How Custom Embroidery Elevates Corporate Branding And Fashion

The global fashion industry employs a vast number of people. It is said that around 430 million people work in the industries surrounding textiles and fashion. This figure only represents those involved in manufacturing. Many more individuals work in fashion retail, marketing, and other areas such as distribution.

The world’s fashion industry size is about $1.7 trillion in 2023. And one sector of textile and clothing manufacture involves embroidery. In many cases, customised embroidery.

This small but significant part of the overall fashion industry is often used for corporate branding also. Custom embroidery can elevate branding and add a level of professionalism that perhaps screen printing cannot. Custom embroidery can also turn a simple garment into something unique and quite elegant.

How custom embroidery is used in fashion and for corporate branding

Custom embroidery often plays a significant part in both fashion and corporate branding. Indeed, there is some crossover between brands and fashion as you will read later on.

Despite centuries of use, embroidery remains popular in India and many other regions. In fact, embroidery is deeply rooted in India’s traditional clothing and its culture.

In the US, custom embroidery may be seen more in corporate branding. For example, Shop Strange in Boise Idaho provides custom embroidery for schools, businesses, and other organisations.

Different types of embroidery

Traditional attire in India may feature one of several embroidery styles or techniques. These include such methods as chikankari or Kantha. In other countries, crewelwork or crewel embroidery is sometimes used. This technique involves wool thread which is thicker than the normal materials used in embroidery.

Of course, commercial embroidery is performed on a large scale. These days this would involve advanced machinery that can tackle quite intricate designs. Perfect for corporate branding. But, there is happily still a place for the wonderful designs that zardozi embroidery allows.

Zardozi embroidery uses metallic threads and was originally introduced in the 12th century in what was then known as Persia. And the Bollywood influence has had some effect on Western fashion too with the wonderful patterns that custom zardozi work allows.

How custom embroidery brings professionalism

Most commonly, when custom embroidery is used in the business world it will be for branding. It might be used to produce promotional items for special events. Or for merchandise. Very often, it will be used for employee uniforms.

Embroidered branding brings an immediate and lasting impression. Visitors to businesses can’t help but notice staff wearing corporate apparel. Typically, polo shirts, overalls, and baseball caps get embroidered with company logos. Workwear can also feature embroidered employee names.

Branding creates cohesion. It also helps to show workers they are valued. Corporate apparel creates unity too.

How branding has entered the fashion world

It would be difficult not to have noticed that commercial fashions have somehow linked up with brands not traditionally associated with clothing. It isn’t unusual to see t-shirts branded with the Coca-Cola logo for instance. Vintage-style t-shirts featuring distressed logos became popular many years back and continue to be produced.

Often, this style of fashion is bootlegged and not official. But, there have been quite a few collaborations and crossovers. Even NASA has collaborated with a number of clothing manufacturers including Nike and AAPE by A Bathing Ape.

This is a simple extension of how businesses have used merchandise in the past. And continue to do so.

The use of embroidery in corporate gifts and merchandise

Custom embroidery may be used for advertising. Indeed, it regularly is. Branding on merchandise and corporate gifts is a relatively subtle way to grow brand awareness organically.

Promos and merchandise

Selling and giving away merchandise is a very effective method of brand promotion. Increased visibility is just one gain from promotional products.

Custom embroidery lends itself to a variety of different garments and items. Tote bags for instance are a handy giveaway. They provide functionality for the recipient and also clear advertising of a brand.

The best promotional merchandise is items that will see repeated use. Therefore, tote bags, baseball caps, and clothing are ideal. This type of merchandise is literally a walking advertisement.

However, merchandise also helps to create loyalty. Giving away promo products makes consumers feel valued. One of the more recent branding statistics states that 81% of consumers will only buy from a trusted brand. Branded merchandise helps to build that trust and foster loyalty.

Corporate gifts

As well as promotional products, corporate gifts play a part in building relationships with clients and partners. These items can also be gifted to employees. Depending on the nature of the business, custom embroidery can be used quite creatively here.

Where suitable, corporate gifts might include embroidered bathrobes such as the type you see in upmarket hotels. Towels and picnic blankets can be branded through embroidery. Special events can be commemorated through custom embroidery.

Why is custom embroidery being used in fashion and branding still?

Embroidered items require some care. But, when looked after, embroidery will last a long time. Screen printing is often cheaper than custom embroidery. Yet, it is some times less suitable than embroidery.

Cultural significance and hobbyists

In the fashion world, embroidery holds considerable cultural significance in some countries. In India for example, embroidery can be seen in bridal wear as well as fusion fashions. Talented artisans still produce custom embroidery by hand.

Custom embroidery can become a hobby. During the pandemic, there was a surge in people taking up hobbies. One of which was handicrafts. Traditional embroidery may conjure images of safe and conservative cardigans and knitwear. However, custom embroidery can upcycle old t-shirts or jeans.

It is more suitable for some materials than printing is

With corporate branding, the embroidery looks more impressive than screen printing. And it can be used on materials where screen printing is unsuitable. A garment such as a fleece could be embroidered without issue, but screen printing would be out of the question.

And with modern technology advances, custom embroidery is becoming quicker and more affordable.

It can be used on many items

From simple embroidery to 3D designs, fashionistas enjoy embroidered handbags, shoes, and dresses. The West and East have their own traditional techniques for embroidery. And in many cases, one region has influenced another. It isn’t unusual to see garments in Europe with obvious Indian influences including wonderful embroidery.

The textile industry and corporate branding

As you know, the fashion industry employs many many people. Some parts of the world including India are renowned for their textile industry. And this includes embroidered textiles.

The demand for Indian embroidery keeps this sector of the textile industry moving. Plus, the constant need for branding and advertising means that custom embroidery will continue to be used for merchandise.

Company workwear and uniforms look great with embroidery. Embroidered logos have a touch of the past when printed clothing barely existed, but embroidery is timeless. 

Summary

Custom embroidery can be used to elevate corporate branding for merchandise and uniforms. It is a wonderful form of advertising that keeps on giving and even creates loyalty.

And yet, embroidery can be used to create the most beautiful garments in traditional styles as well as in modern fashion. Embroidery adds aesthetic value. It also creates a lasting first impression.