Part of the guide Uniforms and apparel
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Short answer
Embroidery for everyday textiles and simple logos; DTF for full-color logos on almost any fabric; sublimation only on light polyester and mugs; screen printing for large runs of one design with few colors. Lemon Creativo does not do screen printing: it works with embroidery, DTF, sublimation, UV printing, and laser engraving, and each product page lists its method, and the price, which changes with the method, logo size, and positions, is confirmed in the quote within 24 to 48 hours.
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Request quoteWhich method fits which material?
The material decides first, then the logo, then how the item is used. If the material does not accept a method, it will not look right no matter what. This table sums up the four methods and, for the ones we offer, a catalog example:
| Method | What it looks like | Where it works | Where to avoid it | Catalog example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Stitched thread with texture | Polo shirts, caps, hoodies, towels | Logos with gradients or very thin lettering | Embroidered GAP-style cap |
| DTF | Full-color print bonded with heat | Cotton, polyester, blends; caps; bags | Very large designs on sports fabric, where they block airflow | ST-72 microfiber cap with a DTF logo |
| Sublimation | Ink dyes the material, no texture | Light polyester, mugs, and items coated for sublimation | Cotton and dark colors | Sublimated 11 oz white mug |
| Screen printing | Ink pushed through a mesh, one screen per color | Large runs of one design with few colors | Small runs, many colors, or different names | Lemon does not offer it: for one- or two-color logos on fabric we use DTF |
The method changes the price, along with logo size, number of colors, and positions; it is confirmed in your quote within 24 to 48 hours. Metal, wood, and bamboo use a different method, laser engraving, as on our engraved bamboo pen.
Embroidery or DTF on a uniform?
Embroidery if the garment is worn every day and the logo is simple; DTF if the logo has many colors or gradients, or covers a large area. It is a question we get often about textiles.
- Durability: embroidery survives more washes. DTF holds up well if washed inside out and never ironed over.
- Look: embroidery has texture and reads as more formal. DTF is flat and reproduces the exact logo color.
- Size: embroidery suits the chest or the front of a cap. For a full back, DTF.
- The logo: a logo with gradients, shadows, or small text loses detail when embroidered. In DTF it looks just like on screen.
On our product pages, most garments accept both: the piqué polo, the two-tone cap, the hoodie, and the waterproof jacket come in embroidery or DTF. For more on printing, read DTF printing on business uniforms: pros and limits.
When does sublimation make sense?
When the item is light polyester or coated for sublimation, such as a white mug, and you want a full-color design you cannot feel to the touch. The ink becomes part of the material, so it does not crack or peel.
Sublimated 11 oz ceramic mugs have been among our most-ordered items since 2025. On textiles, sublimation works on the birdseye dry fit T-shirt and polo, always in light colors. On cotton or a black polo it does not work: the design does not bond or does not show.
What about screen printing?
Screen printing makes sense for large runs of one design with few colors. Each color needs its own screen, so the setup pays off the more identical pieces you have.
For small orders, full-color logos, or different names on each piece, DTF does the same job without that setup. Lemon does not do screen printing: for one- or two-color logos on fabric we use DTF, which has no per-color minimum, and textiles are branded with embroidery, DTF, and sublimation.
Which method works for each person's name?
DTF and sublimation. Each piece is printed on its own, so the name can change on every item without redoing the setup.
It is a very common request: mugs with the company logo and each team member's name, or a keychain with each person's name and a phrase on the back. We need the list of names written exactly as they should appear, with accents and capitals, and we review it with you before production.
How we tell you which method each item takes
Every product page in our catalog states which method the item accepts: the ST-72 microfiber cap carries a DTF logo, the GAP-style cap is embroidered, the 11 oz white mug is sublimated. Full-color DTF bags have been among our most-ordered items since 2025. You do not have to guess: pick the product and the method is already set or narrowed to two options.
- Send us your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG, or editable PDF). If you only have an image, we check it and tell you whether it will work.
- Within 24 to 48 hours you get a mockup with the method marked and an itemized price: product, branding, and packaging.
- Once the artwork is approved, an item with simple branding takes 2 to 4 days and textiles 5 to 7, depending on the product.
Mistakes we see often: asking for a gradient logo in embroidery, requesting sublimation on a dark cotton T-shirt, and sending a 2 cm logo with thin lettering to embroider. We flag it in the mockup, before production.
If you are outfitting a whole team, the method is only one part: fabric, sizes, and lead times are in our guide to custom corporate uniforms, and the fabric comparison is in birdseye, dry fit, or piqué. Garments with each available method are in branded textiles and uniforms.
Request your quote with the product, logo, and quantity: we reply within 24 to 48 hours with the recommended method and a mockup.
Frequently asked questions
Which method lasts longest on a uniform?
Embroidery. It is thread stitched into the fabric, survives many washes, and does not crack. DTF also lasts if washed inside out and never ironed directly on the logo.
Can you sublimate a cotton T-shirt?
No. Sublimation dyes polyester fibers and needs a light background. For cotton or dark garments, use DTF or embroidery.
Which method works for putting each person's name on an item?
DTF and sublimation, because each piece is printed on its own and the name can change on every one. On mugs it is one of our most common requests.
Does the method change the price?
Yes. Price depends on the method, logo size, and number of positions. In our quotes, branding is a separate line item so you can compare.
Director of Lemon Creativo, a Dominican company for corporate gifts, business kits, and promotional products: selection, branding, packaging, and delivery across the country.
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