· Written by Zach, owner of Elkssons
Quick answer: Embroidery is best for chest logos and heavier garments like hoodies, softshells and padded jackets. It looks more professional and typically lasts the lifetime of the garment. DTF printing is best for large back logos, detailed or full colour logos, and lightweight t-shirts. Many businesses use both: an embroidered left chest with a printed back. At Elkssons, embroidery and print cost the same per position online.
|
|
Embroidery |
DTF printing |
|---|---|---|
|
Best for |
Chest logos, heavier garments |
Large back logos, detailed logos |
|
Logo types |
Solid colours, clean shapes |
Colour fades, gradients, fine detail |
|
Look |
Raised, premium, professional |
Smooth, flat, full colour |
|
Best garments |
Polos, hoodies, fleeces, softshells, padded jackets |
T-shirts, polyester tops, hi-vis |
|
Lifespan |
Typically the lifetime of the garment |
Around 60+ washes with the right care |
|
Price per position |
Left chest £4, large back £6 |
Left chest £4, large back £6 |
Prices are ex VAT, per item. Bulk discounts of 8% to 20% apply to the garment and the decoration from 10 items. See our full embroidered workwear price guide for a breakdown.
We recommend print when embroidery won't do the logo justice. That usually means:
Most businesses ask us for embroidery, and for good reason. We recommend it:
Yes. The most popular combination is an embroidered left chest logo with a printed back. You get the professional look at the front and a large, detailed logo on the back that's easy to read from a distance.
You can choose all embroidery, all print, or a mix of both. That applies whether you're ordering a single item, a bundle or a bulk order.
This is the most common worry we hear, and it's based on how print used to be. DTF (direct to film) printing is very different from the cracked, peeling transfers many people remember. It's flexible, bonds well to the fabric and handles regular washing.
To get the most out of it:
We give the same advice for embroidered garments. The embroidery itself won't wear out, but gentle washing keeps both the garment and the stitching looking neat rather than scruffy.
Our printed workwear bundles are cheaper than our embroidered workwear bundles. That's because print is much faster to produce. Printing 20 back logos takes a fraction of the time of embroidering 20.
Printed bundles also turn around faster: typically 7 to 10 working days, compared with 13 to 15 for embroidery. That makes them ideal for new starters, events and seasonal staff. Each bundle includes a free printed logo:
All prices are ex VAT.
We run multiple embroidery machines and print presses in house, so we can handle both quickly whatever you choose.
Ordering in larger volumes? Get in touch for a quote, as we offer further bulk discounts beyond our online pricing.
Is embroidery or printing cheaper for workwear? At Elkssons, they cost the same per position online. Our printed bundles are cheaper than our embroidered bundles because print is faster to produce.
Does DTF printing last? Yes. Washed at 30°C and not tumble dried, DTF prints typically last around 60+ washes.
Can every logo be embroidered? No. Logos with colour fades, lots of fine detail or large areas of background colour are better printed. We'll tell you if your logo suits print better when we send your proof.
Can I have an embroidered front and a printed back? Yes. It's our most popular combination, and it's available on single items, bundles and bulk orders.
Is embroidery better on hoodies and jackets? Yes. Embroidery looks more professional on heavier and padded garments and typically lasts the lifetime of the garment.
Why can't I have a large embroidered logo on a t-shirt? A large stitched area makes a lightweight t-shirt stiff and can irritate the skin. On 100% polyester it can also pucker after washing. Print is the better option.
Not sure which is right for your logo? Send it to us and we'll recommend the best option with a free proof. Request a quote or browse our bundles.
About the author: Zach is the owner of Elkssons, a family-run embroidery and print business in Leicestershire with over 30 years' experience. Elkssons supplies branded workwear to trades, the NHS, councils, hospitality and facilities firms across the UK.