Imprinted vs. Embroidered: Which Custom Apparel Is Right for Your School?
Imprinted (screen-printed) apparel is best for larger, budget-friendly orders with bold or multi-color designs like spirit shirts or fundraiser tees (36-item minimum). Embroidered apparel is best for polished, long-lasting pieces worn repeatedly, like staff polos or uniforms (12-item minimum plus a one-time digitizing fee). Both include free custom artwork, setup, and delivery from EPI.
Custom apparel is always the right move when your school, team, or group has its own personality to show off. When you're outfitting a spirit squad, a band program, a staff, or a fundraiser full of proud families, one of the first decisions you'll make is how the design actually gets on the shirt: imprinted or embroidered. Both look great. Both hold up well. But they’re made for different situations. Picking the right one from the start saves you a reorder down the road.
Here's how to think it through.
Imprinted Apparel: Bold, Bright, and Built for Big Groups
Imprinted (also known as screen-printed) apparel is the go-to choice when you want vibrant colors, bold designs, and lower cost per item across a larger order. Think spirit week t-shirts, field day shirts, fundraiser tees, or anything where the whole school or group is getting the same design.
Imprinting is a great fit when:
- You're ordering in higher volume (EPI's imprinted apparel minimum is 36 items)
- Your design uses multiple colors
- The apparel is for specific events such as a fun run, field trip, etc.
- Budget-per-item matters as much as the finished look
And if you need more later, reorders are the same price as your original order for 30 days, no need to renegotiate.
Embroidered Apparel: Polished and Professional
Embroidery is the better call when you want a premium, polished finish; think staff polos, band uniforms, jackets, or anything that's part of a recurring look. The stitched finish gives premium, professional feel and lasts through repeated wear and washing.
Embroidery is a great fit when:
- You want a polished, professional finish for staff wear or leadership apparel
- Your order is smaller (EPI's embroidery minimum is just 12 items, plus a one-time digitizing fee, no extra fee on reorders of the same artwork
- You want specialized items where imprinted designs don’t work (caps, jackets, blankets, etc.)
You Don't Have to Choose Alone
The good news: with EPI, you're not stuck guessing. Every custom apparel order, whether imprinted or embroidered. comes with free custom artwork, free setup, and free delivery, so there's no upfront cost to explore what your design could look like either way.
If you're running a group sale or fundraiser, EPI also provides a free custom fundraising website and marketing materials to help you promote it.
Plus you're not doing it solo. EPI's apparel team is built to act as a partner, not just a print shop. From personal service with a dedicated rep, to an in-house design team you can lean on for inspiration through the online Design Gallery, to the operations team getting it printed right the first time, EPI is here for you.
Still Not Sure Which One Fits?
That's exactly what a quick conversation with your EPI representative is for. Bring your idea (even a rough one!), and they'll help you land on the option or combination that fits your group, your budget, and your timeline.
Request a free quote and get your fall apparel order started before the season gets away from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between imprinted and embroidered apparel?
Imprinted (screen-printed) apparel applies ink directly to the fabric, allowing for bold, multi-color designs at a lower cost per item. Embroidered apparel stitches the design into the fabric with thread, resulting in a premium finish.
What's the minimum order for imprinted apparel?
EPI's minimum for imprinted apparel is 36 items per unique design. Reorders within 30 days of your original order are the same price, with no need to renegotiate.
What's the minimum order for embroidered apparel?
EPI's minimum for embroidered apparel is just 12 items per unique design, plus a one-time digitizing fee to convert your artwork for stitching. There's no additional fee on reorders using the same artwork.
Is embroidered apparel more expensive than imprinted apparel?
It depends on the order. Embroidery has a lower minimum order size (12 items vs. 36) but includes a one-time digitizing fee, while imprinted apparel has no per-design setup fee but requires a larger minimum order. Which is more cost-effective depends on the type of garment you choose, quantity you order, your group's size and how the piece will be used.
Can I order both imprinted and embroidered apparel in the same order?
Yes, many groups mix the two, using embroidery for staff or leadership pieces and imprinting for larger student or spirit-wear orders. An EPI representative can help you plan a combined order that fits your budget and timeline.
Ready to Begin?
Our team at EPI will help support you through every step. Contact us to get started today.