Your Embroidered Logo: Tips

Recreating an existing embroidered logo?  Include original measurements along with a photo of the original work and any existing artwork.


Unsure of shirt sizing for your group? Request size measurements and sample shirts.


Want your logo embroidered on different shirt colors? Decide on "light" and "dark"
color versions so it looks good on most shirt colors. Consider having your logo embroidered in all white or black thread to create an effective look.


Concerned how the small text in your logo will look when embroidered on a polo shirt? Choose a style with a tight knit rather than a loose weave.


Creating a new logo? Make sure the most important word(s) are easily seen so its clear what type of business you do.

Your Embroidered Shirts: Get a Quick Quote!

You need a quick quote for embroidered shirts. You’ve had trouble getting quotes in the past because there’s usually lots of back and forth correspondence before you get a price.  How can you avoid that time-consuming confusion? Here’s what to consider before requesting a quote:

 

Style – Check out style options so you can request pricing for a specific shirt style.  If you can’t choose a style give detailed information about what you need such as a “light blue, 100% cotton polo for men and women”.

Quantity - Include the approximate number of items you plan to order.  

 

Embroidery location – Describe what you want embroidered and where it’s to be located. If you need a left chest logo with names on the right side be sure to mention the names.  All additional embroidery locations such as sleeve and cuff designs will increase the price so you’ll want to include this information.

Artwork - Include a readable artwork file.  Most embroiderers will prefer the highest resolution file you have. If you can't identify that then send what you have and your embroiderer will choose what works best. If you’re hesitant about sending a file you can’t open include one you can open with a note saying that the two files should show the same artwork. Don’t forget to note any changes you may need such as color changes or the elimination of small text.

Special Requirements – Need an unusual style? Tall sizes? PMS thread matching? Want delivery by a specific date? Shipping to multiple locations? Be sure to mention your needs so your embroiderer knows all the details.

What’s the best way to describe what you want? Be brief. A simple note like “24 K800 men’s polos with a left chest logo” with your logo attached to your request will make it easy for your embroiderer to respond with a quick, accurate quote.

Your Embroidered Shirts: Add Tag Text?

Your new logo has been designed by a graphic designer.  It looks great and represents your evolving business. You plan to order embroidered shirts for your group.  At the last minute you decide that a tag line should be added. Your embroiderer can do this but is that the best option?

Adding two to three words in a simple block font may work fine but carefully proof your revised artwork before proceeding.  The added text might be the perfect compliment to your logo OR, it may be a misplaced detail that detracts from the strong, clear design you originally had.

Determined to add your text although early attempts don't look right? Ask your graphic designer.  They'll know what fonts, colors, sizing and spacing to use so the text supports your design rather than looking like a last minute addition that detracts from your logo's impact.

Your Embroidered Logo: Need a New Business Logo?

Want to purchase embroidered shirts to help build your business brand? Need a logo for your new business? Consider using just your business name in a distinctive font. Most embroiderers offer the option of using a stock embroidery font at little or no extra cost.  That option is fine for some projects but having your business name embroidered in the right font will give it the unique look of a custom design.

Should you include a tag line, phone number or web address? You may want to add a tag line but that isn't necessary and not doing that will leave more space for your business name. In most cases you'll want to avoid adding a phone number or web address because having too much text can make your design (including the name) harder to read. If you must include extra text consider placing it in a sleeve or upper back design.

How do you find the right font? Your embroiderer may be able to suggest possibilities or you can experiment with different fonts at sites such as www.myfonts.com. Be careful to consider the final size of your design (3" - 3.75" maximum width) for most embroidered designs.  Before making your final decision have your embroiderer review your choice to see if the font will work for embroidery.

Do some fonts work better than others for embroidered left chest designs? YES! Fonts with lots of detail such as small serifs, variable column width, old English-type detail, stencil characters, distressed elements and small closed letter openings (e.g. letters a and e) won't embroider well at a small size.

Fonts have many different characteristics and can say a lot about your business and how you do business. After narrowing your choices take a break and review the possibilities at a later time.  Have other people who are familiar with your business choose their finalist and tell you why they made their choice. Take time picking the right font and you'll have a unique embroidered logo that works for your business!

