Screen Printing vs Embroidery in Nairobi: Which Should You Choose?
A side-by-side comparison of screen printing and embroidery for Nairobi businesses branding apparel - cost, durability, and best use cases.
Screen printing and embroidery are the two most common ways to brand apparel in Nairobi, and the choice isn't always obvious. Both can look great - the right one depends on the garment, the logo, the quantity, and how long you need it to last.
The Short Answer
Screen printing is generally cheaper at volume and better for detailed, multi-colour designs on flat items like t-shirts and tote bags. Embroidery costs more per unit but lasts far longer and gives a more premium, corporate finish - it's the standard choice for polos, caps, and uniforms.
Cost
Screen printing has a setup cost per colour (per screen), so it gets more cost-effective the larger your order. Embroidery is priced by stitch count, so cost scales with logo size and detail rather than order size - a small, simple logo embroiders cheaply even in small batches.
Durability
This is where embroidery wins clearly. A screen-printed logo can crack, fade, or peel after repeated washing, especially on lower-quality prints. Embroidery is stitched into the fabric - it doesn't peel, and it holds its colour and shape for years of regular wear. If you're branding staff uniforms that get washed weekly, embroidery is the safer long-term choice.
Finish and Look
Screen printing gives a flat, smooth finish and can reproduce full-colour, detailed artwork well. Embroidery gives a raised, textured finish that reads as more premium and corporate, but struggles with very fine detail or large areas of solid colour - simple logos with clean lines embroider best.
Best Garments for Each Method
Screen printing works best on: t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, event wear, campaign apparel, bulk staff t-shirts.
Embroidery works best on: polo shirts, caps, jackets, uniforms, executive wear, anything that gets washed often.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose screen printing for bulk orders, detailed or full-colour logos, and budget-conscious campaigns or events.
- Choose embroidery for uniforms, caps, and polos where durability and a premium look matter more than upfront cost.
- If you're not sure, tell us your garment, logo, and quantity and we'll recommend the better method for your specific order.
See our screen printing services or embroidery services for pricing and turnaround, or request a quote directly.
Need branded merchandise for your next campaign?
Share your product, quantity, logo, and deadline. We will help you choose a practical option and prepare a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is screen printing or embroidery cheaper?
Screen printing is usually cheaper for bulk orders since cost drops per unit at volume. Embroidery is priced by stitch count and logo size rather than order size.
Which lasts longer, screen printing or embroidery?
Embroidery lasts longer. It's stitched into the fabric and holds up to repeated washing far better than a screen-printed logo, which can crack or fade over time.
Can embroidery handle detailed, full-colour logos?
Not as well as screen printing or DTF. Embroidery works best with simple, clean logos - fine detail and large solid colour areas don't embroider cleanly.
What's better for staff uniforms, screen printing or embroidery?
Embroidery is generally better for staff uniforms because it holds up to frequent washing and gives a more professional, corporate finish.
Can I combine screen printing and embroidery in one order?
Yes. Many clients use embroidery for polos and caps and screen printing for t-shirts and tote bags within the same order.