Which Is Better for Custom Sweatshirts Embroidery or Screen Printing

Which Is Better For Custom Sweatshirts Embroidery Or Screen Printing

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Vasil Y.

15+ Years Online Marketing Experience in the Fashion & Appearl Industry.

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You want your custom sweatshirts embroidered to look great. Embroidery is strong and lasts a long time, ensuring your custom sweatshirts embroidered won’t fade or peel after many washes. Embroidered sweatshirts look fancy and neat because they use thread to create the design. Custom sweatshirts embroidered with logos stand out, making them look special and expensive. The cost for embroidery is about $10 to $30 per shirt, and if you order more custom sweatshirts embroidered, the price goes down. While screen printing offers more design options, embroidery keeps your design clear and lasting. For most custom sweatshirts embroidered, embroidery provides the best quality and appearance.

Key Takeaways

  • Embroidery gives a strong design that lasts a long time. The colors stay bright and the design looks neat after many washes. It works best for simple logos on thick sweatshirts.

  • Screen printing lets you use bright and colorful designs. You can add lots of details to your design. It is cheaper when you order many sweatshirts or for big groups.

  • Choose embroidery if you want a fancy and professional look that lasts. It is great for work clothes, gifts, and fashion items.

  • Pick screen printing if you want bold and creative designs with many colors. It works well for events, teams, and free giveaways.

  • Think about how hard your design is, what fabric you use, and your budget. This will help you choose the best method for your needs.

Quick Comparison

At a Glance

If you want to see the main differences fast, look at this table. It shows how embroidery and screen printing compare for custom sweatshirts. You can use it to help you pick which one is better for you.

Factor

Embroidery

Screen Printing

Durability

Lasts longer than the sweatshirt; colors stay bright

Stays nice after many washes; might fade or crack later

Cost

Costs more to start; good for small orders

Cheaper for big orders

Appearance

Raised, stitched, fancy look

Flat, bright, detailed designs

Design Flexibility

Best for simple logos; not good for mixing colors

Good for big, colorful, and detailed designs

Fabric Suitability

Works best on thick, strong fabrics

Works best on smooth, light fabrics

Best Use Cases

Good for work, gifts, and outerwear

Good for big groups, events, and casual wear

Tip: Embroidery is best for a strong, fancy logo on a thick sweatshirt. Screen printing is better if you want a bright, detailed picture for a big group.

Choosing Between Embroidery and Screen Printing

When you pick between embroidery and screen printing, think about what is most important for your custom sweatshirts. Each way has its own good points.

  • Durability: Embroidery uses thread that goes into the fabric. This makes a design that can last longer than the sweatshirt. The colors stay bright and do not crack or fade, even after many washes. Screen printing puts ink on top of the fabric. The design looks sharp and lasts through many washes, but the ink might fade or crack over time. Embroidery works really well on thick sweatshirts and keeps your logo or words looking new for a long time.

  • Cost: Embroidery costs more at first because you pay to turn your design into a stitch pattern. This is a one-time fee. Embroidery is best for small orders or when you want a fancy look. Screen printing costs money to set up each color, but it gets much cheaper per shirt if you order a lot. If you need many custom sweatshirts, screen printing saves money.

  • Appearance: Embroidery gives your sweatshirt a raised, soft design. It feels smooth and stands out, making it look professional and high quality. This is a big reason people like embroidery. Screen printing makes flat, smooth designs that blend into the fabric. You can use lots of colors and even add shading or small words. This is a big reason people like screen printing, especially for designs with lots of pictures.

  • Design Flexibility: Embroidery is best for simple logos or words. It does not work well with tiny details or color blends. Screen printing lets you use almost any design, even big, colorful pictures and detailed art. The screen printing process is great for creative, bold designs.

  • Best Use Cases: Embroidery is great for work sweatshirts, uniforms, and gifts. You often see it on jackets, polos, and hats. It gives a fancy, lasting look. Screen printing is popular for events, team shirts, and giveaways. You see it on t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts with big, bright pictures.