Your Embroidered Logo: Get the Right Fit!

Its time for the yearly inspection from your company's owner. Last November there were some issues including problems with the sizing of the company uniforms. Since you are in charge of uniforming you decided to switch to a different brand of polo shirt.  You chose on the L500 polo for the women, available from XS-4X, and its companion style for men, the K500, available in sizes XS through 6X.  Having a greater range of sizes made outfitting your team much easier. No one had to settle for a shirt that was too large or small so everyone is happy.  Even the tall guys look good because they were able to order this polo in tall sizes. 

Inspection complete! You passed with flying colors! The owner loved the  K500/ L500 polos. Your polos were a hit!

Your Embroidered Logo: Quick Fix!

Looking for a quick fix for your business wardrobe? Try this year's new sweaters and cardigans for an updated look! Choose from two-toned, classic and open front styles. Sweaters embroidered with your business name give employees a uniform, polished look while allowing them to wear their own shirts underneath.

Uncertain how your design will look on a sweater?  Enlarge or eliminate small text and your logo should be fine.  Considering a two-toned style? Make sure your logo colors contrast well with the sweater colors and your business name is big enough to be clearly seen.  Still unclear how the final product will look? Request an embroidered sample cardigan before placing your order. Your team will appreciate the cozy comfort of sweaters and you'll love their professional appearance!

Your Embroidered Logo: Give It a New Slant!

Designing your embroidered logo? Check out these ideas:

1. Give your business name a different slant. Try putting your name in a diagonal orientation if you have a short business name. Just make sure the remaining design elements are arranged so the overall appearance is horizontal.

2. Try a vertical orientation. Most logos have a horizontal orientation so a vertical look will help it stand out.

3. Increase the size of you business name. Eliminate unnecessary text and use that room to enlarge your name.

4. Use bold color contrasts. Instead of using a "uniform' black shirt try a bright new color such as "green oasis" or "dusty orange" with your logo embroidered in a bold, contrasting color.

Give your logo a different look and increase its Impact!

Your Embroidered Logo: Distance Color Matching?

Matching colors long distance for your embroidered logo can be challenging. Colors viewed online can vary according to computer settings. A "red" may look bright on your computer, dark on another and rust-like on a third. PMS or Pantone Matching System colors can identify particular shades but what if you don't know the PMS equivalents of your logo colors? You can supply hex or CMYK colors but direct thread matches don't exist for these shades. You could give a verbal description such as "apple red" but will that really help?

What's the solution? Send your embroiderer an actual color swatch such as a business card.  If that isn't possible you may want to request embroidered samples in different shades so you can make the best choice.

Custom Embroidered Shirts: Budget Talls?

Tired of coming untucked? Looking for a budget-friendly polo in tall sizes? Port & Company's KP55T is an inexpensive polo available in sizes LT-4XLT in twenty-two colors.  This tall sized shirt coordinates with the KP55 standard-sized polo and the KP55P pocket polo so everyone in your group can look great and maintain a uniform appearance. Yes, you can get the fit you need without having to wear a different style or colored shirt!

Your Embroidered Logo: Developing Your Design

Starting a business?  Having your logo designed by a graphic artist?  That's the best way to get a great design that gives you a professional image and helps brand your business. Look for someone who has a style you like and a personality you can work with. Be careful to find an artist who will listen to your needs and work with you through revisions.

First, know how your logo will be used (web site, letterhead, email signature, embroidery) and the file types and sizes you may need. Have an idea of what you want in terms of style, elements and colors but be open to suggestions. Be sure to inquire about pricing (including edits) and turnaround time.

Take the time you need to develop a great logo while you're in the design process. Test run potential "winners" by viewing them in their intended location such as seeing how your design looks as letterhead on your business invoice or if it works as a logo on your website. Be careful that your logo colors contrast well against intended background colors and can be sized to meet different application needs.

Once you've made your final decision put your design aside for a couple of days and revisit your selection later. If it still looks great, is unique and memorable and speaks for your business then you've created a great logo that will make a strong impact toward establishing your business image!

