What decides the cost of custom embroidery?
There is no single price for embroidery, because every order is a different mix of garment, logo and quantity. What you pay comes down to a handful of factors, and once you understand them you can make choices that keep the cost sensible without losing the professional finish.
This guide explains each factor in plain English, gives practical ways to get better value, and shows what to send for an accurate quote. At Inastitch we give every customer an itemised quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
1. Which garment are you choosing?
The garment is often the biggest part of the cost. A basic t-shirt costs less than a heavyweight hoodie, and a softshell jacket or a branded hi-vis coat costs more again. Brand matters too: trade ranges from makers such as Portwest, Regatta, Result, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom sit at different price points.
Think about how the garment will be used. Clothing that is washed every day or worn outdoors on site is worth spending a little more on, because a cheaper garment that wears out quickly costs more in the long run. Browse our workwear range to compare styles.
2. How big and detailed is your logo?
Embroidery is priced partly on the number of stitches. A small left-chest logo uses far fewer stitches than a large design across the back, so it costs less to produce. Logos with lots of fill, fine detail or many colours also take longer to stitch.
Most businesses find a left-chest logo of a sensible size gives a smart, professional look. If you want a large back design as well, it is worth asking whether DTF printing would be better value for that part, because large printed areas are often cheaper than large stitched ones.
3. How many positions do you want branded?
Each extra position adds to the cost. A logo on the chest only is the simplest option. Adding a name on the sleeve, a website on the back or a second logo on the other side means more set-up and more production time.
Decide which positions do the most work for you. For a trade business, the company name and phone number on the back can be worth the extra, because it is seen on every job. For an office team, a chest logo on its own is usually enough.
4. Does your logo need preparing for embroidery?
Before a logo can be stitched it has to be converted into a stitch file, a process called digitising. Your logo needs preparing once, and after that we keep it on file for future orders. Ask whether there is a set-up charge for your logo when you request a quote, so there are no surprises.
The quality of the file you send makes a difference. A vector file such as AI, EPS, SVG or PDF gives the cleanest result. If you only have a photo or screenshot, send it anyway and we will tell you whether it needs redrawing first.
5. How many items are you ordering?
Larger orders usually cost less per item, because the set-up work is shared across more garments. That does not mean small orders are poor value. We welcome small orders as well as large ones, and a sole trader kitting out one van gets the same care as a club ordering a full squad.
If you expect to grow, it can make sense to order a few spares in the most common sizes. Because your logo is kept on file, topping up later is also simple.
Is embroidery more expensive than printing?
It depends on the design. For a small logo on a polo or cap, embroidery is often very competitive and lasts well. For large, full-colour designs, DTF printing is usually the better value. Embroidery gives a raised, hard-wearing finish that suits polos, jackets and caps, while DTF printing suits detailed or multi-colour designs, large back prints and t-shirts.
The right choice depends on the garment, how it will be worn and washed, and what your logo looks like. Our embroidery service page explains how we approach it, and we will always tell you which method gives the cleanest result before you commit.
How can you keep embroidery costs down?
- Keep the logo a sensible size. A neat left-chest logo looks professional and uses fewer stitches.
- Brand the positions that matter most and skip the rest.
- Choose one garment style and colour for the whole team, so sizes can be swapped and reorders stay simple.
- Use print for large back designs and embroidery for chest logos.
- Send the best logo file you have, so it needs less preparation.
- Order together. One order for the whole team is better value than several small ones.
What should you include in a quote request?
A complete quote request gets you an accurate price first time. Include:
- The garments you have in mind, or what the clothing is for if you want advice.
- Rough quantities and sizes.
- Your logo file.
- Where you want the logo positioned.
- Whether you prefer embroidery or print, or would like us to recommend one.
- Any date you are working to.
We then send an itemised quote, and once you approve it, a visual proof showing the size and position of your logo before anything is made.
Where do we supply embroidered workwear?
We are based in Worcestershire and dispatch orders across the UK. Local customers can arrange collection, and our area pages explain how we work with businesses near you, including embroidery in Birmingham and embroidery in Redditch.
Frequently asked questions about embroidery costs
How much does embroidered workwear cost?
The price depends on the garment, how many you need, the size of the design and whether it is embroidered or DTF printed. A small left-chest logo on a polo costs less than a large back design on a softshell. Send us the garment, quantity and logo and we will give you an itemised quote.
Is there a minimum order?
We welcome small orders as well as large ones. Tell us your quantity when you ask for a quote and we will advise on the best value option.
Is there a setup charge for my logo?
Your logo needs preparing for embroidery once, and we keep it on file for future orders. Ask about set-up when you request a quote and we will include it in your itemised price.
Do you supply the clothing as well as add the logo?
Yes. We supply the garments from trade brands such as Portwest, Regatta, Result, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom, then embroider or print them, so you deal with one supplier from start to finish.
Can I see a proof before you make my order?
Yes. Once your logo is prepared we can send a visual showing the position and size on the garment for you to approve before anything is embroidered or printed.
Get an itemised embroidery quote
Tell us what you need and share your logo, and we will put a clear, itemised quote together. You can request a quote, call 07825 818684 or message us on WhatsApp.
