Embroidery is durable, versatile and offers a unique and professional finish.

It is an ideal alternative to printing especially for uniform and work wear when garments are intended to be used in an industrial setting or for bespoke promotional wear that you want to give a personal touch.

The embroidery techniques that we use are quick and clean, thanks to modern digital intervention. We are now able to ‘digitise’ artwork and designs which means they can be kept on file to be used again and again should extra orders be needed.

The cost of embroidery, whether for embroidered work wear, corporate clothing, embroidered polo shirts or a custom embroidery project, is subject to the number of stitches in the design; so the denser the design the more expensive it will be.

Cost considerations

The cost of embroidery is determined by the stitch count. Therefore it costs more to embroider a large, dense logo than it would be to embroider some script or text.

Changing the colour of the thread or stitch does not increase the price.

Design considerations for Embroidery

If you are supplying your own artwork for embroidery then it is important that you follow certain guidelines; the better the quality of the artwork provided to us the better the embroidery will be.

• Colours: spot colours
• Pantone colour matching: yes
• Artwork type: vector graphics
• File formats: .ai, .eps, .pdf
• Ensure artwork is at least 100% of the intended embroidery area.
• Convert all text to outlines as we may not have the font you used on file.
• Avoid using complex gradients and shadows as it is not possible to embroider these.
• Embroidery is suited to bold solid Logos, anything too detailed might be better suited to screen print.

Advantages of Embroidery

Premium, professional appearance
Embroidery creates a textured, high-end finish that immediately elevates the look and feel of a garment.

Exceptional durability
Because the design is stitched directly into the fabric, embroidery will not crack, peel, or fade like some print methods can over time.

Ideal for workwear and uniforms
Embroidery is particularly well suited to clothing that is worn regularly and washed frequently, making it a popular choice for branded workwear and corporate uniforms.

Creates texture and depth
The stitched finish gives logos and branding a three-dimensional appearance that stands out without being overly bold.

Excellent for smaller branding areas
Left chest logos, sleeve branding and cap embroidery often look cleaner and more refined when embroidered rather than printed.

Consistent, professional results
Once artwork has been digitised, embroidery can be reproduced consistently across repeat orders and multiple garment styles.

Things to Consider with Embroidery

Not ideal for highly detailed artwork
Intricate illustrations and fine details can be difficult to reproduce accurately with thread.

Gradients and photographic designs are not possible
Unlike digital printing methods, embroidery cannot recreate photographic imagery, shadows or smooth colour transitions.

Cost increases with stitch count
Larger and denser designs require more thread and production time, which can increase costs compared to simpler logos.

Less suitable for lightweight fabrics
Embroidery performs best on heavier garments such as polos, hoodies, sweatshirts and jackets. Very lightweight or highly stretchy fabrics may be better suited to printing.

Large embroidered designs can feel heavier
While chest logos and smaller branding areas work beautifully, very large embroidered graphics can add weight and stiffness to a garment.

Embroidery vs Screen Printing

Both embroidery and screen printing are durable branding methods, but they create very different finishes. Embroidery offers a premium, textured appearance that is particularly popular for uniforms, hospitality clothing and corporate apparel. Screen printing is generally better suited to larger graphics, bold designs and high-volume orders.

Feature	Embroidery	Screen Printing
Finish	Textured & premium	Smooth printed finish
Small Logos and Text	Excellent for logos, good for small text	Good
Large Graphics	Limited	Excellent
Photographs	Not suitable	Limited
Workwear & Uniforms	Excellent	Very good
Brand Perception	Premium & professional	Bold & versatile

Is Embroidery Right for Your Project?

If you’re looking for a premium finish that communicates quality, professionalism and longevity, embroidery is often the best choice. It’s particularly popular for uniforms, hospitality wear, corporate clothing and premium merchandise where durability and presentation matter most.

Embroidery frequently asked questions

What is embroidery on clothing?

Embroidery is the process of stitching a design directly into fabric using coloured threads. Unlike print, it creates texture, depth, and a premium tactile finish.

Custom embroidery is widely used for work uniforms, luxury hospitality wear, fashion brands, and other premium promotional garments.

Is embroidery more durable than printing?

Yes. Embroidery is exceptionally durable. Because the design is stitched into the fabric rather than applied to the surface, it does not fade, peel, or crack.

For workwear and corporate clothing in the UK, embroidery is often the preferred option due to its longevity and elevated appearance.

How much does custom embroidery cost in the UK?

Pricing is based on stitch count, which reflects design complexity. There is also a digitising fee to convert your logo into a stitch-ready format, which we will determine once you send through your artwork file.

What garments are best for embroidery?

Embroidery performs best on thicker fabrics and garments, such as:

• Polo shirts
• Hoodies
• Sweatshirts
• Jackets
• Caps
• Heavyweight garments

It is less suited to highly stretchy fabrics.

Is embroidery suitable for corporate uniforms and branded workwear?

Embroidery works great on professional workwear and uniforms. For businesses investing in branded workwear, embroidery offers an elevated feel that is built to last.

Whether it’s for front-of-house staff, corporate teams, or hospitality settings, embroidered branding communicates stability, detail, and confidence.

Does embroidery look more premium than print?

In many cases, yes. The dimensional stitching naturally creates a more refined aesthetic. For brands and businesses looking for a timeless finish rather than a trend-led bold look, embroidery offers understated luxury.

If you are thinking about creating custom embroidered clothing, get a quote online or get in contact with our London-based team by emailing sales@iconprinting.com or call +44 (0)207 183 8431 if you have further questions.