Embroidery or printing, which to choose

You have just started your business, and you are ready to hire employees and introduce yourself to the public. You know you need some shirts or hats for your team to wear, but you are not sure if you should use print or embroidered clothing for your business. There are a few things to take into consideration when you select how to display your company name.

What type of clothing are you using?

If you plan a simple T-shirt for your team to wear, you should probably just use print.  Embroidery does not always look good on a t-shirt as the thin fabric may pucker when a sewing machine starts to stitch. People will have an easier time reading your company name if it appears in print on a t-shirt.

If you are using a company logo instead of the company’s full name, you can have it embroidered over the pocket of a polo-style shirt. It will look elegant and let people know that you cater to the upper crust.

Some companies choose to have their employees wear baseball caps to work instead of, or in addition to, a t-shirt. In this case, you should use embroidery. Perfect stitches will stand out well on a hat, and your crew will feel like sports heroes when they put on their baseball caps and get ready for another day of playing hard.

What do you want to say about your company?

Does your company cater to an exclusive and wealthy audience, or do you cater to working moms? Do you drive people from place to place, or do you simply pack up boxes and get them out to your customers? The type of lettering you use on a t-shirt should reflect the overall personality of your business.

If you want your uniform, hat, or shirt to look elegant, You should definitely use embroidery. If you want to seem laid back and casual, you should get a printed shirt.

Hilton hotel employees wear a simple black jacket with the crest embroidered on a lapel giving guests the feeling that they are dealing with a company that values conformity and customer service. Employees at Joe’s Crab Shack wear a t-shirt that announces, ” we’ve got crabs,” in print. Customers can buy a shirt that says, “ I got Crab’s at Joe’s.” The shirts suggest that the staff and customers are equals who just hang out and have fun.

What color combinations do you want to use?

Embroidery threads are beautiful and will stand out well against dark solid colors. If you want to use basic colors against a dark background, embroidery is an excellent choice.  However, if you are looking to use softer colors or if you want to use an unusual shade of color, you will have much better luck if you just use printed lettering. Printed letters come in countless shades, and they can be printed on less expensive fabric.

Ultimately, you should choose the fabric and lettering that you think looks best for your business. A team t-shirt or hat will advertise your brand and let your employees know you are part of something big. Pumped-up employees and informed customers are key to making your business a successful one.