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Screen printing and sublimation for large-volume t-shirt, tracksuit and event orders where embroidery’s per-piece cost isn’t justified.
Printing is more economical at volume and works well on cotton and polyester alike; embroidery lasts longer through repeated washing but costs more per piece. For workwear worn daily for years, we usually recommend embroidery; for one-off event runs, printing.
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, one colour at a time. Each colour in your design needs its own screen, which is a setup cost, but once the screens are made the printing is fast and the cost per piece drops as the quantity grows. That is why searches for t-shirt printing in Nairobi and bulk t-shirt printing in Kenya usually end with screen printing for events, campaigns, churches, school clubs and sports days.
MoveBrands is a Nairobi Kasarani-based manufacturer. We print in-house and can also supply the garment. Visit our shop in Kasarani, Nairobi to see printed samples, choose a t-shirt weight and check ink colours against your brand.
| Question | Screen printing | Embroidery | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical quantity | Medium to very large runs | Any, but cost per piece is steady | Medium to large, polyester only |
| Number of colours | Few colours work well | Several thread colours | Unlimited, including photos |
| Durability | Good if the garment is cared for | Highest | Very high on polyester |
| Fabrics | Cotton, polyester and blends | Most woven and knit fabrics | Polyester only |
| Typical use | Event and campaign wear, hi-vis | Staff wear, crests | Jerseys, mugs |
For details, see embroidery and sublimation printing, or the blog guide on embroidery versus screen printing.
The quality of the print depends on the artwork. Send a vector file (AI, EPS or PDF) if you have one, otherwise a high-resolution PNG. Tell us the garment colour, because a dark shirt needs an underlayer of white ink for light colours to show. Keep designs bold: very fine lines and tiny text can fill in on fabric.
The shirt matters as much as the print. Heavier cotton feels better and lasts longer but costs more and takes longer to dry; light cotton or cotton-polyester is cooler for outdoor events. Round-neck t-shirts are standard, while polo collars suit a smarter look. Pick a garment colour that contrasts with the logo: a white print on navy reads far better than grey on blue.
Not sure which? Come to our Kasarani, Nairobi shop, compare the fabrics in hand and pick the weight that suits the use.
Event organisers should send the event date with the first message so we can say what is realistic before you commit. We deliver from Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, Nyeri, Thika, Machakos, Meru, Embu, Garissa and Bungoma. For wider campaigns, combine printing with promotional items and branded caps.
Small runs are possible, but screen printing is most economical on larger quantities because of screen setup. Give us your quantity and we will advise.
Often yes. Bring a sample or send photos so we can check the fabric and ink compatibility.
Prints last longest when washed inside out in cool water and not tumble-dried hot. For daily wear for years, embroidery is more durable.
Full-colour photographs are better done by sublimation on polyester. We will suggest the right method after seeing the design.
Yes. Send a list of names and numbers with sizes. Details are on our sublimation and sports kits pages.