Your Embroidered Logo: Simplify

What's one of the biggest challenges faced when having your logo embroidered?  Simplifying artwork.  Many logos are designed at a scale that is often twice the size of the typical left chest embroidered design. While your design may look great in print at six inches wide some of the important detail such as tag line text may become too small when downsized for embroidery.  What should you do? Be aware of sizing issues while designing your logo. If there is a large size difference between your business name and tag line then most likely your tag text is too small to be embroidered at that size. In that case you can either enlarge, simplify or eliminate it to make your logo embroidery friendly.

Your Embroidered Shirts: Pricing?

You've received quotes for custom embroidered polo shirts and you're comparing pricing.  One shop has a low per shirt price but set-up, embroidery and shipping are extra.  Another decorator has a high per shirt price with everything included.  A third embroiderer quotes a total for the entire job. Who offers the best pricing?

Its usually best to figure out a per shirt price so you can easily compare pricing.  That fee should include the shirt, embroidery, embroidery set-up and other possible charges such as shipping, artwork and taxes. That way if the total number of shirts changes you'll know what the cost is. If you plan to reorder in the future you'll also want to know if your design will be kept on file, if there is a minimum order requirement and what the per shirt cost will be.

Embroidered Shirts: Request a Quote!

Need a quote for your next embroidered polo shirt order? Unsure what information to include in your request? Here are some suggestions:

• Shirt style and color 
• Approximate quantity
• Logo placement
• Required turnaround time  

Don't forget to add your artwork and any questions you may have. If you haven't chosen a specific style its best to give a description of the type of shirt you'll need and other important considerations such as "moisture-wicking fabric desired" or "tall sizes necessary".

Its also good to mention details such as logo size needs,  PMS color matches and other details that may affect the cost and production time.  Keep your quote request simple and easy to understand and you'll receive a quick reply!

Embroidered Polos: The Perfect Thread Color?

Have a single color logo that you want embroidered on different colored polos? You can vary the thread color to suit the shirt color but what if you prefer a single thread color that works for a variety of shirt colors ranging from light to dark? What one thread color is readable against many different colored backgrounds? GOLD! Gold thread will work with a variety of colors from white to black while giving your logo a classy look.

Embroidered Shirts: The "Right" Shirt?

Assigned the task of ordering shirts for your group? Last year's shirt didn't work and its up to you to find a better option quickly. Terrified by the idea of picking out the "right" style that will please everyone including your boss? How do you proceed?

Collect information about past orders.  What was wrong about last year's shirt?  Was the color too light?  Did the fabric wrinkle easily? Was it unflattering? Too "cheap" looking?

Develop an idea of what works for your group. Don't forget to consider basic features such as fabric type, availability in needed color and sizes and budget requirements. Consider what other qualities will make this year's shirt a "hit". Will a moisture-wicking fabric keep everyone cool? Will your logo look great against that new shade of green? Will a preshrunk cotton reduce sizing issues?

Make a list of your needs and ask your embroiderer to suggest some styles. If you're unsure about different options such as fabric types your embroiderer will be able to answer your questions. Narrow your possibilities to three choices, get a second opinion if necessary, review your top priorities and choose your shirt!

Your Embroidered Logo: Jagged Edges?

Want an embroidered logo without the jagged edges? Generally this can be avoided by using the correct embroidery technique (i.e. using an experienced embroiderer) but there are things the non-embroiderer can do to improve the look of their embroidered logo:

1. Widen thin design elements. You may need to increase text size or choose a different font but your text will look better and be more readable.

2. Choose a jersey knit, 100% polyester, woven or other fabric that is tightly woven so stitches are less likely to sink into the fabric.

3. Adjust shirt or thread colors so the color contrast is less so imperfections aren't as noticeable.

Unsure if your logo can be embroidered without the jagged look? Mention this to your embroiderer and so they can suggest how to improve the look of your embroidered logo!

Your Embroidered Logo: Questions About Sending Artwork?

Uncertain about sending artwork to your embroiderer?  Many people are unsure about sending artwork to an embroiderer.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:


What file type should I send?

Have your artwork in different file types but don't know which your embroider prefers?  Ask them. Everyone can open a jpeg but if its a low resolution image a higher resolution file may be necessary. In that case vector formats such as eps, ai or cdr are better.

