Embroidery or Printing: Which Technique to Choose for Personalizing Your Team's Uniform

It's one of the questions I get asked most by businesses coming to personalize their uniforms: "embroidery or printing?" And the honest answer is that it depends on the fabric, how the garment will be used, and the effect you're going for.

It's not just a matter of taste. Each technique behaves differently with washing, friction, and time, so choosing well from the start keeps the logo from wearing out before the garment itself does.

When I recommend embroidery

Embroidery gives a raised, more elegant and long-lasting finish. It holds up very well to frequent washing and constant friction, which is why I almost always recommend it for kitchen aprons, hospitality uniforms, and garments washed daily. It's more expensive, but it ages better.

"Embroidery doesn't wear out: it becomes part of the fabric."

When printing makes more sense

Printing allows for more complex designs, with more colors and detail, and it's usually the more affordable option for large orders. It works very well on t-shirts, polos, and garments that don't go through as much wear as a kitchen uniform.

When a business brings me their logo, the first thing I do is look at the fabric of the final garment before deciding on the technique. That decision, made at the start, is what determines whether the uniform still looks good after a hundred washes.

If you need to personalize your team's uniforms and don't know where to start, you can contact Atelier Yvicor and I'll help you decide.

"The right technique is the one that lasts as long as the garment wearing it."

— Patricia Rojas