How Customised Gifts Can Become Chapters of the Recipient’s Story?
September 27, 2025
Embroidery and print are two different forms of transferring art onto the fabric to customise clothing items. These personalised clothing items are widely used to show personal style and identity. Customising requires proper research on the method you are interested in using. Your preference influences the appearance and durability of customised work.
In this blog, we will compare the embroidery and print methods used for customising apparel and examine how each technique works under pressure. This will help you make a decision based on strengths and weaknesses that balance both looks and longevity.
To begin, having an understanding of how embroidery and printing work is important. Each method employs a distinct process to apply designs to fabric, which directly impacts the final product’s appearance, texture, and durability.
Embroidery involves stitching coloured threads directly into the fabric to create a design that becomes part of the garment itself. Embroidery appears textured as the design is sewn on the surface. This technique is particularly suitable for items that require a professional and durable finish, such as corporate uniforms, polo shirts, caps, jackets and shoes. Embroidery is particularly effective for logos and personalised gifts, offering a premium, high-end appearance.
Printing is a common method used to customise clothes by applying specific inks, films or pigments. Most of the printing methods result in a flat finish, but some also provide texture depending on the method you are using. This method is used to capture detailed artwork. There are several printing techniques, such as Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, Vinyl Printing, heat transfer, or Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, used in the industry to achieve various results. Any of these methods is used for
The process behind embroidery and printing sets the foundation for how each method looks, feels, and lasts. While both are popular in custom apparel, the way designs are applied to fabric is fundamentally different, and that difference influences their durability and overall finish.
| Aspect | Embroidery Customisation | Printing Customisation |
|---|---|---|
|
Process |
Stitching onto the fabric directly. |
Design transfer on the fabric using vinyl or inks. |
|
Finishing |
It provides a sleek, luxurious, and premium finish to the fabric. |
It provides more creative freedom with gradients, shading, and intricate design. |
|
Design Size |
Best suited for small designs that do not require fine details, such as logos, initials, or text. |
It can be used for both small and large designs, featuring finer details and multiple colours. |
|
Durability |
Extremely durable. |
Durability depends upon the methods and aftercare of the product. |
|
Fabric Compatibility |
It works best on thicker fabrics. |
It works across a range of fabrics. |
|
Colour Range |
Work with a limited thread colour available online. |
A wide range of colours is available to produce gradients, shading and even produce photo-realistic images. |
|
Cost |
Higher initial cost as of per stitch count. |
It is a cheap option for large designs and gives reasonable options for bulk orders. |
|
Use |
Often chosen for professional, corporate and long-term uniform use. |
Common for casual wear and promotional clothing. |
Choose the perfect method and make your designs stand out.
Making the right choice between embroidery and printing depends on the outcome you are hoping for. If you are looking for a sleek design that provides durability and a professional look, you can go for embroidery. It is the best option for small-scale designs. A large embroidered design gives your apparel a bulky look. It is also suitable for thick fabrics; thin and lightweight fabrics can be distorted when embroidered. It is used for uniforms, sports kits, workwear, and creating brand logos, as well as for achieving specific textured finishes.
On the other hand, printing gives you more flexibility in your creativity while making a design. With various printing methods, you can get detailed artworks, bold colour designs, realistic images or full-size graphics printed on your clothes. This technique yields fine results at a lower price point.
Click Here to learn about DTF Printing and Vinyl Cutting, which one is best for you.
Embroidery and printing are both valuable procedures to transfer your vision and design onto the fabric. The choice you make for your product depends on the end result you are hoping for. Both of these methods have their pros and cons. By considering factors such as design style, fabric type, budget, and how long you want the garment to last, you can choose the option that delivers the right balance of appearance and practicality.
for events, sports, or casual wear
unique designs or brand alignment
branded merchandise, bulk solutions