Afraid to send a file you can't open?

Reluctant to send artwork files you can't open because you don't have the right software? Include a jpeg file with a note saying that the two files should have the same basic content.

Afraid to include your artwork when requesting a quote?

Hesitant to send artwork to a group of decorators because it might be stolen?  While the chance of this happening is extremely rare you can send the stitch count instead if you know it.

Your Embroidered Logo: Enlarge Your Impact

Want your embroidered logo to be seen? You've seen logos that seem too small. Can't the size be increased? Possibly but there are limits for chest-sized logos. Four inches wide is usually the maximum size.  You might be able to add an extra quarter inch but anything larger looks too big on smaller sizes and  may not fit between the sleeve and placket seams. Sometimes text can be divided into two lines and enlarged but then you have more to read within the confines of a left chest logo.

Instead of increasing the size of your design focus on how its presented. Eliminate or downsize unnecessary elements and increase the size of your business name.  Have a  long name? Consider enlarging part of it. Stick to the primary components and be careful how you arrange them. Your embroidered logo will be easier to read and have more impact if you present the key elements in a memorable arrangement rather than trying to include too much text in a limited space.

Your Embroidered Logo: Shirt Color Options?

Want to give your employees some color choices for shirts while maintaining a uniform look? Many employees grow tired of wearing the same color shirt each day and would prefer some choices.  You can  allow everyone to wear whatever they want but if you want to maintain some uniformity then choose a few colors for them to pick from.

When offering more shirt color options consider how your logo colors will be handled. You might decide to maintain the same logo colors for all shirts and base your shirt color choices on what works well with your logo.  This option works fine for many logo designs but can be limiting for other logos.

Another option is to have light and dark versions of your logo so it works well with both light and dark colored shirts. You also might want to switch your logo colors depending on the shirt color and use shirt colors that are the same as your logo colors.  For example, if your logo colors are black and red you could use black, red and white shirts and substitute the shirt color with the remaining color. So, your logo would be in white and red thread on black shirts, black and red on white shirts and white and black on red shirts. This option helpes strengthen the association of those colors with your brand name and work well with simple 2-3 color logos.

Your Embroidered Logo: The Perfect 100% Cotton Polo?

Looking for a good cotton polo that doesn't shrink or fade? Shirts containing cotton fibers are subject to shrinkage over time even if the fabric is preshrunk or shrink-resistant. To lessen shrinkage avoid hot dryers and over drying. Cotton that has been dyed a darker color is more likely to fade over time so switching to a lighter colored shirt will help make fading less noticeable.  When choosing a shirt consider a style that offers performance features such as anti-shrink and anti-fade. While you are aren't limited to high-end styles, you should avoid budget priced shirts to obtain a good quality shirt.

If you haven't tried one of the new 100% polyester performance shirts you may discover your new best shirt.  In addition to being anti-shrink and anti-fade, these styles will keep you comfortable in hot weather with their moisture-wicking capabilities. Finally, don't forget polos made from bamboo.  In addition to their wicking capabilities, these shirts will help keep you warm when its cold, are UV resistant, anti-microbial, easy to care for and made from an earth-sustainable product. You might need to spend a bit a bit more for a shirt with the qualities you want but there are lots of great polos that will meet your needs and earn the part of your new favorite shirt!

Your Embroidered Logo: Tradeshow Impact!

Need shirts for a trade show?  Stand out wearing bright shirts embroidered in a one-color logo in a contrasting color. Try cactus green shirts embroidered with orange. Or, how about aqua shirts embroidered in a light teal? Don't forget sleeve and back designs for more visibility. Shirts with contrasting logo colors in different locations such as maize yellow shirts embroidered with warm purple in the front and back and bright blue on the sleeves will create additional impact!

Your Embroidered Logo: Reality Check

Is your custom embroidered logo working for you? It should represent your business and appeal to your customers. 

• Is it readable or does it include too much small text or unnecessary images? 
• Is it appropriate for your business or does it convey the wrong message? 
• Is it unique or does it remind viewers of a better known logo?
• Is it memorable or indistinct?

Is your logo working for you? If not, its time for an update!

