ways of t-shirt printing. It is known so because the process involves the use of a mesh screen. A stencil is made of your design on which the ink is pressed through the screen. There could be more than one mesh screen depending on the number of colours used. If there are four colours on your t-shirt, then there will be four custom mesh screens.

Screen printing is a common process for custom t-shirt printing. It is possible to replicate the design as it is via screen printing because the design is printed on the fabric. Screen printing works best on smooth fabrics because it needs a smooth base for the application of ink. 

What Is Embroidery?

Embroidery is the process of sewing the design on the fabric using special threads. It is one of the oldest ways of fabric decorations. Earlier, the embroidery was done by hand, and even today, in many parts of the world, including India, hand-created embroidery works are popular and much-in-demand.

In custom t-shirt printing though, technology has taken the place of the conventional method. Today, there are sophisticated computerised embroidery machines that do the work faster. The process involves digitising the design, and then the machine stitches the replica on the fabric.

The fabric has to be thick for embroidery designs because often thin fabrics may not be able to hold the threads firmly.

Embroidery Or Screen Printing? Here’s How You Can Choose… 

Here is a look at some factors to help you choose the best type of custom t-shirts that work for your purpose.

1. Colour options

Embroidery printing uses stock threads. Though there may be many different colours available, there is a limit. At times, it may not be possible for you to get the exact shade you want.

With screen printing, there is no limit to the colours you can use. Also, with screen printing, matching with Pantone Colours, becomes easier. If your logo has a rare shade, it is best to go with screen printing. Though embroidery can replicate your design, for accurate matching of colours, screen printing is the way to go.

2. Special effects

Custom t-shirts are no longer black and white or single-coloured outfits as they come in varied and innovative designs. You will find amazing effects on the designs such as glow-in-the-dark, vintage, distressed, pattern, text designs and more. Such t-shirts are also more popular than others. If you want such effects on your custom t-shirts, then screen printing is best. Embroidery may not be able to create such effects on your garment, though some effects may be possible with the help of specific threads. You should check this with your printer.  

3. Fabrics

The type of fabric you choose for your custom t-shirts affects your choice of whether to go with screen printing or embroidery.

If you are printing a t-shirt with a thin fabric, then you should go with screen printing, as embroidery will not sustain on such material. It may start to pucker.

If the fabric is thick as in a hoodie or polo t-shirt, then you can opt for embroidery as they will be able to balance the weight of the embroidery.

4. Designs

If your design has intricate elements, then screen printing alone can bring out the complexity. Since the design is printed as it is, it is possible to bring out the details in the design effectively. Large designs are also best printed with screen printing.

Opt for embroidery if your design or logo is simple but defined and needs only a small area. If you choose embroidery to design a large artwork, then there is a chance of the garment stretching distorting the image. 

5. Budget

You may have a specific budget for custom t-shirt printing and to adhere to it, you need to know what kind of custom t-shirts you need. For example, if you wish to print a large number and you have an intricate artwork, then screen printing can help.

If your order is less and you only need your logo on the t-shirt, then you can opt for embroidery and still stick to your budget.

Different factors affect the cost, be it embroidery or screen printing. In embroidery, the price depends on the quantity and the number of stitches. For example, if the design is a large one, it will need more stitches, then the price may go up. You could have as many colours as it could provide because there is no charge for the colours used.

In screen printing, the price depends mainly on the number of colours. It is so because the printer has to use as many mesh screens as the number of colours. Hence, more colours, more expensive screen printing will be. 

Other factors determining the cost of screen printing are the number of locations and the number of t-shirts you wish to print.

6. Garment suitability

If you are printing custom t-shirt uniforms or polo t-shirts, invest in good quality fabric because they need to last. Also, in such t-shirts, the design will be simple, and hence, embroidery is the best choice. It will also lend a classy and sophisticated look to the outfit. 

If you are printing for certain marketing campaigns or if the fabric is lightweight, then screen printing is ideal. Anyway, in such fabrics, embroidery won’t work. Also, you will have a large order wherein embroidery will also turn to be expensive. With screen printing, it is possible to print a larger order within a reasonable price.

In brief, go for embroidery if you have high-quality fabric, the design is small and classy, and the order is medium.

Screen printing is what you need if the fabric is thin, the order is big, and the design or artwork is large and complex.

Embroidery designs lend a classy look but only if the design isn’t too hefty. So, choose as per your order. Whatever printing option you decide on, ensure you have quality and appealing custom t-shirts. After all, custom t-shirts that are not attractive or wearable cannot be called as custom t-shirts. 

If you are looking for a good-quality custom t-shirt, get in touch with us at Champu!