If you are ordering shirts or hats for your business, school, or team, one of the first decisions is whether to use embroidery or heat press. Both methods have their strengths—and Clever Orchid offers both in-house with commercial-grade equipment.
When embroidery is the better choice
Embroidery is ideal when you want a premium, long-lasting look. It is often the best option for:
- Polos and button-downs for professional staff
- Hats and caps, especially structured styles
- Outerwear and thicker garments
Embroidered logos have texture and dimension, which makes them feel more substantial and high-end. They also hold up extremely well to washing over time when digitized and stitched correctly.
When heat press is the better choice
Heat press designs are created using special vinyl or transfer media that is applied to the garment with a commercial heat press (like the Hotronix equipment we use at Clever Orchid). Heat press is often the best option for:
- Large, full-front or full-back graphics
- Short-run team shirts for events or seasons
- Certain performance fabrics where embroidery might cause puckering
Cost considerations
Embroidery and heat press are priced differently. Embroidery pricing is influenced by stitch count, number of locations, and complexity of the design. Heat press pricing often depends on the size and number of placements.
Clever Orchid can quote both options side by side so you can decide which combination makes sense for your budget and goals.
Not sure which to choose?
If you are torn between embroidery and heat press, we can help you evaluate:
- How the garments will be used
- How often they will be washed
- Whether you want a premium or more casual look
You can learn more about our business embroidery or request an appointment to talk through your project with Shirly.