From Stitches to Prints: A Look at Today’s Most Popular Methods of Apparel Embellishment.
- jheilmn80
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Custom apparel continues to be one of the most effective ways to showcase your brand, build team spirit, or create memorable event gear. Whether it’s uniforms for your staff, spirit wear for schools, or giveaways for a community event, the way your logo or design is applied to apparel can make a big difference.
In 2025, the world of apparel embellishment is full of options, each with unique advantages depending on your design, budget, and style. Below, we break down the most popular methods today and highlight where they shine.
1. Embroidery
Embroidery is timeless. Using thread to stitch your design directly into fabric gives apparel a professional, textured look. From hats to jackets to polos, embroidery is often the method of choice when you want a polished, upscale finish.
Why it’s trending:
Adds a 3D, tactile quality to designs.
Looks professional and holds up to heavy wear.
Ideal for smaller designs like logos, monograms, and names.
Embroidery continues to grow in popularity because it elevates apparel into something customers and employees are proud to wear. Advances in digitizing software also make it easier to achieve intricate designs with precision.
2. Screen Printing
Screen printing has been a staple in the custom apparel world for decades, and for good reason. The process uses mesh screens and ink to layer designs onto fabric, producing vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Why it’s always trending:
Great for bold, eye-catching designs.
Works best on cotton tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies.
Cost-effective for bulk orders (the more you print, the lower the cost per shirt).
Screen printing is especially popular for schools, sports leagues, and businesses ordering in larger quantities. With advances in inks, and screen technology, prints are more durable, and eco-friendly than ever.
3. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
Heat Transfer Vinyl is exactly what it sounds like: designs are cut from colored vinyl sheets and heat-pressed onto apparel. It’s a favorite for sports teams, schools, and custom one-offs because of its flexibility.
Why it’s trending:
Perfect for names, numbers, and bold designs.
Wide range of finishes (glitter, metallic, neon, matte, etc.).
Affordable for short runs and individual customization.
HTV continues to evolve with specialty finishes and effects, giving designs extra flair. It’s also durable and holds up well on uniforms and activewear.
4. DTF (Direct To Film)
One of the newest trends in apparel decoration, full-color transfers combine the convenience of heat application with the look of digital printing. These transfers are printed with advanced technology and then pressed onto apparel using a heat press.
Why it’s trending:
Full-color prints with sharp detail.
Works on a wide variety of fabrics.
Cost-effective for smaller runs compared to screen printing.
Printed transfers have become especially popular for schools, events, and small businesses looking for professional results without committing to bulk printing. They’re durable, flexible, and easy to apply across different types of garments.
Choosing the Right Method
With so many options, how do you decide? It often comes down to three factors:
Quantity – Bulk orders usually favor screen printing, while one-offs may be better with DTG or transfers.
Design Complexity – Detailed, multi-color designs are best suited to DTG or full-color transfers.
Look and Feel – For a polished, dimensional look, embroidery is hard to beat. For vibrant graphics, printing methods excel.
At Koors Signs, we offer a wide range of apparel embellishment services, so you don’t have to choose based on limitations. Instead, you can choose based on what works best for your project.
The Bottom Line
Custom apparel is about more than just clothes. It is about identity, pride, and visibility. From embroidered hats to screen-printed tees to full-color transfer hoodies, the right decoration method can turn ordinary apparel into something people are excited to wear.
Whether you’re a coach ordering banners and uniforms, a business outfitting your team. or a parent looking to create standout spirit wear, the options have never been better.
Ready to create your own custom apparel?
Contact Koors Signs today and let’s bring your vision to life, one stitch, print, or press at a time.
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