How to Pick the Right Printing Method for Custom Apparel

The options are endless when it comes to designing custom apparel for your brand. Not only can you select from a wide range of categories and styles, but there are several print methods you can use to customize your clothing. The choice isn’t as simple as deciding between embroidery vs printing—there are actually multiple ways to print on clothing depending on the look you want. That’s where we come in!

While there may be many options to pick from, we’re here to make that choice easy. First, think about your logo’s design. Is it a single color or does it feature multiple colors? How crisp are the details? And finally, consider how many items you plan to order. Our Apparel Collection offers flexible order sizes, so you can place orders big and small. Most print options in this collection allow you to buy and customize as little as one item (granted, you’ll probably want more!) 

Once you’ve answered the questions above, read below to find the printing method that best meets your needs.

4 Printing Methods to Choose From:

• Single-color screen print

• Heat transfer

• Embroidery

• Direct-to-garment

Now, let’s take a closer look at each printing method—so you can decide which one is best for your business! 

1. Single-Color Screen Print

Screen printing creates a crisp, single-color design with unbeatable value. One of the most traditional printing methods, screen printing has been used in art and clothing design for centuries. This method uses a mesh screen featuring your design to transfer ink onto the surface of the apparel item. We offer single-color screen printing, which keeps costs low so companies can outfit big or small teams on a budget. 

Who it’s best for: Companies with a single-color logo who want a custom print on a budget 

Looks best on: T-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies

Minimum order quantity: 6 

2. Heat Transfer

If your company has a multi-color logo, heat transfer printing may be the way to go. This method displays your logo in all of its bold, vibrant colors—even logos with a lot of detail. Heat transfer printing works by first applying the design to a special film, and then using heat to transfer the film to the fabric.  

This method keeps your design looking sharp and colorful. However, you will still be able to feel the film on the fabric. If you’re looking for a printing method that will feel as soft as the fabric, scroll down to read about direct-to-garment printing. 

Who it’s best for: Companies with detailed, multi-color logos who want a crisp print 

Looks best on: Polo shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts 

Minimum order quantity: 1

3. Embroidery

There are a few differences when it comes to embroidery versus printing. While printing uses various techniques to apply ink or dye to a garment, embroidery uses sewn thread. This creates a slightly raised feel and high-quality look, offering a premium, long-lasting way to show off your logo.  

While our print methods are all long-lasting and high quality, embroidery will never fade in the wash. This makes it the perfect choice for companies looking for durability, such as construction crews or hospitality workers in cafes or restaurants. Basically, if your team’s uniform requires frequent washing, embroidery is probably the right customization option for you. 

Who it’s best for: Companies looking for long-lasting, premium quality and a timeless look for their single- or multi-color logos 

Looks best on: Crewneck sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, polo shirts hoodies, long-sleeve or short-sleeve t-shirts 

Minimum order quantity: 1

4. Direct-to-Garment

Direct-to-garment printing is a relatively new method of customization. This technique uses a printer to transfer ink directly onto the garment—just as the name implies. This method is similar to heat transfer printing, with the difference being that it does not need a special film. Clothing customized with direct-to-garment printing has a bold, colorful design and the print feels just as soft as the fabric itself. However, this technique does not achieve the same crispness of detail as heat transfer does. 

Who it’s best for: Companies with simple, multi-color logos, who want their design to feel as soft as the fabric itself 

Looks best on: Polo shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts 

Minimum order quantity: 1 

There’s no wrong choice when it comes to selecting your print method. The best way to choose is to consider how you want your customization to look and feel, and to consider how that customization will look on the final product. 

Everything in our Apparel Collection comes with the Pens.com Perfect Print Promise. This is our way of guaranteeing that your order will be customized exactly as you approve, or we’ll make it right. We’ve been custom printing products for small businesses since 1966, so we have a long history of making sure every brand looks its best. If you want our advice on best practices when it comes to printing your logo, check out our top tips here. 

Interested in more customization ideas? There are so many ways to put your own spin on everything from pens to home goods. Plus, there are so many more choices you can make, aside from embroidery vs printing. Check out all the ways you can print our products!