You want to make the best impression for your business with customized merchandise that bears your brand. Whether it is for giveaways, promotions, or for uniforms and work wear, you need to answer the million-dollar question.
Should you go for embroidery or printing? Both techniques feature both pros and cons. If you are considering custom embroidery or custom screen printing in Philadelphia, take a look at both options to explore what is best for you.
The Pros and Cons
Positive Features to Consider
Embroidery takes multiple threads and creates a standout design with dimension and texture. This could include anything from your logo to more intricate designs. Embroidery is popular for its durable and long-lasting quality, even after frequent wearing and washing. The threads usually resist fading and fraying and look brand new after multiple washes.
Embroidery is versatile and can be applied to various fabrics and items, including hats, jackets, bags, apparel, and towels. Adding embroidery to your merchandise often adds a higher end, quality, and prestige, enhancing your business. This versatility provides consistent branding when used on different merchandise.
Not So Positive Features to Consider
The embroidery process requires a longer production timeframe than other techniques, especially for complex orders. Highly detailed artwork and large designs might not translate with embroidery and create stiff, uncomfortable clothing. This could result in limitations and higher expenses. Embroidery uses a limited number of thread colors, so if your design is intricate and requires a broad color palette, other options like screen printing are more accommodating and budget-friendly.
Printing: The Pros and Cons
Positive Features to Consider
Printing methods, especially custom screen printing, easily capture highly detailed designs and complex artwork, especially fine lines and color gradients. It is also more cost-effective as the order size increases. This cost per unit goes down significantly with larger quantities, making it a great option for bulk orders. Unlike embroidery, the sky is the limit with colors, gradients, and photo-realistic images.
This flexibility brings more vibrant logos and designs to life. Additionally, printing is perfect for various materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even plastic and paper. This versatility opens the door to branding everything from apparel to mugs, banners, hats, office supplies, and more. Unlike embroidery, modern printing innovations provide fast production times for businesses that are looking for quick turnaround times on larger bulk orders.
Not So Positive Features to Consider
First and foremost, the perceived value of screen-printed merchandise is less than that of embroidery. Printed designs may also fade and crack over time, especially after repeated washing and drying, and could affect appearance. Printing is not ideal for all fabrics and materials, especially on thick and textured fabrics. Since printing processes involve chemicals like inks and dyes, some may consider them environmentally harmful. There are more expensive, eco-friendly options available if this is a concern for you.
Get Quality Printing and Superb Customer Service At Eberhart’s Custom Embroidery
If you are considering investing in customized promotional items, uniforms, and other merchandise to boost your brand and image, trust Eberhart’s Custom Embroidery serving the Philidelphia area. Our second-generation family-owned business has provided hundreds of new and repeat customers with quality products that have exceeded their expectations.
Our professional and expert team understands how important it is to build a brand with promotional products, and we are here to help you with every detail. Ask us about how our online store can help you profit from selling promotional apparel and other online fundraising programs. Contact us today, and let’s build your brand and strengthen your business.
