Originally published: 03 February 2026

Last reviewed for compliance: 03 February 2026

When choosing branded workwear, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Should I choose print or embroidery for my logo?”

Both options are widely used across UK construction, industrial, rail and commercial sectors. Both provide durable, professional branding.

But each suits different garments, logo styles, and working environments.

This guide explains the difference between print vs embroidery for workwear — and how to choose the right option for your business.

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Print vs Embroidery: The Quick Answer

• Printed workwear is ideal for hi-vis garments and full-colour logos.

• Embroidered workwear is best for everyday clothing where a premium, long-lasting finish is required.

At HiVizWorkwear.net:

✔ No setup fees
✔ No minimum order quantity
✔ Order from just 1 garment

Below, we explain exactly why each method suits different applications.

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Printed Workwear

(Ideal for Hi-Vis & Full-Colour Logos)

Printed workwear applies your logo directly onto the garment using modern techniques such as DTF (Direct to Film) printing.

This allows for:

• Sharp detail

• Full-colour reproduction

• Gradients and complex artwork

• Flexible sizing

• Large back prints

Printed workwear is best for:

• Hi-vis vests, jackets and trousers

• Logos with gradients or fine detail

• Full-colour artwork

• Larger logo placements

• Waterproof outerwear

Benefits of print on workwear:

✔ Excellent colour accuracy
✔ Ideal for complex logos
✔ Smooth, modern finish
✔ Works well on lightweight hi-vis fabrics
✔ No stitch perforation on waterproof garments
✔ No setup fees
✔ Order from 1 item

Hi-vis printing is especially popular where visibility, colour contrast, and compliance positioning are essential.

👉 View hi-vis garments suitable for printing:
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis

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Embroidered Workwear

(Best for Everyday & Corporate Wear)

Embroidered workwear stitches your logo directly into the fabric using coloured thread. The result is a raised, textured finish that looks smart and lasts for years.

Embroidery is best suited to:

• Polo shirts and t-shirts

• Fleeces and softshell jackets

• Office and corporate wear

• Smaller chest logos

Benefits of embroidery for workwear:

✔ Extremely durable
✔ Premium, professional appearance
✔ Resistant to repeated washing
✔ Ideal for daily-wear garments
✔ No setup fees
✔ No minimum order

Embroidery is often chosen by businesses that want a high-end, long-term branding solution — but still need flexibility to order small quantities for new starters or replacement garments.

👉 View workwear suitable for embroidery:
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/workwear

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Does Branding Affect EN ISO 20471 Compliance?

When branding hi-vis garments, compliance matters.

EN ISO 20471 compliant clothing must retain:

• Minimum fluorescent surface area

• Required reflective tape coverage

• Correct garment class (Class 1, 2 or 3)

Branding must not:

• Cover reflective tape

• Reduce required visibility area

• Compromise garment certification

Large back prints or oversized chest logos can affect compliance class if not positioned correctly.

This is why logo placement is always checked before production.

👉 Read our EN ISO 20471 guide explaining hi-vis classes and employer responsibilities:
https://hivizworkwear.net/blogs/news/en-iso-20471-explained-hi-vis-clothing-classes-requirements-employer-responsibilities-uk

When applied correctly, both print and embroidery can be used without compromising compliance.

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Print vs Embroidery: Side-by-Side Comparison

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No Setup Fees. No Minimum Order.

Unlike many suppliers, we do not charge:

• Digitising fees

• Artwork setup fees

• Minimum order penalties

You can order from just one branded garment, making it ideal for:

• New starters

• Replacement PPE

• Small teams

• Trial runs before bulk orders

This flexibility is especially useful for businesses managing rotating staff or phased uniform rollouts.

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Online Logo Preview & Digital Proof

When ordering custom workwear branding, you’ll see an online logo preview to visualise size and placement.

Before production begins, we send a digital proof for approval. This ensures:

• Correct positioning

• Accurate sizing

• Compliance-safe placement

• Colour consistency

Production only starts once your proof is approved.

👉 Learn more about our branding & printing process:
https://hivizworkwear.net/pages/branding-printing

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Not Sure Which Method Is Right?

We’ll advise based on:

• Your logo design

• The garment type

• Compliance requirements

• Usage environment

• Budget and turnaround needs

📩 Contact our team for branding advice:
https://hivizworkwear.net/pages/contact

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Final Tip: Many Businesses Use Both

Many customers choose:

• Print for hi-vis jackets and outerwear

• Embroidery for polos, fleeces and everyday garments

This keeps branding consistent while using the most suitable method for each garment type.