Last updated 19 October 2026.
Embroidery and DTF printing are the two ways Workwear Mart puts your logo on stock work uniforms. Both are decorated in Australia, and both start with a free digital proof. The right choice depends on the garment, the logo and where it goes.
This guide covers how each method works, what each costs, and which garments suit which method, so you can choose with confidence.
What is the difference between embroidery and DTF printing?
Embroidery stitches your logo into the garment with thread. DTF (direct-to-film) printing transfers a full-colour printed film onto the fabric with heat and pressure.
Embroidery gives a raised, textured finish. DTF gives a flat, smooth finish that can show fine detail, gradients and lots of colours.
Both methods suit small runs. Our minimum is 5 decorated items, and you can mix sizes and colours in one order.
How much do embroidery and DTF printing cost?
Embroidery is $12 + GST for a front logo and $20 + GST for a back logo, plus a one-time $59 + GST setup per logo. DTF printing is $10 + GST front and $20 + GST back, with no setup fee.
The embroidery setup covers digitising, which turns your logo into a stitch file. It is charged once per logo. When you reorder with the same logo, you don't pay it again.
Front embroidery covers designs up to 6,000 stitches, which suits a typical left chest logo. Back embroidery covers up to 15,000 stitches.
| Embroidery | DTF printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Front logo | $12 + GST (up to 6,000 stitches) | $10 + GST |
| Back logo | $20 + GST (up to 15,000 stitches) | $20 + GST |
| Setup | $59 + GST once per logo (not charged on reorders) | None |
| Finish | Raised, textured thread | Flat, smooth print |
| Detail and colours | Best with bold shapes and fewer colours | Handles fine detail, gradients and full colour |
| Good on | Polos, drill shirts, jackets, caps, heavier fabrics | T-shirts, singlets, thin fabrics, large back prints |
Which looks more professional on a polo shirt?
Many businesses choose embroidery for polos because the stitched finish looks neat and sits well on a collared shirt. A left chest logo is the most common placement.
That said, DTF printing works well on polos too, especially if your logo has small text, thin lines or a gradient that thread can't reproduce cleanly. Browse the polo shirt range and you can preview your logo on any stock garment before you order.
When is DTF printing the better choice?
DTF printing is usually the better choice for lightweight garments, large designs and detailed or multi-colour artwork. It is also handy when you want to avoid a setup fee on a one-off order.
Here are some situations where DTF tends to make sense:
- Thin fabrics. T-shirts and singlets can pucker under dense stitching. A print sits flatter and is lighter on the fabric.
- Big back logos. A large back print on a vest or jacket is often simpler as DTF.
- Photographic or gradient logos. Thread is made in solid colours, so fades and shading are easier to print.
- Small text. Very fine lettering can lose definition when stitched at small sizes.
When is embroidery the better choice?
Embroidery suits heavier garments, headwear and simple, bold logos. Many businesses also like its textured, premium feel on client-facing uniforms.
- Polos and drill shirts. These fabrics carry stitching well.
- Caps and hats. Embroidery is a common choice for headwear.
- Jackets and fleece. Thicker fabrics give the stitches a solid base.
- Repeat orders. Once you have paid the $59 + GST setup, reorders with the same logo don't attract it again.
Can I use embroidery and DTF on the same order?
Yes. You choose embroidery or print for each logo position, so you could embroider a left chest logo and print a large logo on the back.
This is common on hi-vis and outdoor workwear, where a small front logo and a bigger back logo help people recognise your business. On hi-vis, logos go on the fluorescent fabric, not on reflective tape.
What about screen printing or heat transfer?
Workwear Mart does not offer screen printing or heat transfer. We mention them here only as general background, because you may see them quoted elsewhere.
In general terms, screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen, one screen per colour, and is often used for large runs of simple designs. Heat transfer is a broad term for designs applied with a heat press. For our customers, the choice is embroidery or DTF printing.
How do I see what my logo will look like first?
You get a free digital proof within 24 hours, and nothing is made until you approve it. You can also try your logo on a garment straight away with the free logo mock-up.
The proof shows the size and position of each logo, so you can check it before production. Production usually takes 2–4 weeks after you approve the proof. Delivery is a flat $24.90 Australia-wide, usually 3–7 working days to metro areas and 5–10 working days to regional areas after despatch. These are estimates, not guarantees.
Which should I choose?
If you're unsure, think about the garment first, then the logo. Heavier garments and simple logos lean towards embroidery. Light garments, large prints and detailed artwork lean towards DTF.
A quick rule of thumb many businesses use:
- Polos, shirts, jackets and caps: embroidery.
- Tees, singlets and big back logos: DTF printing.
- Detailed or full-colour logo on anything: DTF printing.
Still undecided? The FAQ page covers common questions, or upload your logo and we'll flag anything that might not reproduce well on your proof.
Common questions
Is embroidery more expensive than DTF printing?
For a front logo, embroidery is $12 + GST and DTF is $10 + GST. Embroidery also has a one-time $59 + GST setup per logo, which isn't charged again on reorders. Back logos are $20 + GST for either method.
Where is the decoration done?
Both embroidery and DTF printing are decorated in Australia.
What is the minimum order?
The minimum is 5 decorated items. You can mix sizes and colours in the one order.
Do I pay the embroidery setup fee again when I reorder?
No. The $59 + GST digitising setup is charged once per logo. We keep your artwork on file, so reorders with the same logo don't attract it again.