  • Techniques: Embroidery can use special ways like puff or sequin embroidery for extra texture. Screen printing can use different inks and effects, like shiny or glow-in-the-dark, to make your design pop.

Pick embroidery if you want a classic, strong, and high-quality look for your custom sweatshirt. Pick screen printing if you want a bright, colorful design for a big group and want to save money. Both ways work well, but your choice depends on what you need and how much you want to spend.

Durability

Embroidery

Embroidery makes your custom sweatshirts last a long time. The thread goes right into the fabric, so it does not peel or crack. Your logo or art stays bright and sharp after many washes. These sweatshirts are strong and good for daily use. You can wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Try not to rub them hard or use hot water. This helps the embroidery stay nice for years. Many people say their embroidered sweatshirts still look good after washing. One person said their sweatshirt “has held up very nicely to a few washes so far.” This shows embroidery is tough in real life. Embroidery is both strong and useful. It is a great choice if you want your design to last. Washing any shirt too much can wear it out, but the embroidery will still look bright. Embroidery works best for simple logos and small details. Your design will stay clear and look neat.

Tip: Embroidery is a good way to keep your sweatshirts looking new for a long time.

Screen Printing

Screen printing can also make sweatshirts last if done well. Experts use special inks and tools to make the print strong. They test the prints by washing and stretching the fabric. This checks if the print fades, cracks, or peels. If the ink is set right, it goes deep into the fabric and lasts many years. Screen printing is good for big, colorful designs. The print stays nice after many washes. But over time, it might fade or crack, especially with hot water or strong soap. How long the print lasts depends on the printer’s skill and the ink used. If you want a bright, detailed design for lots of people, screen printing is a good choice. It gives you both style and strength.

Note: Always follow the care tips to help your screen-printed sweatshirts last longer.

Cost

Embroidery

You might notice that embroidery usually has a higher cost than other decoration methods. The price depends on the number of stitches in your design. Simple logos with about 1,000 stitches can cost around $10. More complex designs with 10,000 stitches may reach $100. Most custom sweatshirts with embroidery fall in the $15 to $40 price range. Here is a table to help you understand the typical price breakdown:

Pricing Aspect

Price Range / Example

Notes

Cost per 1,000 stitches

$1 to $3

Stitch-based pricing

Simple logo (1,000 stitches)

Approximately $10

Basic design example

Complex design (10,000 stitches)

Around $100

More intricate design

Base price for custom logos on shirts

$15 to $40

Varies by design complexity and fabric

Average embroidery price range on sweatshirts

$15 to $40

Reflects machine embroidery costs

You pay a setup fee to turn your logo into a stitch pattern. This is a one-time cost. After that, the price per sweatshirt depends on the size and detail of your design. Embroidery works best for small orders or when you want a high-quality look. Many people choose embroidery for its lasting value, even if the cost is higher at first. If you want affordable pricing for simple logos, embroidery can be a smart choice.

Screen Printing

Screen printing has a different cost structure. You pay a setup fee for each color in your design. This makes small orders more expensive per shirt. When you order in bulk, the price per sweatshirt drops. Screen printing becomes cost-effective for large orders. Here are some key points:

  • Bulk orders lower the cost per shirt.

  • Simple designs with fewer colors keep the price down.

  • Complex, multicolor designs raise the cost because each color needs a new screen.

  • Specialty inks or effects, like foil or puff, increase the price.

Screen printing works well for big groups or events. If you order 100 or more sweatshirts, you get a much better price per item. The cost depends on your design and the number of shirts you need. Screen printing gives you bright, detailed designs at a lower price when you order in bulk.

Tip: Choose screen printing if you want a cost-effective way to decorate many sweatshirts with a bold design.

