Embroidery vs Printing for Workwear: Which Should You Choose?

Custom workwear is a smart and easy way to instantly strengthen your brand identity, boost team morale, and create a cohesive company image to help you stand out from the crowd. If you’ve chosen to invest in personalised uniforms over unbranded workwear [link to relevant blog], the next step is choosing the right type of branding: embroidery or printing. 

Print and embroidery each offer unique advantages, whether it's cost-effectiveness, durability, or visual impact. The truth is, one isn’t better than the other—the right choice between printed or embroidered uniforms depends on your specific business and staff needs.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between embroidery vs printing to help you decide which style of custom workwear branding is best suited for your company.

What Is Embroidery?

Embroidery is a technique in which a logo or design is stitched directly onto fabric using thread. Popular for its durability and a professional, high-end look, it's usually the preferred option for long-lasting uniform customisation. Common types of embroidered workwear include polo shirts, jackets, fleeces, and softshells.

At Workwear Express, our embroidery process starts with securing the garment on a metal frame and backing fabric, before stitching the digitised logo using a computerised machine. Though it may leave temporary marks, these are easily removed. We use top-quality threads and machines to ensure premium results every time.

Find out more about the embroidery services available at Workwear Express here.

What Is Printing?

Garment printing is the process of transferring a design onto fabric using techniques like heat transfer, vinyl, or screen printing. These workwear printing methods are mostly used for T-shirts, hi-vis gear, and promotional attire. 

At Workwear Express, we offer screen printing, DTG (direct to garment), and transfers at competitive prices. Learn more and see examples here.

So, what is garment printing good for? Opt for this method if you're seeking bold, colourful designs that are more cost-effective than embroidery, especially for bulk orders or detailed artwork.

Key Differences Between Embroidery and Printing Workwear

Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the key differences between embroidery and printing. Whichever you go with, enjoy unique benefits for your specific garment, branding needs, and budget. 

Feature	Embroidery	Printing
Look and feel	Premium, textured	Flat, vibrant
Durability	Long-lasting	May fade/crack over time
Cost (small orders)	Standard Cost	Usually cheaper
Best for	Polo shirts, jackets, fleece,	T-shirts, hi-vis, lightweight wear

As you can see, printing is preferred for lightweight clothing. For this reason and to uphold our quality standards, at Workwear Express, we don’t offer embroidery on garments that weigh less than 175 gsm. This alone may help you come to a decision.

Which Is Better for Your Workwear Needs?

When deciding between embroidery and printing, consider the following factors concerning your business:

Business type: Embroidered uniforms are a worthwhile investment for corporate or client-facing teams where image is key. On the other hand, promotional events or high-turnover teams may lean towards printing.

Garment type: Embroidery is best for structured and heavier garments like jackets and polos, while printing is ideal for soft, flexible items, including T-shirts and hi-vis apparel.

Budget: Printing is usually more budget-friendly, especially for bulk orders, as it’s quicker and requires fewer materials.

Design complexity: Highly detailed or colourful logos tend to look cleaner with printing, as it allows for precise rendering of intricate designs. Embroidery can lose detail with complex artwork, especially in small text or fine lines.

In short, embroidery is the winner if you're seeking a premium and durable finish. But eye-catching, detailed designs typically translate better with printing.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

As with everything, there are pros and cons to the different customisation methods, which may help you choose between printing and embroidery.

Embroidery Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Premium look
• Suitable for thicker fabrics

Embroidery Cons:

• More expensive
• Less suitable for large and detailed designs
• Limited colour blending options

Printing Pros:

• Cost-effective for large batches
• Allows colourful, complex designs
• Great for lightweight garments

Printing Cons:

• Can fade over time
• Less premium feel
• May crack or peel with frequent washing

If you have questions about a specific design and can’t decide which method will work best, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Common Garments and Which Method Suits Them Best

Not all garments can be embroidered, and the same goes for printing. This is usually due to the weight of the fabric, but it’s also worth considering how much use the item will get. Clothing that’s worn and washed regularly, like a polo shirt, may benefit from investing in more durable customisation. 

Here’s a quick reference list of garment types and ideal branding options:

Embroidery: Polo shirts, fleece jackets, softshells, hoodies, headwear

Printing: T-shirts, hi-vis clothing, hoodies 

Final Verdict: Embroidery or Printing?

So, embroidered or printed workwear—which wins out? Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique needs, from the fabric you're working with to your budget and the look you're after. Embroidery is a popular option for high-quality branding that stands the test of time, while printing suits bold, punchy designs and budget-conscious companies. 

For personalised recommendations on custom uniforms, our team is here to help. Call us for free on 0800 028 5867 or email us at customersupport@workwearexpress.com for branded workwear printing or embroidery advice.

FAQs

Is embroidery more durable than printing?

Typically, yes. How long does embroidery last? Usually for the lifespan of the garment, if done properly. It’s stitched into the fabric, making it highly resistant to wear and washing.

Can I combine embroidery and printing on the same garment?

Absolutely! Many brands use a combination of embroidery and print to suit different elements of their logo or messaging.

Which is cheaper: embroidery or printing?

Printing is usually more affordable for small orders, but pricing varies depending on the logo, garment, and whether you're ordering in bulk.

Will printed logos wash off?

Over time, printed logos may fade slightly, depending on the print durability of workwear and washing conditions. High-quality prints tend to last longer.

Is embroidery better for my brand image?

If you're aiming for a professional, elevated look, then embroidery might be better for your brand image. In most cases, it adds more perceived value than print.