Embroidery vs. Screen Printing vs. Transfers vs. Patches

Four ways to put your logo on something. Here's the straight answer on which one's right for your project.

If it's going on a hat, polo, or jacket and needs to survive a hundred washes, embroider it. If it's a t-shirt with a big, colorful design and you're ordering a stack of them, screen print it. Need it fast, or is it a one-off? Go with a transfer. Got a logo people wear, trade, or collect on their own — think trucker hats or letterman jackets? Patch it.

Method Best for Durability Small orders? Turnaround
Embroidery Hats, polos, jackets, bags Excellent — holds up for years Yes, no minimums ~2 weeks
Screen Printing T-shirts, bulk team or event orders Very good, best at higher quantities Better for larger runs ~2 weeks
Heat Transfers One-offs, names/numbers, fast turnarounds Good, can fade faster over time Yes, great for single items Often fastest
Patches Hats, jackets, collectible logos Excellent, removable or permanent Yes, no minimums ~2 weeks

General pricing and lead times — every quote reflects your exact design, quantity, and product.

Jump to a method

Embroidery

Embroidery

High-end texture and durability. Best for hats, polos, jackets, and bags.
Screen Printing

Screen Printing

Bold, vibrant color on fabric. Best for tees, hoodies, and larger runs.
Transfers

Transfers

Full-color detail without screens. Great for small quantities and fast turnarounds.
Patches

Patches

Standalone or iron-on. Perfect for a premium, collectible brand look.

FAQ
Can I mix decoration methods on one order?

Yes. It's common to embroider hats and screen print matching tees in the same order. Everything gets grouped by decoration method when you build your quote.
What if I'm still not sure which decoration method I need?

Send your product and logo (or just an idea) and we'll recommend the right method before you commit to anything.
Does price change a lot between embroidery, screen printing, transfers, and patches?

Yes, largely based on quantity. Small orders often favor transfers or embroidery; screen printing becomes more cost-effective at higher quantities. There are price contexts on each decoration method's page.

Which apparel decoration method lasts the longest?

Embroidery and patches tend to last the longest through repeated washing, with screen printing close behind. Heat transfers hold up well too, though heavy long-term wear may show fading sooner.
Does the number of colors in my design affect which method I should use?

It can. Screen printing is priced per color, so a simple 1-2 color logo is very affordable, but a design with lots of colors or a gradient gets pricier fast. Embroidery is priced by stitch count, not color count, so multi-color logos don't cost extra there. Transfers handle full-color, photo-style designs without any added cost per color. If your design has a gradient or a lot of detail, we'll steer you toward the method that keeps your price down without losing quality.