Visual Appeal

Custom Sweatshirts Embroidered

Custom sweatshirts embroidered look special and unique. Embroidery uses thread to make a raised design. This makes your sweatshirt look fancy and professional. Experts say embroidery keeps your logo clear and sharp. The colors stay bright because thread does not crack or fade. If you want your custom sweatshirts embroidered to look high-end, embroidery is the best pick.

Visual Quality

Description & Effect on Embroidery Appearance

Embroidery Technique

Flat embroidery looks smooth. 3D embroidery stands out more. Applique adds extra texture.

Sweatshirt Material

Thick fabrics help designs look bigger and clearer.

Color Combinations

Bright colors make your design pop. Similar colors give a soft style.

Sweatshirt Style

Crewnecks and hoodies have lots of space for logos. Zip-ups have less room for embroidery.

Fit

A good fit keeps your design looking neat and even.

Simple logos look very sharp on custom sweatshirts embroidered. Embroidery works best for small, high-quality designs. You get a nice finish that lasts for years. If you want a classic and strong look, embroidery is the best choice.

Tip: Matching colors well helps your custom sweatshirts embroidered look their best.

Screen Printing

Screen printing gives a different look to sweatshirts. This method is good for big, colorful, and detailed designs. Screen printing uses ink to make bright prints with sharp lines. You can add shading, gradients, and cool effects to your custom sweatshirt. This makes screen printing great for bold graphics and large orders.

  • Screen printing is good for big and complex designs.

  • You can pick from many colors and effects for your sweatshirt.

  • The print feels smooth and blends into the fabric.

  • Over time, screen printing might fade, crack, or peel, but it still looks good after many washes.

If you want your custom sweatshirt to be bright and eye-catching, screen printing is a smart choice. You get prints that show off your creative ideas. Screen printing is perfect for designs with lots of color and detail.

Note: Screen printing is best for bold, detailed graphics on casual custom sweatshirts.

Design Flexibility

Embroidery

When you choose embroidery for your sweatshirt, you get a strong and classic look. However, embroidery works best with simple design ideas. You can use up to six thread colors from a palette of about fifteen. If you want to add more colors or gradients, you may need to pay extra, and this option is not always available for every sweatshirt. Embroidery cannot handle intricate designs or photo-like images. The thread and needle cannot make tiny details or smooth color changes. Your design should have bold shapes and solid colors. Thin lines or very small parts may not show up well. Most embroidery designs fit in a space about 4 inches by 4 inches, and the stitch count usually stays under 15,000. If you want your logo or text to look sharp and last long, embroidery is a great choice. For custom designs that need a simple, bold look, embroidery gives you the best results.

Tip: Keep your embroidery design simple and bold for the clearest results.

Screen Printing

Screen printing gives you much more freedom with your design. You can use many colors, add shading, and even create intricate designs with lots of detail. This method works well for big, colorful graphics and detailed artwork. Screen printing uses stencils for each color, so you can layer inks and make your design pop. You can print on many types of fabric, including cotton and blends. If you want a large, bright image or a design with lots of small details, screen printing is the best choice. You can use gradients, photo-like images, and complex patterns. Screen printing lets you bring your creative ideas to life without many limits. For team shirts, events, or fashion pieces, screen printing offers the most design flexibility.

Note: Choose screen printing if your design has lots of colors or fine details.

Fabric Compatibility

Embroidery

You want your embroidered sweatshirt to look sharp and last long. The fabric you choose plays a big role. Sweatshirts often use stretchy knit fabrics, so you need to keep them stable during embroidery. Fleece works well for sportswear and kids’ clothing because it resists stretching and holds up after many washes. Cotton gives you a smooth surface for crisp stitches and feels soft and breathable. If you use cotton, pre-wash it to stop shrinking later.

You can also use synthetic blends or specialty materials for creative looks. These fabrics need the right stabilizer to keep the stitches neat. Stabilizers help prevent the fabric from moving or puckering while you embroider. Here are some tips for picking the best fabric and stabilizer:

  • Fleece and knit blends handle stretch and keep your design stable.

