Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Custom Sportswear?

Selecting the appropriate process of decorating your team uniform is very important when it comes to custom sportswear. Embroidery and screen printing are the two most favored methods applied to customize teamwear. This article guides the disadvantages and advantages, and what exactly is needed in the customization of apparel.

Embroidery vs Screen Printing: How Each Method Works

To make the correct choice, one should know how embroidery and screen-printing works:

Embroidery:

Embroidery entails stitching a pattern on the piece of cloth using thread. The design is computerized and then with the embroidery machine, it is embroidered. This is suitable in plain logos and small logos, especially on heavy fabric. It is reputed to be of the high-end look and longevity yet time consuming in bigger designs.

How it works:

It is then designed and digitized to the format readable by the embroidery machine. The garment is then taken into the machine, and the design is decorated by stitching it with various colored threads. Polos, jackets, caps and heavy fabric made of cotton are ideal at this process.

Screen Printing:
Screen printing, alternatively referred to as silk screening, entails the use of ink on the cloth using a mesh screen. The design is applied to the fabric with the help of a stencil, and every single color in the pattern takes a screen of its own. It is most effective in bold and multi-color designs and most applied on team jerseys, t-shirts and athletic wear.

How it works:

This design is designed on a stencil and then overlays it on the fabric. Through the screen ink is applied to the fabric where each color layer needs a different screen. Screen printing is inexpensive in large quantities, and one can print colorful patterns which are durable and do not fade away easily.

Key Sportswear Factors That Actually Affect the Choice

Fabric Type & Performance Behavior

Embroidery:

Embroidery is most effective on heavier material fabrics that are denser such as cotton, polyester blends and fleece. Applications may be challenging on the smooth or loose fabrics like mesh jerseys as the stitches may snag or cause puckers. Embroidery is however a very good option where heavy fabrics are required, where a durable and high-end appearance is required.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is also exceptionally universal and compatible with a wide variety of fabrics, such as lightweight polyester, the cotton, and performance mesh. In the case of sportswear, this is the type of choice that will be used since one can use big bold designs without losing the flexibility of the fabric. It suits elastic clothing that must be able to be mobile and comfortable.

Which one is better?

Thicker and structured fabrics by embroidery and lightweight or performance fabrics by screen printing because they need flexibility and breathability.

Breathability & Player Comfort

Embroidery:

Embroidery uses thread, and therefore, reduces the lightness of the cloth, thus subjecting it to the impact of its weight on its comfort, particularly in lightweight performance wear. Areas embellished can be stiff or uncomfortable particularly when the design occupies a large area. It is also capable of lowering the breathability of the cloth hence unsuitable in activities of high intensity.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing does not provide any weight to the cloth, and so it is an excellent choice to allow breathability. The print is pasted on to the surface of the fabric, hence there is minimum effects in terms of discomfort. The technique is appropriate to athletic apparel because it retains the lightness and stretchiness of performance materials such as mesh jerseys or running shirts.

Which one is better?

Screen printing has usually been more comfortable and breathable, which is advantageous particularly in sports or athletic wear that is of high performance.

Design Detail & Brand Accuracy

Embroidery:

Embroidery fits simple designs, logos as well as text-based graphics. It is most appropriate in designs which do not need many details or gradients. Although embroidery provides a high-end appearance, it fails to reproduce the finer details or the ability to have entirely colored gradients of colors as seen in more elaborate designs. The most suitable things to embroidery are small logos or monograms.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing provides good performance with detailed designs, multi-color graphics and full color logos. This approach works particularly well where your production requires brand colors to be replicated and so it will be the best option as team uniform unique sponsor logos. Screen printing is the most popular choice of designs that have fine lines, color changes, and a well-art worked design.

Which one is better?
Embroidery is the preferable choice of design when it comes to a simple text-based design whereas screen printing should be used in a detailed multi color graphic design and brand accuracy.

Durability & Wash Lifespan

Embroidery:

Embroidery is also very strong, and the embroidery can resist frequent washing and does not fade or wear off. The artisans weave the fabric physically and thus the stitching becomes resistant to wear and tear. Embroidery is ideal when it comes to uniforms, which should retain their appearance within a long length of time.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is durable; however, it might be subject to cracks or fading over a long period of time, especially when making use of highly stretched parts. Such designs, when sealed to the skin, such as cold washing, air drying and with proper care, such as washing in cold water and air drying may last years, but when not done, they tend to fade faster than embroidery. Vinyl prints tend to peel when subjected to washing on a repeated basis.

