Custom Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Custom embroidery vs screen printing—learn the key differences, pros, and best uses for uniforms, hats, hoodies, and workwear. Find the right option for your business.
When it comes to customizing apparel for your business, school, sports team, or organization, one of the biggest questions is whether to choose custom embroidery or screen printing.
Both decoration methods have their advantages, but choosing the right one depends on the type of garment, your budget, your logo, and the professional image you want to create.
At MRAYLA Embroidery and Stitches, we specialize in high-quality custom embroidery for businesses, schools, sports teams, and organizations throughout London, Ontario. In this guide, we'll compare embroidery and screen printing to help you decide which option is best for your next project.
Custom Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Which Is Best for Your Business?
What Is Custom Embroidery?
Embroidery is commonly used on polos and workwear, hats and beanies, hoodies and crewnecks, uniforms, jackets and embroidered patches
Instead of applying ink to fabric, embroidery creates a textured, premium finish that becomes part of the garment itself.
Embroidery is commonly used on:
Business uniforms
Polo shirts
Hats and caps
Beanies
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Quarter-zips
Jackets
Aprons
Scrubs
Workwear
Backpacks
Tote bags
The finished product has a professional appearance that is designed to last through years of regular wear and washing.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a process where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto fabric.
Each colour usually requires its own screen, making screen printing an excellent choice for larger orders with simple artwork.
Screen printing is commonly used on:
T-shirts
Promotional shirts
Event apparel
Sports jerseys
Club apparel
Large front or back graphics
Fundraising merchandise
It creates a smooth finish and allows for bold, vibrant designs.
Embroidery vs Screen Printing: Side-by-Side Comparison
Advantages of Custom Embroidery
Embroidery instantly gives apparel a more polished look.
Many businesses choose embroidered uniforms because stitched logos communicate quality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
This is especially important for:
Corporate offices
Healthcare providers
Restaurants
Construction companies
Retail businesses
Cleaning companies
Property management
Schools
Premium Professional Appearance
Embroidery is designed to withstand frequent washing without fading.
Unlike printed ink that may eventually crack or peel over time, quality embroidery maintains its appearance for years when properly cared for.
This makes embroidery a smart long-term investment for everyday uniforms.
Outstanding Durability
If employees wear their uniforms every day, embroidery is often the preferred choice.
It works exceptionally well on:
Polo shirts
Quarter-zips
Jackets
Hoodies
Work shirts
Scrubs
Aprons
Perfect for Uniforms
Embroidered hats remain one of the most popular promotional products.
Whether you're ordering Richardson trucker hats, snapbacks, dad hats, or beanies, embroidery provides a premium finish that customers and employees appreciate.
Excellent for Hats
Advantages of Screen Printing
Cost-Effective for Large Quantities
If you're ordering hundreds of promotional t-shirts with large graphics, screen printing often offers lower per-shirt costs.
Large chest prints, oversized back graphics, and colourful event shirts are where screen printing shines.
If your artwork covers much of the shirt, printing is usually the better option.
Great for Large Artwork
Vibrant Colours
Screen printing produces bright, solid colours that work well for promotional events, sports tournaments, concerts, and fundraising campaigns.
When Should You Choose Embroidery?
Embroidery is the better choice if you're decorating:
Company polos
Corporate apparel
Employee jackets
Workwear
Hats
Beanies
Aprons
Scrubs
Quarter-zips
High-quality branded merchandise
If your goal is to build a professional image, embroidery is often the best investment.
When Should You Choose Screen Printing?
Screen printing is ideal when you're decorating:
Promotional t-shirts
Event shirts
Charity runs
Family reunions
Large back graphics
School spirit shirts
Concert merchandise
Large-volume apparel orders
If your artwork is large, colourful, and covers much of the garment, screen printing may be the better option.
Best Choice by Product Type
Polo Shirts
Winner: Embroidery
Polos are the classic embroidered garment.
Hats and Beanies
Winner: Embroidery
Almost all premium hats are embroidered because stitching follows the shape of the cap and creates a durable, high-end finish.
Hoodies
Winner: Depends on the Design
Choose embroidery for logos and branding.
Choose screen printing for oversized artwork.
Many businesses even combine both methods—for example, an embroidered chest logo with a printed back graphic.
Business Uniforms
Winner: Custom Embroidery
Businesses want employees to look polished and professional. Embroidered logos help reinforce brand credibility.
Workwear
Winner: Embroidery
Durability makes embroidery the preferred option for trades, construction crews, mechanics, landscapers, electricians, and contractors.
Schools and Sports Teams
Both methods work well.
Embroidery is ideal for:
Staff apparel
Coaches
Team jackets
Hats
Quarter-zips
Screen printing is ideal for:
Team shirts
Spirit wear
Tournament apparel
Event shirts
Need help selecting garments for your employees? Read our guide to the best staff uniforms for small businesses.
Which Option Lasts Longer?
Generally, high-quality embroidery lasts longer than screen printing because the design is stitched directly into the garment.
Quality screen printing can also be extremely durable, but printed ink may eventually show signs of wear after years of repeated washing.
If longevity is your priority, embroidery is usually the better investment.
For a detailed breakdown of digitizing fees, stitch counts and order quantities, read our guide explaining how much embroidery costs in Canada.
Which Is Better for Small Businesses?
For most small businesses, custom embroidery offers the best combination of professionalism, durability, and brand recognition.
Whether you're a:
Restaurant
Café
Landscaping company
Construction business
Medical clinic
Dental office
Cleaning company
Retail store
Real estate office
Auto detailing business
embroidered apparel helps build customer trust while giving employees a clean, consistent appearance.
Why Business in London, Ontario Choose Embroidery
Local businesses want uniforms that represent their brand well.
Embroidered logos help employees stand out while creating a polished, professional image that customers remember.
From one-person businesses to growing companies with dozens of employees, embroidery remains one of the most effective ways to promote your brand every day.
Custom Embroidery Services in London, Ontario
At MRAYLA Embroidery and Stitches, we provide custom embroidery for:
Business uniforms
Staff polos
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Hats
Beanies
Aprons
Workwear
Jackets
Scrubs
Schools
Sports teams
Clubs
Community organizations
Whether you need one embroidered item or uniforms for your entire team, we're committed to delivering clean, professional embroidery with attention to detail.
If you're looking for custom embroidery in London, Ontario, we'd be happy to help bring your ideas to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Browse our custom embroidery portfolio to see completed hats, patches, hoodies, polos, uniforms and team apparel.
Choosing between custom embroidery and screen printing comes down to your goals, your garments, and the impression you want to make.
If you're looking for durable, professional-looking uniforms, hats, polos, hoodies, or workwear, embroidery is often the best choice. If you need large, colourful graphics for promotional shirts or events, screen printing may be the better fit.
No matter the size of your order, investing in quality branded apparel helps strengthen your business image and leaves a lasting impression on customers.