Your Embroidered Logo: Colors?

Choosing logo colors? Top priority is to make sure your colors support your business brand and appeal to your customers.  Also remember what forms your logo will appear in - web page, letterhead, social media, email signature... You'll want to be sure your logo (or a simplified version) works in each medium.

So, what about embroidered apparel? Are there special considerations? A common issue involves choosing a shirt color.  Since artwork is usually presented against a white background most logo colors work on white shirts unless reverse colors are intended (white logo on black shirts for example).  But, what if you want another shirt color such as light green or medium blue?  You may discover that your colors must be adjusted to read well against the new background.

What about choosing a shirt that is your primary business color such as the same color as your business name?  That works as long as the text is surrounded by another color so its still readable.

What's your best option? Pick a shirt color that contrasts well with your logo colors and allow a little flexibility so your logo colors can be changed slightly to accommodate the background. Then your logo will do its job and advertise your business!

Your Embroidered Logo: Sleeve Design Impact!

Have additional text to add to your custom logo? Want to include a company slogan or website? How about a sponsor's logo?  Introducing a new product? Want to add names, numbers or celebrate an anniversary?   All of these items can to added in a sleeve design.

Having too much information in a left chest logo can make it hard to read and detract from its impact.  But, including additional text or a logo on a sleeve can make the difference between a typical embroidered shirt and a custom shirt that is noticed. Concerned that multiple designs will be too much for one shirt?  Keep in mind that most viewers won't see both a left chest and a sleeve design simultaneously. Increase your branding power by adding sleeve designs to your custom embroidered shirts!

Your Embroidered Logo: New Looks For Ladies

Need fresh ideas for ladies work wear? From new button down styles to stylish cover ups women have many fashion conscious options. Soft cardigans and flattering shrugs provide comfortable, versatile additions in a layered look. Feminine necklines and gently shaped silhouettes provide a variety of suitable choices. Button down blouses with V-necks, ruffles and three quarter length sleeves add a feminine twist to a classic business look. Subtle stripes, checks and plaids add variety to today's wardrobe. Top off your look with a well-designed embroidered logo and you've created a updated advertising tool that women will want to wear!

Your Embroidered Hats: Provide Your Hats?

Purchased some cheap hats for embroidery?  Got a great price but getting them embroidered hasn't been easy? Why are embroiderers reluctant to accept customer-provided hats?

Unlike flat items such as shirts and jackets, hats must be hooped on a circular frame.  If a hat fits the embroiderer's frame then the job should run smoothly but since hats come in thousands of different shapes and sizes many styles don't fit the embroiderer's equipment very well. While some hats are only slightly off  others are nearly impossible to embroider well and can be very frustrating to handle. How do embroiderers deal with this problem?  Many decide to only sell styles that they know will fit their machine so they can avoid potenial problems.

So, how about the hats you've already purchased? Can you find an embroiderer who will embroider them and do a good job?  Yes, with a little more searching and time spent running a sample you should find an embroidered who will do a good job running your hats. 

Your Embroidered Logo: Tailored Ladies Polos?

Looking for tailored, feminine fit in a women's polo? The traditional, relaxed or "classic" fit ladies polo often provides the best fit for most large groups but if you need a more tailored, fitted shirt then Nike Golf offers some good choices.


Is bigger better? When it comes to left chest logos bigger isn't necessarily better.  Most left chest logos are four inches wide or less.  Larger logos can look overwhelming and out of place especially on smaller sized shirts where there isn't much width between the sleeve and placket seams. If four inches wide seems too limiting then you may need to simplify your logo and add additional text in another location such as on a sleeve or back design,

Embroidered Logos: Tints, Gradations, Shadows...

Tints, color gradations, shadows and fine outlines can make your printed logo look cool but do these effects work for embroidered logos?  Possibly not.  Often these elements must be simplified or eliminated.  Tints must be translated into a color, gradations simplified to one color, shadows translated into a color or eliminated and fine outlines widened or eliminated. Concerned that your embroidered logo may look boring?  Although many embroidered logos can't contain all the fine details seen in printed logos, embroidery thread has its own ability to "catch the light" and will give your logo its own unique appearance.