Embroidery vs. Print: Why Embroidery Is Incomparable on a T-Shirt
Two techniques, two philosophies
When we talk about designs on a T-shirt, two main techniques are opposed: printing (screen printing, transfer, DTG, etc.) and embroidery .
At Maison Plumarius, we have made a clear choice: that of embroidery , an ancient, demanding, but incredibly durable and vibrant textile know-how.
🎯 Why choose an embroidered T-shirt rather than a printed one?
✅ Unparalleled durability
Printed patterns fade over time: over time, the colors fade, the pattern cracks, or gradually disappears.
Conversely, embroidery retains all its brilliance , even after dozens of washes. The thread remains stable, does not crack, and does not lose its color. It is an investment in time .
✅ A vivid visual rendering
Unlike ink, the threads used for embroidery capture light. The result: subtle reflections , depth of design , and a raised texture that printing can never offer.
A high-quality embroidered T-shirt draws the eye, captures details, and adds character to your outfit, without a plasticky effect or artificial shine.
✅ Natural elegance
Embroidery provides a high-end finish. It evokes craftsmanship, tradition, and attention to detail. Where print can sometimes seem standardized, embroidery asserts a strong textile personality , without compromising on style.
🤲 A few constraints… which also make it charming
Of course, embroidery takes more time . Each design requires hours of preparation, several attempts to adjust the shapes, colors, and stitch density.
It is a slow, precise, almost meditative process , far from the speed of industrial printing.
But that's also what makes it so valuable: an embroidered T-shirt isn't just a piece of clothing. It's a piece that's been crafted, thought out, passed through many hands, and which carries within it the human gesture.
✨ In summary
| Criteria | Embroidery | Printed |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | Does not move with time | Loses its shine, risk of cracking |
| Rendering | In relief, reflections of the threads, alive | Flat, often dull over time |
| Interview | Resists repeated washing | Fragile in the long term |
| Style | Refined, elegant, artisanal | Standard, industrial |
| Completion time | Longer, requires testing | Very fast, standardized |
And that's why we chose embroidery.
At Maison Plumarius, each T-shirt embroidered in France is a unique piece, crafted with high-quality threads on thick, 100% organic cotton (240g/m²). The design comes to life in the material, without fading, without warping, and without compromise.