Embroidery VS Silkscreen Printing – Which is more professional?

When it comes to T-shirt printing in Singapore, whether for company uniforms, events tees, or branded merchandise, the big question many customers ask is: “Should I go for embroidery or silkscreen printing?”

Both are reliable methods, but they create very different looks. To help you decide which suits your project better, here’s an easy breakdown of what each method is, how they differ, and when they look the most professional.

What is Silkscreen Printing?

Silkscreen printing is one of the oldest and most established printing methods in custom T-shirt printing. It works by pushing ink through a mesh screen using a stencil, allowing the designs to be built layer by layer.

Because each colours requires its own stencil, designs with fewer colours or single colour logos tend to be more cost-effective.

Common products that use silkscreen printing:

• T-Shirts
• Hoodies
• Windbreakers & Jackets
• Drawstring bags
• Non-Woven Bags
• Lanyard
• Water bottles & Lunch boxes
• Tote Bag

Fun Fact: Silkscreen print can be used on fabric as well as hard materials. 

What is Embroidery?

Embroidery on apparel is usually done using a computerised embroidery machine, not by hand. These machines have multiple needles and stitch designs using coloured threads, creating a textured and premium look. This is why embroidery is commonly used for corporate wear.

Common products that use embroidery:

• Polo Shirts
• Caps
• Backpacks
• Canvas Tote Bag
• Corporate t-shirt or Corporate Polo
• Outerwear (Corporate Jacket, Blazers)

   

Tips: TJG Print offers many other types of T-shirt printing methods too.

Only in today’s article, we focus more on Silkscreen Printing VS Embroidery

Quick Comparison

Embroidery : Textured but less sharp and clear

Side-by-Side Comparision

To decide which printing method to go with, we further lay out the comparisons of different factor as a checklist. With better knowledge equipped, you will be more well-versed with creating the best custom T-shirts suited for your needs.

1. Durability

Embroidery

Embroidery is built to last. The coloured threads hold up well against repeated washing, and the stitched finish usually stays intact long after the garment shows signs of wear. 

Silkscreen Printing:

High-quality silkscreen prints can last through thousands of washes when cared for correctly. The print often outlasts the fabric itself.

2. Finishing & Professional  Appearance

Embroidery

• Textured, raised finish
• Adds a premium and structured look
• Often used for corporate identity, polo shirts workwear

Pros:

• Very long lasting
• Elegant, premium feel

Cons:

• Fine details and tiny text may not show well
• Cannot achieve gradients
• Not ideal for large designs (heavy and stiff)

Silkscreen Printing

• Smooth, vibrant, and bold
• Great for most details

Pros:

• Works well for most design artwork
• Colours stay consistent and vibrant
• Ideal for smaller designs

Cons:

• More colours = higher cost
• Gradient effects can be challenging

May not look as “premium” as embroidery for corporate wear.

3. Fabric Compatibility

Embroidery

Best on thicker, sturdier fabrics such as polo shirts, jackets and caps. Not so ideal for thin T-shirts as the stitching can weigh down or distort the fabric.

Silkscreen Printing

Prints beautifully on cotton, polyester, and blended materials. These fabrics have good ink absorbency that can hold ink well.

4. Design size & Detail

Embroidery performs best with:

• A logo
• Solid colours
• Corporate branding

Silkscreen works better when the design includes:

• Small text
• Thin lines
• Complex icons
• Solid colours

5. Colour Limitations

Embroidery

Limited to thread colour availability. No gradient effect 

Silkscreen Printing

Can match to pantone colour codes. No gradient effect but can do toning silkscreen to replicate as similar to gradient effect.

6. Comfort and wearability

Embroidery requires a stabilisers backing behind the stitches. Because of this, large embroidered areas can feel itchy or scratchy

Silkscreen prints sits on the fabric, so they feel smooth and lightweight.

Real Use Cases

Embroidery is the go-to for uniforms, company polos, and anything meant to look polished and long lasting. More popular type of print method for jackets and outerwear as embroidery backing are not much of a concern for outerwear.

Silkscreen printing is commonly used for event tees, camps shirts, marathons, sportswear, promotional tees, and outdoors.

Corporate Jacket with Embroidery

Care & Maintenance Tips

How to wash silkscreen shirts?

• Do not bleach
• Turn T-shirt inside out before washing
• Wash & Iron Inside Out
• Do Not Iron Over Printing

How to wash embroidered shirts?

• Turn garment inside out before washing
• Use a mesh bag (to keep embroidered item away from clothes with zippers or hooks that can snag the stitching)
• Iron Inside Out or place a pressing cloth over the embroidery to protect it.
• Do Not Iron Over directly.

Which looks more professional?

For corporate uniforms, polo shirts, and workwear:

Embroidery wins. As it looks premium, structured, and longevity.

For event tees, large design prints, or creative graphics:

Silkscreen printing is the better choice as it can handle colours, details and size much better.

How do I start my ordering process?

We’ve come to the end of the guide, and we hope it helped make your decision a little easier. If you need more tips on custom corporate T-shirt printing , feel free to reach out to us too

When planning to customise apparel or corporate wear, here are 4 easy steps to T-shirt printing ordering process.  If you don’t have any designs or idea where to start , you can use 4 T-shirt design template to create your logos/designs to share with us for quotation too.  At TJG Print, we offer high-quality embroidery, silkscreen printing, and other printing methods along with fast turnaround for bulk orders.

Share your artwork with us, and we will recommend the option that delivers the best results for your design.