  • Cotton or linen works well with tear-away or cutaway stabilizers.

  • Fleece and knits do best with no-show mesh or cutaway stabilizers.

  • Cutaway stabilizers give permanent support, perfect for stretchy sweatshirts.

  • Fusible cutaway stabilizers add extra hold for delicate or stretchy knits.

  • No-show mesh stabilizers work well for light-colored sweatshirts.

  • Avoid thin knits, chiffon, organza, or fine silk. These fabrics stretch too much or lack stability, causing puckering or distortion.

Tip: Always use the right stabilizer for your fabric. This keeps your embroidery looking neat and helps your sweatshirt last longer.

Screen Printing

Screen printing works best when you pick the right sweatshirt fabric. Cotton stands out as the top choice. It absorbs ink well, feels comfortable, and gives you bright, crisp prints. Ringspun, combed, and organic cotton make your print look even better. Cotton-polyester blends are also popular. They combine the softness of cotton with the strength of polyester, making your sweatshirt durable and easy to print on.

You can print on polyester, but it needs special inks or pretreatment. Polyester resists water-based inks and can cause the print to bleed or fade. Tri-blends, which mix cotton, polyester, and rayon, feel soft and have a unique texture. These blends may need special techniques to get sharp prints.

Here are some fabric choices for screen printing:

Note: Test your sweatshirt fabric before a big order. Pre-shrunk fleece helps keep your prints looking good after washing.

Use Cases

Corporate & Workwear

You want your team to look neat and together. Embroidery is best for work sweatshirts. It gives a clean look that lasts a long time. You can pick from many hoodie styles and colors, like Nike or Carhartt. Embroidery lets you match thread colors to your company logo. This helps your brand stand out. You get to see a sample before they make your order. Bulk orders often cost less, and you do not have to buy a set amount. Embroidery stays nice after many washes, so your team always looks good.

  • Embroidery gives a strong, professional look for your brand.

  • You can pick thread colors to match your logo.

  • Quality checks make sure your logo looks great.

  • No minimum order means you can order any amount.

Tip: Pick embroidery for work sweatshirts if you want them to last and look professional.

Team & School Apparel

Both embroidery and screen printing work for team sweatshirts. Embroidery gives a classic look with your team name or mascot. It makes your sweatshirts look neat all season. For big groups or events, screen printing is better. You can use bright colors and large designs. You can add names, numbers, or cool pictures. Screen printing is best when you need lots of sweatshirts with the same design.

Method

Best For

Why Choose It?

Embroidery

Small teams, classic style

Strong, neat, and lasts long

Screen Printing

Large groups, bold graphics

Saves money, colorful

Note: Use embroidery for a classic look. Use screen printing for bright, creative designs.

Fashion & Retail

Fashion brands want sweatshirts that look special. Embroidery makes your designs look fancy and unique. You can use bright colors, cool textures, and even 3D effects. This makes your sweatshirts stand out and look stylish. Embroidery lasts longer than prints, so your products stay nice. Many brands use embroidery for special items or to add names. New machines can make detailed embroidery, so your ideas can come true.

  • Embroidery helps people remember your brand with bright stitches.

  • Custom designs and cool textures are popular.

  • 3D embroidery and new tech make your sweatshirts worth more.

Tip: Use embroidery for fashion sweatshirts if you want them to look special and last a long time.

Giveaways & Promotions

Screen printing is best for giveaways and events. You can make big, colorful designs that get noticed. Screen printing is good for large orders, so you save money. You can use fun pictures and messages. If you want to give out sweatshirts at an event, screen printing lets you use any design. You can print on many fabrics, so it is easy to match your event.

  • Screen printing saves money for big orders.

  • You can use any design, from simple to detailed.

  • Bright colors and big prints make your giveaway stand out.

Note: Pick screen printing for promo sweatshirts when you want bold, low-cost designs for many people.

