Choose the right decoration method for your branded swag based on your product, design, order volume, and budget.
This guide will walk you through each method we offer – what it is, when to use it, and what makes it shine.
🎨What Is Included in “Basic Decoration”?
“Basic Decoration” covers standard customization options included with your order at no extra cost. This ensures your items are branded and delivered with essential decoration methods while keeping pricing simple and predictable.
Basic Decoration includes:
👕 DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing for apparel
🏺 Screen printing for hard goods
📍 One (1) decoration location per item
📦 Single-address delivery within the United States
Additional Charges
Most decoration options are now included in your order, making pricing simpler and easier to understand.
Additional charges only apply in the following cases:
🧵 Embroidery upgrade: +$5 per item, regardless of the number or size of embroidered locations
🚚 Split shipments to multiple addresses
⚡ Rush production or expedited delivery
✨ Special customization requests outside of standard decoration options
💡 Good to know: Multiple decoration locations are now included at no additional cost, whether your item uses DTF, screen printing, laser etching, or other supported decoration methods.
🧵 Embroidery Pricing
Stadium has simplified decoration pricing.
Bulk Orders
Embroidery pricing may vary depending on the product and vendor. Your account representative will confirm the applicable pricing during the quoting process.
On-Demand (OD) Orders)
Choosing embroidery instead of the standard decoration method costs an additional $5 per item.
This flat fee applies regardless of:
✅ The number of embroidered locations
✅ The size of the embroidery
✅ Whether your item has one logo or multiple embroidered placements
🛠 Stadium Decoration Methods – Overview Table
Method | Description | Best For | Key Benefits | Included in Basic Decoration |
Screen Printing | Ink pushed through mesh screens onto fabric. | T-shirts, totes, hoodies | Bold colors, cost-effective | ✅ Yes, for hard goods only |
Embroidery | Thread stitched directly into fabric. | Hats, polos, jackets | Premium look, long-lasting | ❌ |
DTG (Direct to Garment) | Inkjet prints directly onto fabric. | Tees with detailed graphics | Full-color prints, soft hand feel | ❌ |
DTF (Direct to Film) | Transfers printed on film, then heat-applied to the item. | Small-batch or variable designs | Versatile, low setup cost | ✅ Yes, for apparel printing only |
Laser Etching | Laser burns a design into a hard surface. | Tumblers, tech accessories | Sleek, subtle finish | ❌ |
UV DTF | Durable, raised transfers printed with UV ink. | Hard goods like water bottles, mugs | Vibrant, textured, no curing time | ❌ |
🔄 How Do I Choose the Right Decoration Method?
Consider the product you are customizing, the complexity of your design, and your order volume.
👕 Consider Your Item Type
Apparel: DTF, DTG, screen printing, or embroidery, depending on the product and desired finish.
Hard goods: Screen printing, laser etching, or UV DTF, depending on the item's material and available options.
🎨 Choose based on your design
Detailed or photo-like graphics: Consider DTG or UV DTF, depending on the product.
Simple logos or icons: Consider screen printing or embroidery, depending on the material and desired finish.
💰 Choose based on order volume and budget
Bulk orders: Screen printing can be a cost-effective option.
Small batches or variable designs: Consider DTF or UV DTF, depending on the item.
Premium stitched branding: Choose embroidery and account for the applicable upgrade fee on on-demand orders.
📦 Decoration in Action: The Process
Here’s how decoration fits into the swag process:
Item Selection
Choose from Stadium’s catalog or request a custom item.
Decoration Decision
Based on your item and branding goals, our team will suggest the best decoration method.
Proof & Approval
We’ll send a digital mockup or proof for your review and approval.
Production
Decoration is applied either in-house or by trusted partners.
Fulfillment
Items are packed and shipped out - either to lockers, events, or individual recipients
🎯 Pro Tips for Choosing Decoration Methods
Want to personalize? Go for embroidery or DTF
Tight turnaround? DTF and UV DTF are your friends
Not sure where to start? We’ll guide you every step of the way.
📺 Bonus Resource
Watch a quick 3-minute overview of our decoration methods in the video below:
Need more help? Contact us via CHAT / SEND AN EMAIL TO ✨[email protected]
Explore Stadium's Premium Features: Try it free for 30 days, then upgrade to a paid Stadium Pass. 💰View pricing or 🗓️ request a demo with our account specialist.