Resources, Decoration
Decoration Method Comparison
Every major way we decorate a product, side by side. Use this to compare options for your project or to share with a client trying to understand the tradeoffs.
Comparison Table
| Method | Best Fabric | Detail / Color Range | Durability | Cost at Low Qty | Cost at High Qty | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Print | Cotton, blends | Solid colors, 1–6 colors typical | Excellent (rated 50+ washes) | Higher per unit | Lowest per unit | 7–14 days |
| Embroidery | Most fabrics ≥4oz | Limited to thread colors; classic look | Excellent, outlasts the garment | Moderate | Moderate (stitch count drives cost) | 7–14 days |
| DTF (Direct-to-Film) | Cotton, poly, blends | Full color, photo-realistic | Very good (25–50 washes) | Lowest per unit | Higher per unit at scale | 5–10 days |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | 100% cotton preferred | Full color, photo-realistic | Good (25 washes) | Low per unit | Higher than screen print | 5–10 days |
| Sublimation | 100% polyester (light colors) | Full color, photo-realistic, won't crack | Excellent, dye-infused | Moderate | Low at scale | 7–14 days |
| Laser Engraving | Hard goods, leather, some apparel | Tone-on-tone (no color); detailed | Permanent | Moderate | Moderate | 5–10 days |
| Debossing / Embossing | Leather, paper, some apparel | Tone-on-tone, raised or recessed | Permanent | Higher | Moderate at scale | 10–14 days |
| Foil Stamping | Most substrates | Metallic finish; limited colors | Good with proper care | Moderate | Moderate | 7–14 days |
| HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) | Cotton, poly, blends | Solid colors; some specialty (glitter, foil) | Good (20–30 washes) | Lowest per unit | Higher per unit at scale | 3–7 days |
| Patches (sewn or applied) | Most substrates | Varies by patch type | Excellent | Higher | Moderate | 14–21 days |
When to choose what
- Volume orders, 1–4 colors, cotton apparel: Screen print. Lowest unit cost, best durability.
- Logos requiring premium feel on heavier apparel: Embroidery.
- Photo-realistic / full-color designs in low to mid quantities: DTF or DTG (DTF for blends, DTG for 100% cotton).
- All-over prints or sublimation on polyester performance gear: Sublimation.
- Premium tone-on-tone branding on leather goods, hard goods, drinkware: Laser engraving or debossing.
- Quick-turn small runs of single-color designs: HTV.
- Heritage / outdoor brand feel: Patches (embroidered, woven, leather, or PVC depending on aesthetic).
Cost behavior notes
Screen print and sublimation get cheaper per unit at scale because the setup is fixed. DTF and DTG cost similar per unit regardless of quantity, they don't have setup costs but don't get cheaper at volume the way screen print does. Embroidery cost scales with stitch count, not just quantity. Patches and laser have setup costs but moderate scale benefits.
Not sure which method fits your project?
Send us your design and intended product and we'll recommend the method that fits your budget, timeline, and quality bar.