Guide · Finishing
Both methods have their strengths. Here's an overview of when each one suits your corporate apparel best.
Embroidery for durable, premium representation (polos, jackets, caps). Printing for large-scale, colour-rich designs at high volume.
We specialise in embroidery, produced in-house in Mannheim. For printing projects we still advise you honestly, even when embroidery isn't always the right choice.
Basics
The design is stitched directly into the fabric with thread. The result: a three-dimensional, tactile finish and a particularly premium, long-lasting look.
The design is applied to the surface of the fabric (e.g. flex, flock or digital printing). The result: a flat finish, but far greater colour and detail possibilities.
Head to Head
| Criterion | Embroidery | Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very high, stays crisp through many washes | Good, but can fade or crack with frequent washing/drying |
| Look & Feel | Three-dimensional, premium, tactile | Flat, but colour-rich and detailed |
| Best for | Logos, crests, small to medium designs | Large-scale, colourful or photorealistic designs |
| Fabric type | Polos, shirts, jackets, caps, towelling | Mainly smooth, flat surfaces (T-shirts, hoodies) |
| Minimum quantity | With us: none | Depends on the method, often cost-effective from 15-20 pieces |
| Price | Depends on stitch count, see our cost guide | Often cheaper per piece at large volumes |
In Practice
A classic choice for embroidery, a premium look on the collar or chest. More on our polo shirt page.
Embroidery withstands wind, weather and frequent washing far better than printing. More on our vest page.
Almost exclusively embroidery, since the curved surface isn't suited to printing. More on our cap page.
For photorealistic or very large-scale designs, printing is usually the better choice.
Care
Our premium polyester threads are extremely robust. Embroidered textiles can be washed at 60°C without issue, and the logo won't lose its shape or colour brilliance.
Since we specialise in workwear for hospitality, trades and healthcare, our finishes withstand the highest demands.
We work with special stabilisers that keep the embroidered design permanently in shape, even after many washes.
Frequently Asked
Per piece, often yes, especially for large-scale designs. Over the garment's lifetime it usually evens out, since embroidery withstands far more washes without visible wear.
Yes, that's possible, for example an embroidered chest logo combined with a large-scale printed back design. Get in touch with us about your specific design.
Below a certain size, embroidery becomes technically difficult to read clearly. For very small lettering, printing is often the better choice. If in doubt, we'll give you an honest recommendation.