If you’re choosing between printing and embroidery for custom shirts, the right option depends on your design, fabric, budget, and brand style. Below, we compare both methods to help you make a confident decision, whether you’re a business, event organiser, or starting a clothing line.
What Is T-Shirt Printing and When Should You Use It?
T-shirt printing applies ink directly onto fabric using methods like screen printing, DTF, DTG, or heat transfer. It’s ideal for bold colours, gradients, and photographic designs.
Best Use Cases for Printing:
- Event shirts and team uniforms
- Start-up clothing brands
- Merchandise with full-colour logos or photos
- Short-term promos or giveaways
What Is Embroidery and When Does It Make Sense?
Embroidery involves stitching a design directly into the fabric using thread. It’s more durable, textured, and ideal for smaller logos and corporate use.
Best Use Cases for Embroidery:
- Polos and uniforms
- Workwear and tradie apparel
- Hospitality and healthcare industries
- Corporate gifts or staff packs
How Do Print and Embroidery Compare for Durability?
Embroidery is generally more durable than printing, especially on garments that are frequently washed or exposed to outdoor conditions. However, screen printing and DTF are also long-lasting when properly applied to the right fabric.
| Feature | T-Shirt Printing | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|
| Wash Durability | Medium–High (varies by method) | Very High |
| Fade Resistance | Moderate (depends on ink) | Excellent |
| Stitch/Thread Wear | N/A | Possible after years |
Which Option Offers the Best Look for Branding?
T-shirt printing gives you creative freedom with colours and gradients, while embroidery delivers a premium, textured finish that conveys professionalism. The best choice depends on your brand tone.
🧢 Use T-shirt printing if:
- Your design is colourful, trendy, or photo-based
- You’re targeting younger or event-driven audiences
👔 Use embroidery if:
- Your brand is formal, premium, or needs high perceived value
- You’re focused on long-term staff or uniform use
What Are the Cost Differences Between Printing and Embroidery?
Printing is typically more affordable for large batches and complex designs, while embroidery becomes cost-effective for small, simple logos.
| Cost Factor | Printing | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | Low to medium (varies by method) | Higher (digitising required) |
| Small Orders | Better for low quantity | More expensive per unit |
| Bulk Runs | Cheaper as quantity increases | Better value for consistent logos |
Which Fabrics Are Better Suited for Printing vs Embroidery?
Printing works best on smooth, flat fabrics like cotton, while embroidery suits heavier materials like polyester blends, canvas, and pique.
| Fabric Type | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Cotton Tees | Printing (DTF, DTG, screen) |
| Polos & Uniforms | Embroidery |
| Hoodies | Either, depending on style |
| Polyester & Blends | DTF Printing or Embroidery |
Summary: Printing vs Embroidery – Which Should You Choose?
Choose T-shirt printing if you want colour flexibility, detailed artwork, or low-cost promo apparel.
Choose embroidery if you want a professional, textured finish with long-term durability.
| Feature | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Full-colour artwork | Printing |
| Uniform logo | Embroidery |
| Cost-effective promo | Printing |
| Premium finish | Embroidery |
| Lightweight tees | Printing |
| Heavy polos | Embroidery |
FAQ: T-Shirt Printing vs Embroidery
Is embroidery more expensive than printing?
Yes, embroidery generally has a higher setup cost due to digitising, but can be cost-effective for bulk uniform orders.
Does embroidery last longer than screen printing?
Yes. Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, making it more durable over time.
Which is better for detailed designs?
T-shirt printing is better for photos, gradients, and fine detail.
Can you print on polyester shirts?
Yes, with DTF or sublimation methods. Embroidery also works well on polyester polos.
Is embroidery suitable for t-shirts?
Sometimes. It’s better on thicker tees or where small logos are used. It may distort thin fabric.
T-Shirt Printing Melbourne
If you’ve decided that printing suits your design, Canopus Print offers high-quality T-shirt printing in Melbourne with options like screen printing, DTF, and heat transfer.
Whether you’re launching a brand, promoting an event, or outfitting a team, they deliver fast, reliable results on premium blanks.
👉 Explore T-shirt printing in Melbourne to get started.