Adding a unique design or brand logo to a custom shirt is an eye-catching way to take your garment to the next level. Screen printing and embroidery are two popular methods available. Factors like order quantity, material choice, and design complexity will help determine which option is best for you.

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses ink to transfer designs onto products like custom shirts, banners, koozies, and signs. These one-dimensional designs often look like they could have been painted right onto the shirt. A negative of your shirt design is first printed onto a mesh silk screen. If it features multiple colors, it will need a separate stencil and screen for each hue. Once each frame is placed face-down on the shirt, T-shirt ink is rolled over the screen. This transfers the design color-by-color onto the final product.

When providing a quote, your prospective shirt printing company will factor in the order size, number of colors in the design, and design placement. Ordering more shirts helps reduce the printing costs for each garment. Expect to pay more for personalized T-shirts with multiple colors or shirts with both a front and back design.

Embroidery

Embroidery creates a more professional, polished look. This design option is often seen on uniforms and promotional apparel. They’re best suited for polo shirts, button-downs, baseball caps, tote bags, and outerwear.

The technique involves stitching or weaving embroidery thread directly into custom shirt fabric. This floss comes in an array of vibrant hues, adding texture and dimension to shirt designs. A wax coating gives threads a color-reflecting sheen, helping the tones in a design pop.

While pricier than screen printing, embroidery often lasts longer. Most shirt design companies will base their embroidery prices on the number of stitches your design requires. Large or complex designs will have a higher stitch count, making the project cost more.

Whether you decide on screen printing or embroidery, you’ll find both options at Honolulu Shirt Shop. Established in 1984, this Hawaii printing company provides customers with professional and affordable shirt printing and design services. Learn more about their custom shirt services, visit them online or call (808) 847-0831 today. 

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