Screen Printing or Embroidery? How to Pick for Your Order

Most people ordering custom shirts for the first time ask the same question. Should we print it or stitch it? Here is the simple way to decide.

What screen printing is

Screen printing presses ink through a fine screen onto the shirt, one color at a time. It works best on t-shirts, hoodies and tank tops, and it handles large designs on the front or back. It is usually the best value for event shirts, team shirts and big orders.

What embroidery is

Embroidery stitches your logo into the fabric with thread. It looks raised, clean and professional, and it holds up wash after wash. It works best on polos, button-up shirts, hats, jackets and bags, usually as a smaller logo on the chest or the front of a hat.

Quick guide

• Big design on the back of a shirt: screen printing.
• Company logo on a polo or work shirt: embroidery.
• Hats: embroidery.
• Event, reunion or 5K shirts: screen printing.
• Jackets and fleece for staff: embroidery.

Can you use both?

Yes. Many of our customers order printed tees for the crew and embroidered polos for the office or sales team. See our screen printing and embroidery pages for more.

Questions? Call or text 239-229-5915 or email trey@flpromotional.com. Every order starts with a free digital proof.