Which one is better?

Embroidery is more durable in the long run than screen printing which can be damaged or fail to resist washing and abrasion.

Cost Comparison (Buyer-Friendly)

Embroidery:

Embroidery is likely to be even more costly than screen printing, particularly with large or multiple color designs. This price is comprised of the installation of the design (digitizing it) and the necessity of lacking machinery to do the stitching. Embroidery can be rather expensive in the case of small orders or a personal logo.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is usually cheaper and is more effective with bigger production. Screen printing set up costs are very expensive on small orders, however when you have bulk orders and only one design the cost per unit will significantly reduce. It is why screen printing will be a good solution in case of big teams or corporate gear that has the same design.

Which one is better?

Screen printing is generally less expensive on large orders whereas embroidery works better with small and high-quality designs that involve difficult stitching.

Production Speed & Repeat Orders

Embroidery:

Embroidering process will take more time when using a large design or when it is a personalized order. It takes time to set up particularly when it is a complex design or when it must be digitized to the machine. Repeat orders can however be made comparatively fast once established.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is quicker when doing large orders because the quantity can be printed simultaneously. The arrangement is also less involved, mainly when solving the plain designs or one-colored print. Repeat orders are faster and more manageable and this is the best method of production in bulk.

Which one is better?
Screen printing is more appropriate in large runs and repeat orders when compared to embroidery that might consume more time per garment, although it is well adapted with small and personalized orders.

Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Quick Comparison Table

“Choose This If…” Sportswear Decision Guide

Choose Embroidery if:

• Logos or small designs require an upscale, high-quality finish.
• The fabric that you are dealing with is heavier fabric such as cotton, fleece, or polyester mixes.
• Durability and long-lasting performance are also looked upon, and these are mostly applicable in official uniforms.
• Your design is plain (text only or logos only) and not in need of all-color and elaborate detailing.

Choose Screen Printing if:

• You require vivid, bold designs that can be in a variety of colors or in a detailed design.
• The fabrics you are dealing with are lightweight like polyester or performance mesh.
• Large orders or bulk team uniforms need cost efficient production.
• Quick turnaround times and efficiency in the production processes are needed, particularly in repeat orders.

Choose a Hybrid (Both) if:

• You must have the high-end appearance of embroidery applied to logos or text with the massive graphic functionality of screen printing to full-front or full-back designs.
• You have high-quality uniforms which need multi-faceted branding (e.g., logo on the chest embroidery and sponsor logos or player numbers screen printing).
• You desire to combine the aesthetic quality and cost-efficiency by employing the two approaches to various aspects of the design.

FAQs!

Will embroidery On Lightweight mesh jerseys snag or pucker?

Lightweight mesh jerseys (prepared embroidery) Lightweight jerseys can be difficult to apply embroidery practice because embroidery can snag or pucker the fabric. Mesh and stretch fabrics are usually suggested to be screen printed because they are stretcher and more breathable.

Screen printing on stretch fabrics cracks and how can it be avoided?

Yes, screen printing can crack on stretch fabrics it all depends on whether the ink is aimed at flexible material or not. The use of stretchable inks would help to avoid cracking, or the print should be properly cured to permit movement of the fabric without ruining the print.

What are the conditions when screen printing is more cost-effective compared to embroidery?

Screen printing is cheaper than embroidery when an individual wants more than a plain design with a simple design but with a lot of productions. Overall bulk ordering reduces the unit price and embroidery setup costs are greater and run smaller.

Is it possible to do embroidery on top of seams, zipper or pocket?

Embroidery is possible over the seams or zippers and pockets, whereas it can interfere with the look of the design, and lead to the formation of an uneven girdle. Embroidery should not be used over functional areas because it is better to have clean and professional designs.

What is the way to wash and dry embroidered and printed sportswear?

In case of embroidered sport clothing, cold water and air drying in the washing machine is preferred because it preserves the integrity of the thread. In the case of screen-printed apparel it should be washed inside, with only cold water, and should not be dry-cleaned with high heat because the ink on the garment will crack or fade.

Goal Sportswear—Built for Performance, Finished to Win

At Goal Uniform, we know that it is essential to decide on the process of adorning your team uniforms. The choice to use embroidery, screen printing and a combination of the two is up to you, we guarantee you that your custom sportswear is quality, durable and performance worthy. 

The Goal Uniform delivers the highest possible level of quality and customization with the latest methods and devotion to excellence. 

Design it the right, create it the right. Contact us and design your better custom sportswear.