What does printed workwear cost? (2026 prices)

The total price for printed workwear has two parts: the garment itself and the branding. The branding cost is driven by the method (embroidery, screen print or DTF), artwork size, number of colours and volume. Embroidery has a one-off digitising cost, screen print has a setup per colour, and DTF has minimal setup costs. Ask for a concrete quote for your quantity and artwork.

One of the first questions companies ask when buying workwear with a logo is what it actually costs. There is no single number, because the price is made up of several components. We avoid quoting fixed prices here, because they vary with the garment, the supplier, the volume and current material costs.

What does the price of printed workwear consist of?

The price has two main components. The first is the garment itself, ranging from affordable T-shirts to premium work trousers and certified protective wear. The second is the branding, the cost of applying the logo and any text. This article focuses mostly on the branding, since the garment price depends entirely on which range you choose.

Which branding method is cheapest?

It depends on the volume. Here is the core logic: Embroidery has a one-off cost to digitise the logo, then a stable price per garment regardless of quantity. That makes embroidery predictable and well suited to both small and large runs of premium garments. Screen printing has a setup cost per colour because a screen is made for each colour. It is expensive for few garments but very cheap per unit at high volume. DTF has minimal setup costs and full colour reproduction with no surcharge for extra colours, which gives full-colour print, even on small runs. You choose embroidery or print, and for print we choose the technique based on the artwork, the garment and the quantity.

When does each method pay off?

A simple rule of thumb: For small runs with colourful artwork, DTF is often the most economical. For large runs with a simple logo in one or two colours, screen print is cheapest per garment. For premium garments where durability and a premium look matter most, embroidery delivers the best value over time, because it survives a great many washes. The choice should therefore be driven by the combination of volume, artwork and expected lifespan, not by unit price alone.

Which factors increase the price?

Several things affect the final sum. The number of colours increases the price for screen printing, but not for DTF. The size of the artwork and the stitch count increase the price for embroidery. The number of placements matters, a chest and a back motif cost more than chest only. Special requirements such as approved FR thread or FR transfers on flame-retardant garments add a surcharge. Finally, urgency and small runs affect the price, because setup costs are spread across fewer garments.

How can I keep the cost down?

Consolidate orders so the volume per round is larger, which spreads setup costs across more garments. Keep the logo clean and free of unnecessary detail, which reduces both embroidery and print costs. Choose the right method for the need rather than over-specifying. And think about total economics: a durable embroidery that lasts several years can be cheaper over time than a cheap print that has to be renewed often.

Remember that the cheapest option is rarely the most economical. A garment that looks faded after a year weakens the impression and has to be replaced. We recommend looking at cost per year of use, not just the price tag at purchase.

At Universe Profile you always get a transparent quote with no hidden costs, based on your actual quantity, artwork and choice of garment. Upload your logo in the Design Studio to see how it looks on relevant garments, or ask for a quote and we will put together a detailed calculation tailored to your needs.