When your team steps onto the field, into the gym, or onto the stage at an event—what they wear matters.
Great custom teamwear does more than look professional. It builds pride. It reinforces identity. And let’s be honest—it makes for a cracking team photo. Whether you’re a school netball team in Northcote or a corporate volleyball crew headed for the Docklands rec centre, your choice of teamwear says a lot about your crew.
But when it comes to decorating your gear, there’s one question we hear over and over again: “Should we go with embroidery or printing?”
We get it—both have their perks. But depending on your team’s needs, budget, and how you’ll use the gear, one option might serve you better than the other. So, let’s break it down.
Why custom teamwear matters for Melbourne teams
Melbourne’s known for its sport, culture, and that classic ‘give it a crack’ team spirit. Whether you’re training for the season opener or planning an epic office games day, matching branded uniforms help turn individuals into a united front.
Custom teamwear offers more than just aesthetics. It:
- Creates a sense of belonging
- Helps others easily identify your team
- Promotes sponsors, schools, or businesses
- Boosts professionalism (yes, even for trivia night)
From suburban soccer fields to local fitness studios and school carnivals, having a consistent, stylish look brings energy—and confidence—to your group.
What is teamwear embroidery? Pros & ideal use cases
Let’s start with the classic. Teamwear embroidery involves stitching your design directly into the fabric. It’s done using specialist machines and is known for its long-lasting, premium feel.
Pros of embroidery:
- Extremely durable – Withstands heavy use and washing cycles
- Professional, polished finish – Adds texture and depth to logos
- Works well on thicker garments – Hoodies, polos, jackets, caps
- Colourfast and fade-resistant – Great for long-term branding
Best for:
- Sports polos, jackets, and tracksuits
- Office, gym, or staff uniforms
- Reusable team kits or promotional events
- Embroidered names, logos, or patches
We once embroidered nicknames onto a rugby club’s travel jumpers—“Stingray,” “Chippy,” “Wheels”… you get the picture. Still going strong two seasons later.
What is teamwear printing? Pros & ideal use cases
Printing covers a few different methods (screen printing, heat transfer, DTG), but the core idea’s the same: your design is printed onto the fabric, rather than stitched into it.
Pros of printing:
- Great for detailed or multi-colour designs
- Ideal for large areas or graphic artwork
- Lower cost for big runs
- Lighter and more flexible on soft fabric
Best for:
- Custom sports uniforms (e.g. match-day jerseys)
- Large logos or slogans
- Event-specific tees (fun runs, fundraisers, dance comps)
- One-off campaigns or giveaways
Need a bold design across the back of every shirt for a school athletics team? Printing’s probably the way to go.
Which method is best for your team – a side-by-side comparison
Feature | Embroidery | Printing |
|---|---|---|
Durability | Excellent – built to last | Good – may fade or crack over time |
Cost | Higher upfront, ideal for smaller logos | Cost-effective for bulk, large or colourful prints |
Fabric compatibility | Best on thicker items (jackets, polos, hats) | Ideal for cotton or lightweight fabric |
Design complexity | Suits simple or medium-detailed logos | Perfect for large or highly detailed artwork |
Finish | Textured, premium look | Flat, smooth, modern |
Ideal for | Frequent use, premium branding | Events, seasonal kits, graphic-heavy designs |
Still unsure? At Embroidery & Ink, we often recommend combining both. Embroider the logo, print the team’s name or event slogan—it’s a win-win.
How to get started with custom team wear in Melbourne
Getting your team kitted out is easier than you might think. Here’s how we guide clubs, schools, and corporate crews from “maybe we should get uniforms” to “wow, these look incredible”:
- Choose your garments. Browse our team wear range—from singlets to softshell jackets.
- Pick your decoration method. We’ll help you choose between embroidery, printing, or both—based on your design and use case.
- Send us your design (or ask for help). We’ll digitise, clean up, and advise on logo placement for best results.
- Approve your mock-up. We won’t stitch or print a thing until you’re 100% happy with the visual.
- Place your order. Once confirmed, our Melbourne-based team gets to work. Turnaround is usually 7–10 business days.
You can start a quote here.
FAQs
Yes. Embroidery is more resistant to wear and tear, especially on high-use garments like polos or jackets. Perfect for year-round gear.
Absolutely. Many teams embroider logos and print numbers or slogans. It’s all about balance.
Polos, hoodies, hats, jackets, bags—you name it. As long as the fabric’s thick enough to hold a stitch, you’re good to go.
Think about how often the garments will be worn, how detailed your design is, and your budget. Or just ask us—we’re happy to guide you.
Embroidery vs. printing—what’s best for your team?
At the end of the day, both embroidery and printing have their place. If you’re after long-lasting, professional-looking teamwear that holds up over time and leaves a strong impression, embroidery is hard to beat. If you need vibrant, detailed designs or short-run event gear, printing might be the better fit.
Still unsure? Let’s chat. Whether you’re running a grassroots netball club or organising your first corporate fun run, we’ll help you find the best solution for your team—and make sure you look good doing it.
Explore our custom apparel options now or get in touch with our friendly team today.