Is Embroidery Cheaper Than Printing? Your Custom Merch Guide

If you are searching for custom embroidery or screen printing in Cedar City or St. George, Utah, you might be wondering which option is more affordable and which will make your brand look its best. Whether you are gearing up for a local event, creating uniforms for your business, or sending out branded gifts to clients nationwide, the choice between embroidery and printing can make a big difference in cost, durability, and overall style. At Pulse Merch, we help customers across Southern Utah and the rest of the country find the right match for their needs.

Choosing between embroidery and printing for your custom merch is an important decision. You want your logo or message to look great, last long, and fit your budget. If you are stuck deciding, you are not alone. Let’s clear up the costs, durability, and style differences between embroidery and printing with real-world examples so you can choose the method that works best for you.

Quick Cost Comparison: Embroidery vs. Printing

The most common question we hear is, “Is embroidery cheaper than printing?” For most orders, embroidery is not less expensive than screen printing, especially on larger runs. Here’s why:

Embroidery pricing depends on the size and stitch count of your logo, along with the garment you are decorating. A small, simple logo on a hat or polo will cost less than a large, high-detail design on a jacket or hoodie, but either way, there is a complex machine setup involved.

Screen printing, especially for larger quantities, almost always lowers your per-shirt cost. The more shirts you order with the same design, the cheaper it gets since most of the work is in preparing the screens, mixing ink, and setup. Once that is done, printing hundreds of tees is quick and efficient.

If you only need a few items, such as 24 hats for your landscaping crew, embroidery costs can be reasonable. But if you are outfitting 50 or 100 t-shirts for a family reunion or a business giveaway, screen printing will almost always be the more budget-friendly option.

Durability and Professional Look

Cost is not the only thing that matters. Here is what else to consider:

• Embroidery lasts for years. It stands up to repeated washing and heavy wear, making it perfect for uniforms, hats, and workwear. Embroidered logos create a premium, professional look that stands out.

• Screen printing is bright and versatile. It works beautifully for colorful artwork, large logos, and statement graphics. Modern screen printing, like what we use at Pulse Merch, produces prints that last for dozens of washes without fading.

If your brand calls for a sturdy, upscale appearance such as custom embroidery polos for your trade show team or durable hats for your road crew, embroidery is the way to go. But for creative, high-impact graphics that pop, like event t-shirts, screen printing offers better value and color flexibility.

When Printing is the Better Value

Printing works best for:

• Larger orders. You will see the most savings when printing 24 or more pieces, especially at 50, 100, or more. If you need custom printing t-shirt services for your festival staff or school, screen printing is the most cost-effective choice.

• Complex or colorful artwork. Screen printing supports elaborate designs with many color options. If you want bold, full-front graphics or gradient logos, printing handles them with ease.

• Everyday promotional wear. Tees and hoodies for events, giveaways, or high-volume orders look fantastic with printing while keeping costs low.

Example: A church youth group ordered 120 t-shirts for a summer event. Even with a two-color print front and back, screen printing kept their cost under $7 per shirt, which was far less than embroidery for the same quantity.

When Embroidery is Worth the Extra Investment

Embroidery is best for:

• Small to medium-sized runs of hats, polos, or jackets. Branded headwear and polos shine with stitched logos and hold up well to frequent wear and washing.

• Premium gear for staff or clients. Gifting a top client a custom embroidered jacket or providing your team with Richardson hats creates a high-end, lasting impression.

• Long-lasting uniforms and workwear. In industries like construction or hospitality, an embroidered logo will not fade even after hundreds of washes.

Example: A local construction company ordered 36 embroidered polos for their project leads. The look matched their brand’s professionalism, and the logos still look sharp after a year of use.

Does Order Size Make a Difference?

Yes. For both embroidery and printing, ordering more pieces brings more savings. The difference is that embroidery pricing drops more slowly. Small embroidery runs are less cost-friendly due to setup charges, while screen printing prices drop sharply with quantity. If budget is your main concern and you need a large number of items, printing usually wins.

How to Choose: Questions to Ask

• What type of apparel are you customizing? (Tees and hoodies are often printed, hats and polos are often embroidered.)

• How complex is your design? (Detailed, colorful graphics may be better printed.)

• What is your order size? (Larger runs save more with printing.)

• What image do you want to project? Premium, casual, classic, or modern?

Still unsure? Our team can help you compare options and see samples so you can get merchandise you are proud of at a price that works.

Ready to Create the Perfect Custom Merch?

Whether you are putting together a team order, preparing for an event, or launching new staff uniforms, Pulse Merch makes it simple to get started. We will answer your questions, provide detailed mockups, and recommend the most cost-effective and eye-catching option for your project.

Need an expert to walk you through it? Request a quote or give us a call. We will help you choose embroidery or printing that makes your brand stand out.

Let us help with your next custom embroidery or screen printing project and create merch that is built to impress and last.

If you are in Cedar City, St. George, or anywhere in Southern Utah, stop by our shop to see samples in person. We also ship nationwide so no matter where you are in the U.S., you can get high-quality custom merch delivered right to your door.