Likeu Clothing

About Likeu Clothing

You want a sweatshirt that feels special and fits you well. Likeu Clothing helps you make custom sweatshirts that stand out. The company cares about quality, comfort, and style. You can pick from many sweatshirt types, like light hoodies or classic crewnecks. Likeu Clothing uses soft cotton blends that feel nice and last a long time. The company also cares about the planet. You can choose eco-friendly fabrics, recycled materials, or organic cotton. This way, your sweatshirt looks good and helps the environment.

Custom Sweatshirt Services

Likeu Clothing gives you more choices than most brands. You can pick the fabric weight, zipper style, pocket type, and lining. You can add your logo, a message, or a special design. The company offers screen printing, embroidery, rhinestones, and all-over prints. You get help from a design expert. Likeu Clothing sends you digital proofs and samples before making your order. Prices are fair and clear, with discounts for big orders. You can mix sizes and styles in one order. The table below shows how Likeu Clothing compares to other brands:

Feature

Likeu Clothing

Other Brands (e.g., Champion, Carhartt)

Customization Options

Many choices for fabric, fit, and print

Few choices, mostly fabric or color

Design Assistance

Personal help, digital proofs, samples

Only online tools

Sustainability

Eco-friendly, recycled, organic

Regular fabrics

Bulk Order Flexibility

Mix sizes/styles, tiered discounts

Fixed styles, less flexible

Why Choose Likeu Clothing

You want a sweatshirt that matches your ideas. Likeu Clothing is special because you get help at every step. Customers say the sweatshirts feel soft and fit well. The raised designs stay sharp after many washes. You can always talk to customer service for quick help. Many brands trust Likeu Clothing and order again because they like the results. You can check samples before buying a big order. The company makes sure you feel supported and know what to expect.

Tip: Always look at the sizing chart to get the best fit for your custom sweatshirt.

Supplier List

Likeu Clothing works with trusted suppliers to give you the best materials and printing. You can choose from:

  • Eco-friendly cotton and recycled blends

  • Light and heavy fleece

  • Special fabrics for unique styles

  • Many printing and embroidery partners for good results

You get lots of choices and good quality with every order. Likeu Clothing helps you make sweatshirts that look and feel just right.

You will get the best results if you pick the right method for your needs. Embroidery gives a fancy and strong look for simple logos on thick sweatshirts. Screen printing is good for bright, bold designs and big orders. Think about your design, the fabric, and how much you want to spend before you choose.

Tip: Make sure your artwork is clear, pick the right fabric, and ask an expert if you are not sure.
If you need help, you can contact Likeu Clothing in these ways:

Contact Method

Details

Email

info@likeuclothing.com

Phone

+852 44435276

WhatsApp

https://wa.me/85244435276

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/likeuclothing

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/likeu_clothing/

LinkedIn

http://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-wong-likeuclothing

X-twitter

https://x.com/likeuclothing

Appointment

You need to email or call to set up a meeting

Hours

Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9:30 PM PST

FAQ

What lasts longer on sweatshirts, embroidery or screen printing?

Embroidery lasts longer. The thread stays bright and strong after many washes. Screen printing can fade or crack over time. You get the best durability with embroidery.

Can you use any design for embroidery?

You should use simple designs for embroidery. Small details or many colors do not work well. Bold logos and clear text look best. For complex art, choose screen printing.

Is screen printing safe for sensitive skin?

Screen printing uses special inks. Most shops use safe, skin-friendly inks. If you have allergies, ask for water-based or eco-friendly inks. These feel soft and cause less irritation.

Which method is better for large orders?

Screen printing works best for large orders. You save money when you print many sweatshirts at once. Embroidery costs more for big groups.

Can I wash custom sweatshirts in a washing machine?

Yes, you can wash both types in a machine. Use cold water and gentle cycles. Turn sweatshirts inside out. This keeps your design looking new.

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