Embroidery vs Screen Printing vs Sublimation: Which Logo Method Is Best?
How the main decoration methods compare on look, feel, durability and fabric – and which one suits your product.
Embroidery gives a raised, premium logo and suits hoodies, polos, caps and jackets. Screen printing gives bold, sharp graphics at a good price on cotton and blends. Sublimation dyes the design into polyester, so all-over, full-colour prints never crack or peel – ideal for team kits and activewear. DTF transfers handle detailed full-colour artwork on many fabrics.
The main methods side by side
| Embroidery | Screen printing | Sublimation | DTF transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Raised, textured, premium | Bold, solid colours | Full colour, all-over, no edges | Detailed full colour |
| Feel | Stitched, slightly stiff | Thin ink layer on top | No feel – dye is in the fibre | Thin film on the surface |
| Best fabric | Fleece, twill, heavy cotton | Cotton and cotton blends | Light-coloured polyester | Cotton, polyester and blends |
| Best for | Chest logos, caps, polos, jackets | Streetwear graphics, merch | Team kits, jerseys, activewear | Photo-detail logos, small runs |
| Watch out for | Very fine detail and tiny text | Many colours add screens | Does not work on cotton | Large solid areas can feel heavy |
Embroidery: premium and long-lasting
Embroidery stitches your logo into the garment with thread. It looks expensive, survives repeated washing and suits heavier fabrics such as fleece hoodies, polos, jackets and caps. Variations include 3D puff embroidery for a raised logo, chenille patches for a varsity look and appliqué, where fabric shapes are stitched on. Keep very small text above a readable size – fine detail is better printed.
Screen printing: bold graphics at scale
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen, one colour at a time. It produces sharp, opaque colours and is a classic for streetwear tees and hoodies. Ink types change the finish: plastisol is bright and durable, water-based ink soaks into the fabric for a softer feel, and puff and foil add texture or shine.
Sublimation: unlimited colours, no cracking
Sublimation prints your design onto paper, then heat turns the ink into a gas that bonds with polyester fibres. Because the colour becomes part of the fabric, it never cracks, peels or adds weight, and you can cover the whole garment edge to edge with names, numbers and sponsors. It needs polyester or high-polyester fabric and works best on light base colours. Read our sublimated sportswear guide for more.
DTF: detailed artwork on almost any fabric
Direct-to-film (DTF) prints full-colour artwork onto a film that is heat-pressed onto the garment. It handles gradients and fine detail well and works on cotton and polyester, which makes it useful for detailed logos and smaller runs.
Best Decoration Method for Each Sportswear Product
Most club orders combine methods: a sublimated jersey with an embroidered crest on the tracksuit, for example. This is what works best for the products we make most.
| Product | Best method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer uniforms and sublimation jerseys | Full sublimation | Unlimited colours; names and numbers printed in the same run |
| Training kits and training vests and bibs | Sublimation or screen print | Screen print keeps simple bibs and numbers affordable |
| Sports tracksuits | Embroidery | An embroidered crest looks premium and lasts |
| Team jackets | Embroidery or patches | Works on heavier and padded fabrics |
| Polo shirts | Embroidery | The classic finish for coaches, staff and officials |
| Rash guards | Full sublimation | No cracking when the fabric stretches |
| Cotton T-shirts | Screen print or DTF | Sublimation does not work on cotton |
| Sublimation flags | Full sublimation | Bright print that shows through on the reverse side |
| Knitted scarves | Jacquard knit | The design is knitted in, so it cannot fade or peel |
| Sublimation towels | Sublimation, or embroidery on cotton towels | Sublimation for photos and full designs; embroidery for a small logo |
Ordering for a club? See our custom sportswear manufacturer page or teamwear packs.
How to choose
- Team kit or jersey? Sublimation.
- Premium chest logo on a hoodie, polo or jacket? Embroidery or 3D puff.
- Big graphic on a cotton tee? Screen printing.
- Photo-style or very detailed artwork? DTF.
- Varsity or vintage look? Chenille patches or appliqué.
Many products combine methods – for example a sublimated jersey with an embroidered crest. Send us your artwork and we will recommend the best method for your fabric and budget.
In practice: t-shirts and hoodies often use screen print, DTF or embroidery – see custom t-shirts and custom hoodies. Team kits are usually sublimated – see the sublimation guide and teamwear.
Common follow-up questions
Which decoration lasts longest?
Sublimation and embroidery are the most durable, because the colour is in the fibre or the logo is stitched in. Good screen prints also last well when cared for properly.
Can I combine embroidery and printing on one garment?
Yes. Many brands print a large graphic and add an embroidered logo, or sublimate a jersey and embroider the crest.
Can you sublimate on cotton?
No. Sublimation needs polyester or high-polyester fabric. For cotton, use screen printing, DTF or embroidery instead.
Does the decoration method change the price?
Yes. Stitch count, number of print colours and print size all affect cost. We price the method that suits your design in the quote.
What is the best way to brand a club tracksuit?
An embroidered crest. It looks premium, lasts for years and works on poly-knit and microfibre tracksuit fabrics.
How are knitted scarves branded?
With a jacquard knit: the club name and colours are knitted into the scarf, so the design cannot fade, crack or peel.
Related answers and guides
Not sure which method suits your logo?
Send us your artwork and product. We will recommend a decoration method and send a free quote.