Article by Vinod Lad, Instant Imprints, Mississauga, Ontario

Two of the most effective ways of producing and printing your logo or message on apparel are screen printing and embroidery. Both methods offer the highest quality imprinting and hold up well over repeated washing and wearing. They do not peel off, shrink or fade even after many years of wear. The choice of screen printing or embroidery depends on the type and quantity of apparel used, amount of detail required and purpose of use. 

Other methods of embellishing apparel include iron-on or heat transfer of images and direct-to-garment inkjet printing. A screen printed t-shirt is durable, has a much softer feel and carries a sharp and detailed image since the ink bleeds right into the actual fabric. In contrast, a heat transfer image sticks on top of the fabric while applied at high heat and pressure. However, it is superb for imprinting multi-colored pictures, small graphics and large size names and numbers that go on team uniforms.

Screen printing is a great option for someone looking to promote their brand or message in a cost effective way. It also offers a good advertising opportunity for businesses. By outfitting your employees with company shirts you’re gaining free advertising wherever they go. Additionally, it conveys an image of class and legitimacy, when employees wear items with a company name or logo on them. Screen printing allows you to place the same image or logo on multiple items without a large amount of setup changes. This offers a cost effective way to advertise and promote, while getting your brand or message out in an affordable and valuable way thus making screen printing sometimes the best choice for garment decoration.

Some of the most common purchases and users are:
     • Charity Fundraising Events
     • School Organizations or Sports Teams
     • Landscape or Construction Businesses
     • Churches or Youth Outreach Programs

If you are a non-for-profit organization, screen printing also makes for a great tool to help you raise funds. The low cost of screen printing allows you to order garments relatively cost effectively and resell for a reasonable price.

Embroidery is a great alternative to screen printing. It allows you to produce smaller runs of an order. For example, if you only need a few shirts, it may be beneficial to create a logo that will work well for embroidery over screen printing.

Embroidery is also a great form of embellishment for corporate wear. In today’s business casual world employees are often allowed to wear jeans and a decent collared shirt to work. Embroidery allows you to create that decent collared shirt for your workers. Not only will it make your employees feel more relaxed wearing a polo shirt or mock turtle neck to work every day but they will also be appreciative of being supplied with the shirts. Studies have shown that 85% of potential employees are more likely to go with a company providing a business casual environment and part of their attire, over a company that requires them to wear full business dress that they are required to purchase. The second benefit is that your employees will leave work and still be wearing your logo or brand on their shirts. This is in turn offers free advertising for your company.

Another benefit of embroidery is that you can personalize any item at a relatively low cost. If you’ve ordered a dozen screen printed sweatshirts for your construction crew, you can take the extra step and either put their names on the sleeve or the chest of the sweatshirt. Employees who feel appreciated, work harder and are more reliable on a day to day basis. It is also beneficial to parents and athletes. It allows you to put a name, number and possibly a graphic that relates to the sport which the items are being purchased for relatively easily.