Custom Embroidery vs. DTG for Clubwear: What You Need to Know Before You Order

Method Overview

Custom embroidery creates raised, textured designs using thread. DTG printing applies ink directly into fabric fibers. Both methods produce professional results for club apparel.

Embroidery works best for simple logos on structured garments. DTG handles complex, multi-color designs on cotton-based materials.

Embroidery Specifications

Appearance

• Raised, three-dimensional texture

• Professional, refined finish

• Limited to 15 colors maximum

• Standard design area: 4" x 4"

• Works on polos, jackets, dress shirts

Durability

• Withstands 50+ wash cycles

• No fading or cracking

• Maintains appearance over time

• Resists wear from regular use

Cost Structure

• Setup fee: $15-25 per design

• Per-item cost increases with stitch count

• Minimum orders often required

• Higher cost for complex designs

Fabric Requirements

• Works on thick, tightly-woven materials

• Performs well on polyester blends

• Suitable for structured garments

• Limited on lightweight fabrics

DTG Printing Specifications

Appearance

• Flat, smooth finish

• Unlimited color options

• Photographic quality detail

• Print area up to 14" x 16"

• Works on t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts

Durability

• Maintains quality for 25-30 washes

• May fade with excessive washing

• Color vibrancy decreases over time

• Requires proper care instructions

Cost Structure

• Setup fee: $5-10 per design

• Consistent per-item pricing

• No minimum order requirements

• Cost-effective for small runs

Fabric Requirements

• Best on 100% cotton

• Works on cotton blends (minimum 50% cotton)

• Limited performance on polyester

• Requires pre-treatment for some fabrics

Direct Comparison Chart

Feature	Embroidery	DTG Printing
Colors Available	15 maximum	Unlimited
Design Complexity	Simple logos only	Complex artwork
Print Area	4" x 4"	14" x 16"
Setup Cost	$15-25	$5-10
Wash Durability	50+ cycles	25-30 cycles
Fabric Options	All types	Cotton/blends only
Minimum Orders	Usually required	None
Production Time	3-5 days	1-3 days

Best Applications by Garment Type

Embroidery Applications

• Club polo shirts

• Baseball caps

• Dress shirts for formal events

• Jackets and blazers

• Golf shirts

• Uniform pieces

DTG Applications

• Event t-shirts

• Casual hoodies

• Sweatshirts

• Cotton tank tops

• Commemorative shirts

• Limited edition designs

Design Considerations

Embroidery Design Requirements

• Vector format preferred

• Simple shapes and text

• Solid colors only

• No gradients or shadows

• Maximum 6 colors recommended

• Avoid fine details under 2mm

DTG Design Requirements

• High-resolution images (300 DPI)

• Full-color artwork accepted

• Photographs work well

• Gradients and shadows possible

• Complex illustrations supported

• No color limitations

Cost Analysis

Embroidery Pricing Structure

• Design digitization: $15-25

• Base embroidery: $8-12 per piece

• Additional colors: $2-3 each

• Large designs: $15-20 per piece

• Rush orders: 50% surcharge

DTG Pricing Structure

• Design setup: $5-10

• Base printing: $6-10 per piece

• No color upcharges

• Large prints: $12-15 per piece

• Rush orders: 25% surcharge

Production Timelines

Embroidery Timeline

• Design approval: 1-2 days

• Production: 3-5 business days

• Shipping: 1-3 days

• Total: 5-10 business days

DTG Timeline

• Design approval: Same day

• Production: 1-3 business days

• Shipping: 1-3 days

• Total: 2-6 business days

Quality Expectations

Embroidery Quality Standards

• Thread density: 0.4-0.6mm

• Stitch count accuracy

• Clean thread cuts

• Proper backing material

• No puckering or distortion

DTG Quality Standards

• Color accuracy within 95%

• Sharp detail reproduction

• Proper ink penetration

• No cracking when stretched

• Consistent print density

Maintenance Requirements

Embroidered Garment Care

• Machine wash cold water

• Use mild detergent

• Avoid bleach and fabric softener

• Air dry or low heat tumble

• Iron on reverse side only

DTG Printed Garment Care

• Wash inside out in cold water

• Use gentle cycle

• Avoid bleach completely

• Air dry preferred

• Low heat iron on reverse side

Club-Specific Recommendations

Choose Embroidery For:

• Official club uniforms

• Member recognition items

• Professional networking events

• Long-term use garments

• Structured apparel needs

• Traditional club aesthetics

Choose DTG For:

• Event commemorative shirts

• Casual club merchandise

• Complex logo designs

• Small batch orders

• Budget-conscious projects

• Modern design requirements

Order Minimums and Setup

Embroidery Minimums

• Most shops require 12-24 pieces

• Setup costs spread across order

• Volume discounts available

• Reorder setup fees waived

DTG Minimums

• No minimum requirements

• Single piece orders accepted

• Same pricing structure

• Ideal for testing designs

Final Selection Criteria

Evaluate your club's primary needs:

Budget Priority: DTG offers lower entry costs and no minimums Durability Priority: Embroidery provides superior longevity Design Complexity: DTG handles detailed, colorful artwork Professional Image: Embroidery creates elevated appearance Fabric Variety: Embroidery works on more material types Quick Turnaround: DTG processes faster than embroidery

Consider hybrid approach: Use embroidery for official items, DTG for casual merchandise. This strategy maximizes each method's strengths while managing costs effectively.

Most clubs benefit from starting with DTG for testing designs and member interest, then transitioning to embroidery for official, long-term pieces once requirements are established.