Sublimation vs screen printing vs embroidery
Three methods, three different feels. Here's how each one actually works and which one fits your project.
Heat press sublimation
Dye is fused directly into polyester fibers. The print has no feel — you can't scratch it off because it is the fabric. Best for full-color art, photographs, gradients, and all-over prints.
- Best for: performance tees, jerseys, photo prints, full-color logos.
- Fabric: polyester or poly-blends (cotton won't take dye).
- Cost: no per-color upcharge — unlimited colors at the same price.
- Durability: won't crack, peel, or fade.
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the shirt, one color at a time. Each color needs its own screen, so simple 1–3 color designs scale economically; full-color art gets expensive fast.
- Best for: bold 1–4 color logos on cotton, large quantities.
- Fabric: works on cotton, blends, and polyester.
- Cost: setup fee per color; per-shirt cost drops with volume.
- Durability: excellent with care; can crack over years of washing.
Embroidery
Real thread stitched into the garment by a digitized machine. The look is dimensional and premium — the professional finish for polos, jackets, and caps.
- Best for: business uniforms, polos, jackets, caps, bags.
- Fabric: almost anything sturdy enough to hold thread.
- Cost: based on stitch count; small logos are very affordable.
- Durability: the longest-lasting method.
Quick picker
- Photo or full-color art → sublimation
- Cotton tee with a 1–2 color logo, big quantity → screen printing
- Company polo, cap, or jacket → embroidery
- Mix of all three for a team package → we'll quote it together
Still not sure? Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the method that fits. Get a quote or browse our custom t-shirts.