Embroidery or print: which is right for you?
We brand workwear in-house at our Bradford shop with embroidery and DTF (direct-to-film) print. Both last well; the right one depends on the garment, the logo and how it'll be worn. Here's a quick guide.
Embroidery
Your logo is stitched into the fabric with polyester thread. It's the most hard-wearing option and looks the most professional.
- Best for: polos, sweatshirts, hoodies, fleeces, softshells, bodywarmers, jackets, caps and beanies.
- Great with: logos with solid areas of colour and clear text.
- Less suited to: photos, fine gradients, very small text (under about 5mm tall) and thin, stretchy fabrics.
- Lasts: as long as the garment. Washes at the garment's normal temperature.
DTF print
Your design is printed onto a film and heat-pressed onto the garment. It reproduces any number of colours, so it's ideal for detailed artwork.
- Best for: T-shirts, lightweight tops, hi-vis vests and large back prints.
- Great with: full-colour logos, gradients, photos and fine detail.
- Less suited to: heavily textured fabrics such as fleece and knitwear.
- Lasts: many washes if you wash inside out at 40°C or below and avoid a hot tumble dry.
At a glance
| Embroidery | DTF print | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Raised, premium | Smooth, full colour |
| Durability | Excellent | Very good with care |
| Detail and colours | Bold logos, limited colours | Any detail, any colours |
| Large back designs | Possible, priced by stitches | Ideal |
| Typical garments | Polos, sweats, fleeces, jackets, caps | Tees, hi-vis vests, back prints |
Hi-vis and waterproofs
On hi-vis we keep logos off the reflective tape so the garment stays compliant. On waterproof jackets we usually recommend print or a patch, because stitching through the membrane can let water in. We'll advise when we see your order.
Pricing in brief
A new logo for embroidery needs a one-off setup (digitising) fee of £21. We keep the file, so repeat orders don't pay it again. On our team packs, a front logo of up to 10,000 stitches is included, which covers most left-chest logos. Bigger designs are priced on your proof before you approve anything.
Still not sure? Ask for a team quote and tell us what the kit is for. We'll recommend the best option. Ready to send your artwork? See how to send us your logo.
