You’ve got two main options when ordering branded workwear clothing, which are embroidery or printing. Both can make your logo stand out, but they do very different jobs. Knowing what each method is good at will save you time and money, as well as avoid disappointment later on.
Here we’re going to break it down into what really matters, namely durability, design detail, fabric type, overall look and cost.
Embroidery lasts, and once it’s stitched in, that design is going nowhere. Embroidered workwear holds up well to repeated washes, daily wear and rough handling. That’s why a lot of tradespeople and site teams stick with personalised embroidered workwear, as it just doesn’t wear out in the same way.
Printing can be tough, too, especially if you’re using something like DTF printing. But over time, it might fade or crack, particularly on printed workwear that gets washed on hot cycles or sees a lot of abrasion. If you’re after something for long-term use, especially outdoors or on-site, embroidery is usually the safer bet.
If your logo has lots of small text, fine lines or gradient shading, printing is going to do a better job. Printed workwear can capture detail that embroidery simply can’t manage. Think of it like drawing with a pen versus stitching with thread, with the former much better for precision.
That said, embroidered workwear does a solid job with bold, simple logos. You’ll get strong shapes and a raised texture that gives the design some physical presence. It’s not about fine art, but about making a clean, lasting impact.
Embroidery works best on thicker garments such as polos, jackets, aprons and sweatshirts. Those fabrics give the needle something to bite into. Lighter materials, like thin t-shirts or performance wear, might pucker or sag where the thread pulls.
Printing is more forgiving. It works on cotton, polyester and blends without distorting the fabric. If you’re kitting out a team in light summer garments or gym tops, printed workwear will do the job without stress.
Personalised embroidered workwear has a certain weight to it, both literally and visually. It looks permanent, well-considered and built to last. That makes it a popular choice for customer-facing uniforms in hospitality, retail or healthcare. It sends the message that you are experienced and know what you’re doing.
Printed garments can look sharp too, especially when fresh. But they can feel a bit more temporary. Ideal for giveaways, one-off events, or businesses that refresh branding often. Both look professional in their own way; it just depends on what message you’re trying to send.
Printing is usually cheaper, especially for short runs or big designs. It’s quick to set up, and the price per item stays low even with full colour artwork.
Embroidered workwear takes more time. Your design has to be digitised, the machine has to stitch every thread, and bigger or more detailed logos push up the cost. Still, if you’re investing in branded gear you want to last, that cost often makes sense.
To find out more about our personalised embroidered workwear and printed workwear services, get in touch with our experienced team today.